Singapore’s semiconductor sector thrives but relies on foreign players, raising questions about long-term sustainability.
Despite contributing 8% to Singapore’s GDP, the semiconductor sector lacks a dominant local player. In contrast to finance and oil and gas, which feature strong national players like DBS and Seatrium, Singapore’s semiconductor industry remains dependent on international giants.
This dependence becomes more concerning as global chipmakers face aggressive competition, with China and the US offering substantial subsidies to their domestic industries. Singapore, with its smaller scale and limited resources for such incentives, risks losing its semiconductor edge in the future.
Amid these challenges, the key question arises: Can Singapore continue to prosper without fostering a national semiconductor champion, especially if foreign giants choose to relocate to more attractive regions offering better opportunities?
