Reference no: EM133293842
Assignment:
The semiconductor sector is booming and continues to offer good opportunities despite the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. But the problem is that not enough people are signing up to join the industry, the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association told the Straits Times. It might be because the concept behind semiconductors sounds very technical - but semiconductors are everywhere, from cars to the ubiquitous mobile phone, noted the association. Its executive director, Ang Wee Seng said: "Singapore is home to a rich semiconductor ecosystem, (from) manufacturing to research and development activities across the full value chain.
"The industry continues to create good and diverse job opportunities for locals and offers a variety of roles - both technical and non-technical - that cater to people with different strengths." This includes research and development jobs for technical and innovative engineers, manufacturing roles for those who are more process and operations driven, and business roles for those who want to engage with international executives and be part of a global supply chain.
Openings are available at all levels - there are vacancies for interns, fresh graduates, mid- career workers and diploma holders. Mr Ang added that the pandemic has accelerated digitalisation efforts, ensuring the sector continues to grow. Mr Ang said: "Companies are very happy to hire and train talent. However, there is a general lack of awareness of what the semiconductor sector is about and the jobs available. There is a perception that this industry is not as attractive and it's an old-fashioned manufacturing sector. They may not realise that the industry is actually the enabler and backbone of all technology solutions." Companies said that job seekers' perceptions of the sector and competition among firms are two main challenges in firing new employees.
Mr Brian Tan, a senior executive from Applied Materials, a company supplying equipment and software for the manufacture of semiconductor chips, said: "Some people perceive the semiconductor industry as a mature industry; however, it's quite the opposite. The industry is dynamic and exciting, driving enabling technology macrotrends such as the Internet of Things, Big Data and artificial intelligence. This leads to a new wave of growth and opens up many exciting opportunities for the industry in the years ahead. The challenge is ensuring that talented individuals are aware of these opportunities." He added that there is competition for talent in the high-tech industry, as more companies look to add expertise in data science and machine learning.
Mr Tan suggested: "Greater awareness of exciting opportunities in the sector and the impact of our work is key (to attracting talent). Semiconductors play a crucial role in advancing the game-changing technologies of the future."
(a) With reference to the article above on the semi-conductor industry in Singapore, evaluate THREE (3) external environment factors than has impacted this industry significantly in terms of workforce planning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Support your evaluation with rationale.
(b) Imagine you are the Chief Executive Officer in a manufacturing company in the semi-conductor industry in Singapore. You are representing the company in a tripartite alliance committee for semi-conductor cluster.
(i) Explain the tripartite alliance partners and their roles in Singapore in terms of workforce planning at the national level.
(ii) Formulate TWO (2) action plans that the tripartite alliance partners can help to boost the image of the industry in attracting talents.
(c) As a senior Human Resource Director for a manufacturing company in the semi- conductor industry, recommend THREE (3) retention strategies that would ensure the existing talents remain committed to the company.