A Conversation with Ms Sim Cher Whee, Vice President of People Strategy, Technology and Asia TA, Micron Technology.
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?
Cher Whee: Workforce Transformation is a business imperative to enable semiconductor industry to stay ahead of the curve. This award signifies recognition of our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, inclusion and innovation. At Micron, we are committed to expanding our talent pathways, providing opportunities for all, as we embark on our journey towards a skill-based company and an AI-driven mindset. I believe we can achieve collective impact when companies come together to build a resilient and agile future workforce that propels our industry.
SSIA: How has your company adapted its workforce development strategies to align with both local and global trends in the semiconductor sector?
Cher Whee: We have aligned our strategies with trends such as skill-based hiring, the growing importance of AI, and the shift towards sustainability. This is enabled by cultivating a culture of learning and mentoring as we make learning accessible, a purposeful habit, and a way to drive business impact. At Micron, we focus on building a future-ready workforce through further automating our operations, as well as equipping all team members with cutting-edge skills and providing them with AI tools to excel and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic industry landscape.
SSIA: What do you see as the most critical areas for workforce development in the semiconductor sector to ensure we remain competitive and relevant?
Cher Whee: AI skills and sustainability are two critical areas. As automation and machine learning become more prevalent, our workforce must be equipped with the technical skills to manage and leverage these technologies effectively. We must continuously invest in workforce upskilling and reskilling to meet evolving industry demands, especially in areas like data science, automation, and sustainable manufacturing. These areas will help the industry stay ahead of the curve while also contributing to environmental goals.
SSIA: What message would you like to share with other industry professionals regarding the importance of workforce transformation in the semiconductor sector?
Cher Whee: It is essential to embrace growth mindset, prioritize diversity and inclusion, leverage advanced technologies, foster a culture of innovation, and collaborate globally. By investing in our people and creating an environment that enable inclusion and innovation we can drive the industry forward and enable its continued success in the global market.
