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SINGAPORE – German microchip maker Infineon Technologies will spend $ 27 million over the next three years to make Singapore its first global hub where artificial intelligence (AI) is embedded in all job functions.
The plan includes enhancing the skills of more than 1,000 of its 2,200 employees here and rolling out around 25 unique AI projects covering the entire value chain of activities by 2023, said Chua Chee Seong, president and managing director of Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific.
He spoke at a ceremony on Tuesday (December 1) to commemorate the company’s 50 years in Singapore. The Republic is home to Infineon’s headquarters in Asia and the Pacific, a key node for its global distribution channels and its only microelectronics research and development center in the region, excluding Greater China and Japan.
Infineon, one of the top 10 chipmakers in the world, has been a part of Singapore’s semiconductor landscape for the past 50 years. It started first as Siemens, assembling low-cost discrete transistors and diodes and passive components.
The company has invested around $ 700 million here in the last decade to become the leading site for the development of smart factory solutions and the global test center for automotive microcontroller units.
“Singapore is the first at Infineon worldwide to embark on a comprehensive artificial intelligence journey for all of our business and manufacturing operations, incorporating artificial intelligence into all job functions,” said Chua.
In a separate press conference, he said that digital transformation will not require any changes in staffing. In fact, the plan is to make its current employees capable of implementing and developing AI solutions across all business functions and help make AI the foundation for the next 50 years of the company.
The company is prepared to hire more people if necessary for the AI journey, he added.
As part of the AI solutions development plan, the company will engage with the semiconductor, electronics and innovation ecosystems in Singapore through collaborations with SGInnovate, local startups, institutes of higher education and research institutions.
Infineon also seeks to empower the next generation of employees and innovators by collaborating with the Institute of Systems Science at the National University of Singapore and the National Research Foundation’s AI Singapore program to offer AI courses and certifications.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was at the ceremony Tuesday, said that the global semiconductor industry is the backbone for the rapid adoption of digital technologies, which has been accelerated by the coronavirus-induced crisis.
He said the industry is the source of smarter solutions amid growing demand for more advanced technologies such as cutting-edge computing, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.
“Infineon is well positioned to meet this growing demand with its world-leading range of semiconductor products,” he added.
Heng, who is also Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, said that Infineon is a role model in Singapore’s semiconductor industry that has created many good jobs for locals in different roles.
He highlighted Infineon’s Jumpstart Graduate Program, where recent local college graduates are mentored as they rotate through different departments, and the company’s commitment to the SG United Traineeship program.
To build a good pipeline of talent for industry, Infineon is also co-hosting the Chips @ School competition with Stem Inc to stimulate the interest of Singaporean high school students in Stem (science, technology, engineering and math), he said.
Under the AI initiative, Infineon Singapore will partner with academia, industry and local startup SixSense AI to develop new AI solutions and courses, and will also sign a memorandum of understanding with SGInnovate to partner with other AI startups, Heng said. .
Infineon CEO Reinhard Ploss, who was in attendance virtually at the event, said Singapore’s national strategy to develop impactful AI solutions and become a smart nation fits well with Infineon Singapore’s vision of making it a hub of innovation. of artificial intelligence and a key player for the company’s global artificial intelligence. strategy.
“Singapore is a global hub of technology, innovation and enterprise that can reinvent itself while retaining its strengths. The country offers a vibrant innovation ecosystem and an attractive environment for top talent to live and work,” said Dr. Ploss .
Dr. Beh Swan Gin, Chairman of the Economic Development Board, said Infineon’s decision to locate its global AI innovation hub here is another important milestone in its long-standing partnership with the Republic.
“The latest investment will allow Infineon to build smart new solutions for its operations in Singapore and beyond, and in the process enhance the skills of its Singaporean workforce,” he said.
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