Southeast Asia Shows Surprising Semiconductor Strengths
Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore form a critical trio for the assembly, testing, and advanced packaging of semiconductors, each specializing in a specific part of the value chain. The Philippines leverages its English-speaking technical workforce, with electronics accounting for almost 60% of its goods exports, about three-quarters attributable to semiconductors. Malaysia commands a 13% share of the global assembly, testing, and packaging market, while Singapore positions itself as a high-value center with advanced packaging and chiplet integration.
Why it matters: This highlights the theme of supply chain resilience, showing how Southeast Asia's back-end semiconductor strengths offer a low-risk diversification option for Western allies.