THE Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) said the country’s semiconductor and electronics sector will continue to be a significant driver of the Philippine economy and the largest contributor to the country’s manufacturing sector, an industry with an employee base of over 3 million direct and indirect workers.
Last year, the total Philippine electronics exports grew by 6.88 percent and reached an all-time high of US$ 45.09 billion. This export performance is 13-percent higher than the pre-pandemic exports of US$43.3 billion as of August 2023, with the cumulative electronics exports reaching US$29.35 billion. This was 61.40 percent of the US$47.81 billion total Philippine commodity exports, which makes the industry a consistent top commodity exporter for the country.
This news came amid the successful holding of the 18th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE 2023), which welcomed around 10,000 guests at the World Trade Center Manila
With its theme, “Positioning the Philippine Electronics Industry to the Next Industrial Revolution,” the annual convention brought together industry leaders, government officials, academe partners, and foreign dignitaries, along with international business chambers and partner associations. It served as a vital platform for discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, aimed at navigating the industry through the transformative changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.
The event featured over 250 foreign and local exhibitors who showcased their latest products, technologies, and innovative solutions, making the PSECE a truly global event that provides a venue for companies and countries to showcase their latest technologies, share best practices, establish business linkages, and strengthen government and academe relations.
Attendees also gained insightful presentations from distinguished speakers in the semiconductor and electronics sectors, and from prominent government leaders and representatives from higher education institutions who shared their valuable expertise.
This year’s discussions revolved around three key themes: “Next-Generation Manufacturing: Redefining the Future of the Philippine Electronics Industry,” “The Higher Education Sector’s Role in the Industrial Revolution 4.0, and the ASEMEP National Symposium (ANTS).”
Meanwhile, pocket activities such as the SEIPI Job Fair and Networking Committees Breakout Learning Sessions served as the perfect opportunity where industry, academe, and government partners worked hand in hand and shared their insights and extensive experiences.
The event culminated with SEIPI’s 4th Quarter General Membership Meeting/CEOs Forum, with the theme “Strategic Policies Towards Economic Development.”
SEIPI’s steadfast commitment to its member companies and the industry, combined with productive collaborations with various government agencies, has yielded significant achievements in several key areas.
Despite the persistent challenges, SEIPI remains resolute in its dedication to the industry. Through collaborative efforts involving key stakeholders such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Bureau of Customs, and Anti-Red Tape Authority, SEIPI is actively contributing to positive transformation and growth.
The Parts Localization Technical Working Group (TWG), for its part, continues to monitor the EMS and SMS items of SEIPI members through the successful parts localization endeavor over the past few months of 2023. It will determine and assess the status or position of the industry in terms of localization of specific items and categories.
“SEIPI remains committed to organizing valuable events for its members and partners in the Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry,” the organization said in a statement.
(MAIN PHOTO: Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte (center) is flanked by SEIPI President Dan Lachica (left) and Perry Ferrer, SEIPI Chairman and Chairman & CEO of Gruppo EMS)