-
Four semiconductor and electronics groups from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations signed a joint communiqué aimed at advancing the future of the industry through deeper regional cooperation
-
Signatories are groups from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia
-
Signed on October 26, the declaration recognizes that ASEAN’s strength lies in the complementary capabilities of its member states and in their ability to connect these strengths across the entire value chain
-
It builds on the ASEAN Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain with four key priorities: developing higher value industry capabilities; creating competitive and sustainable investment environments; strengthening regional talent development and mobility; and improving supply chain connectivity and policy coordination
Four semiconductor and electronics groups from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have signed a joint communiqué aimed at advancing the future of the industry through deeper regional cooperation.
The signatories are the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI), Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, Thailand Printed Circuit Association, and Indonesia Chip Design Collaborative Center.
Signed on October 26 during the first ASEAN Semiconductor and Electronics Forum 2026 in Manila, the communiqué recognizes that ASEAN’s strength lies in the complementary capabilities of its member states and in their ability to connect these strengths across the entire value chain – from semiconductor design and research to manufacturing, advanced packaging and electronics production.
Building on the ASEAN Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain (AFISS), the communiqué underscores four key priorities:
- Develop higher value industry capabilities
- Create competitive and sustainable investment environments
- Strengthen regional talent development and mobility
- Improve supply chain connectivity and policy coordination
It also recognizes the value of national industry roadmaps, including the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Roadmap, in informing regional dialogue and advancing shared priorities.
The communiqué expresses the signatory’s aspiration to strengthen collaboration among ASEAN’s semiconductor and electronics industry associations, sustain engagement with governments and regional institutions, and help build an ecosystem that is more integrated, resilient, innovative and globally competitive.
Together, these commitments reflect a common vision that, by working together, ASEAN can attract higher value investments, create quality jobs and advanced technological capabilities, and generate sustainable growth and shared prosperity across the region.
Complementary rather than competition
In his welcome speech during the forum, SEIPI president Danilo Lachica underscored the importance of regional cooperation, especially at a time when the global semiconductor and electronics industries is undergoing profound transformation, with artificial intelligence, advanced computing, electric vehicles, automation, and digitalization creating new opportunities, while geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and environmental pressures are challenging how the industry operates.
“The future of our industry depends not only on technological advancements but also in regional cooperation, investment in people, and a collective commitment to sustainable growth,” Lachica said.
“Rather than viewing countries as competitors for investments, we should recognize the complementary strengths each economy brings to the table. One country may offer established manufacturing capabilities, another may have strengths in materials and equipment, while others may be developing expertise in design, advanced packaging research, or emerging technologies. By connecting these strengths, we can create more compelling investment opportunities and make ASEAN a more strategic partner for global semiconductor electronics companies,” Lachica added.
READ: ASEAN finalizes agreement to unlock $2T digital economy
Philippine Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, during the same event, also rallied member states of ASEAN to capitalize on their combined strengths to boost the region’s semiconductor and electronics industry and take advantage of the current global race in technological advances to further improve the lives of its people.
AFISS strategy
AFISS, meanwhile, provides the region’s flagship strategy aimed to position ASEAN at the center of global semiconductor value chains amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics, evolving trade alliances, and accelerating technological disruptions.
With the global semiconductor industry projected to grow from US$600 billion in 2024 to over $980 billion by 2029, ASEAN aims to seize the opportunity to transform from a regional back-end service provider into a vertically integrated semiconductor production base.
It serves as a blueprint for how ASEAN can mobilize its comparative advantages in semiconductor, engage with major global players, and streamline its supply chain amidst an increasingly fragmented yet interdependent semiconductor ecosystem. It also serves as a vehicle for transforming regional fragmentation into strategic interdependence.—Roumina Pablo
