In Depth: Chasing Chip Talent to Keep the Boom Alive

Global semiconductor companies are teaming up with universities to ensure they continue to get the expertise they need to drive the industry

Malaysia hopes to alleviate the shortage of semiconductor talent through its “3R policy” — recruit, retain and retrain. Photo: Yang Min

The rise of generative AI will drive the market value of the global semiconductor industry to a staggering $1 trillion by 2030, doubling its market size, according to Swee Kiang Fong, founder of Malaysia-based integrated circuit design firm Skyechip.

To support this rapid growth — 16% in 2024 and another 12% in 2025 — the industry will require a huge increase in both production capacity and talent.

“Currently, the number of factories being built or already in operation is sufficient to meet demand. But challenges remain. The primary issue is a shortage of talent, and the world is urgently working to cultivate skilled professionals,” said Watanabe Kiyoshi, executive director of the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan.

Geopolitical tensions and supply chain security have made the semiconductor industry an indicator of national strength. As countries strive to become self-sufficient in semiconductor supply, the competition for chip industry talent has intensified.