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Joined: 12 Jun 2026
Posts: 61
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 Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2026 10:12 pm Post subject: Design Centers in the Philippines |
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Reposted from SFE's old Semicon Chika Forum
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Date: 23 Apr 2026
Time: 01:03:33
Remote Name: 137.71.23.54
Remote User:
I know at least 3 companies and one university setting up chip design capabilities here in the Philippines. Could these be a sign that we are already beginning to realize that we will not be an investment destination for semicon assembly and test manufacturing forever? I commend the people behind these for having the vision to look for future alternatives, just in case our local assembly and test industries kick the proverbial bucket.
But how well, do you think, will we fare in this game? Do we have what it takes to be a little India or Taiwan, where design centers thrive and even multiply? Let's check out the critical paths.
1) Education. How many of our engineers graduate knowing the finer points of microelectronics and VLSI design rules? Have they even heard of, much less use, any IC design software? Are the higher education curriculums in the Philippines up to the task of churning out design engineers that future design centers will find indispensable?
2) Prototyping Centers. Design centers need prototyping centers, because not everything that works in computer simulations will work in the real world. And you know what I'm looking for. Fab sites that will give design engineers the first silicon of their software creations. The last time I looked, we don't have fab plants here in the Philippines, nor are there any plans of putting up one. The reason? Inadequate infrastructure and utilities, that's what.
3) Money. IC design takes time. Pinoy businessmen are impatient. Tell them you'll have a design and prototype in 18 months, after which you'll need more money for mass production, and they'll give their money to a web site incubator instead.
4) Culture. After 400 years of brainwashing that we are not supposed to think on our own, and 100 years of brainwashing that anything imported is better, the Pinoy psyche is now devoid of an innate desire to 'create his own'. Without this desire, don't expect too many Pinoys enjoying themselves in front of the drawing board.
Don't get me wrong - I want all of us to support these moves to set up design centers here in the Philippines. We really need them. But don't expect an easy trek along the way. After all, we have 30 years of catching up to do.
EE
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EE
Joined: 16 Jun 2026
Posts: 111
Location: Paranaque City, Phils.
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2026 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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C'mon, guys and gals, this is a good topic! Patulan nyo naman!
Having design centers like India's Bangalore is what we need to give the future of our children a better chance!
EE
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