The Business Times · 25 Sep, 08:06 · Technology briefing

Singapore SMEs set for bigger role as chipmakers localise supply chains: A*Star deputy chief

A*Star’s deputy chief executive highlights that Singaporean small and medium-sized enterprises will assume a more significant role as semiconductor manufacturers localise their supply chains.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A*Star’s deputy chief executive highlights that Singaporean small and medium-sized enterprises will assume a more significant role as semiconductor manufacturers localise their supply chains. This strategic shift aims to bolster national resilience and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. The development signals a structural change in the local tech ecosystem, encouraging domestic firms to integrate more deeply with major chipmakers. Professionals should note the increasing demand for localised technical and operational capabilities within this growing sector.

Employer demand for Supply Chain skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt to a shifting landscape where local SMEs become critical partners in semiconductor manufacturing. Supply chain coordination, regulatory compliance, and technical integration skills are rising in value. If you work in logistics, engineering, or operations, prioritise understanding localisation strategies. Upskill in supply chain management to navigate complex vendor relationships. You should also explore compliance frameworks specific to high-tech manufacturing. Networking with local tech hubs will reveal emerging opportunities. Do not ignore the demand for cross-functional collaboration. Prepare to bridge gaps between large manufacturers and agile SMEs. Your career resilience depends on mastering these niche, high-demand areas now.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Supply Chain, Engineering, Compliance And Governance and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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