The International Technology Security & Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund) will train about 6,000 Filipino students and provide them with advanced skills in semiconductor technology, said Arizona State University (ASU) principal investigator of the ITSI program Jeffrey Goss.
“This partnership provides invaluable opportunities for students and professionals in the Philippines to gain cutting-edge skills in semiconductor technology. ASU is proud to support the Philippines’ journey toward becoming a key player in this rapidly evolving industry,” Goss said during the opening of the three-day kick-off of the ITSI Workforce Accelerator forum.
The ITSI Fund, a cornerstone initiative of the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to improve semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience globally. The Philippines is one of six strategic countries chosen for the endeavor.
The program launch includes a series of strategic kick-off sessions in the Philippines, focusing on workforce development and public policy. These sessions aim to identify the country’s strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector, leading to actionable plans to enhance its capabilities.
ITSI released $13.8 million to ASU to drive talent development and formulate public policy recommendations across the country. ASU launched a dedicated portal offering free courses to students interested in the semiconductor industry.
The platform also provides certification opportunities for faculty members in semiconductor technology.
“This represents a major step forward for the Philippines’ semiconductor industry. It strengthens our global ties with the United States and positions the Philippines as a vital contributor to the global semiconductor supply chain,” said Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Ceferino Rodolfo.
He said the Philippines may call on the offer of South Korea and Taiwan for similar programs aimed at improving the local talent pool and aiding the country’s goal of producing over 128,000 engineers and technicians for the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry by 2028.
