A conversation with Xu Yi, Vice President of Manufacturing, ams OSRAM, and Valerie Lee, Senior HR Director, ams OSRAM.
SSIA: What does the Workforce Transformation Award (WTA) mean to you personally, and how do you see it influencing your future contributions to the semiconductor industry?
Valerie: The Workforce Transformation Award (WTA) holds immense personal significance for me. It’s not just a recognition of our efforts at ams OSRAM Singapore, but also a testament to the collective commitment of our team to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry. Personally, it reinforces my belief in the importance of prioritizing people in our transformation efforts.
Looking ahead, I see this award influencing my contributions to the semiconductor industry in several ways. Firstly, it motivates me to continue advocating for initiatives that foster talent development and employee well-being. As we navigate the challenges of a dynamic market, I believe that investing in our workforce is key to sustaining innovation and competitiveness.
Additionally, the WTA inspires me to share best practices and collaborate with other leaders in the industry. By fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, we can collectively elevate the semiconductor sector and ensure we’re equipped for future challenges. Ultimately, I aim to leverage this recognition to drive meaningful change that benefits both our employees and the broader industry landscape.
SSIA: How has your company adapted its workforce development strategies to align with both local and global trends in the semiconductor sector? Do provide examples of how your workforce initiatives have made your organization more agile and future-ready, especially in Singapore’s competitive landscape?
Xu Yi: At ams OSRAM Singapore, we’ve made significant strides in adapting our workforce development strategies to align with the rapid pace of technological advancement and the shifting demands of the industry by focusing on several key areas.
Firstly, we have made significant investments in training our employees in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). These initiatives are designed to keep our workforce at the forefront of industry advancements, ensuring they can effectively utilize new tools and systems to enhance productivity and optimize operations.
Secondly, we implemented reskilling and job redesign programs, enabling our employees to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 by acquiring the skills and competencies needed to seamlessly transition into modified or expanded roles within the company.
We have embarked on a transformative journey, driving a company-wide digital revolution by implementing Industry 4.0 and Worker 4.0 solutions across our operations, equipping our employees with crucial digital competencies. This transformative initiative has not only positioned our workforce at the cutting edge of technological advancement but has also accelerated our evolution into a smart factory.
Additionally, we keep a close eye on global trends, such as the increasing emphasis on sustainability and digital transformation. Our workforce development initiatives include training on sustainable practices and digital tools, ensuring our team is equipped to lead in these areas.
Lastly, we prioritize diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a varied workforce fosters creativity and innovation. By creating an inclusive environment, we attract diverse talent that brings unique perspectives to our projects.
Through these strategies, we’re not just adapting to trends; we’re positioning ourselves as a leader in the semiconductor industry, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
SSIA: What message would you like to share with other industry professionals regarding the importance of workforce transformation in the semiconductor sector?
Valerie: Workforce transformation is not just an option; it’s a necessity for the semiconductor sector to thrive in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape. As we face increasing competition and rapid technological advancements, investing in our workforce is crucial for sustaining innovation and driving growth.
Emphasizing continuous learning and development creates a culture of adaptability, enabling employees to stay ahead of industry changes. Additionally, fostering collaboration across teams enhances creativity and problem-solving, which are essential for addressing complex challenges.
Xu Yi: Moreover, prioritizing employee well-being ensures a motivated and resilient workforce. When employees feel supported, they are more engaged and productive, which directly impacts the company’s success.
Ultimately, embracing workforce transformation allows us to build a future-ready organization that can navigate uncertainties and seize new opportunities. By committing to this transformation, we not only strengthen our companies but also contribute to the overall advancement of the semiconductor industry. Let’s work together to create a skilled, adaptable, and empowered workforce that will drive our sector forward.
