A Conversation with John Nelson, CEO and President, UTAC Group
SSIA: How does receiving this award reflect your company’s commitment to workforce transformation within the semiconductor industry, particularly in the Singaporean context?
John: I believe that winning the award is an external recognition of the Singaporean Management team’s efforts to transform and upskill the work force. As we transition to more advanced technology in an increasingly automated environment and migrate to an AI environment, the expertise of our engineering workforce must be enhanced through training and on-the-job learning. I believe that the direction in terms of advanced technology, automation and AI is very relevant to operating in the Singapore semiconductor industry environment.
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?
John: Personally, I feel proud of the team’s work as we evolve to a high value-add operational environment. Management must take action to change through revolution or evolution. I believe as the industry demands in Singapore evolve, we must do the same to remain competitive.
SSIA: Which specific initiatives or strategies have been particularly impactful in the semiconductor sector and contributed to receiving this award?
As mentioned above, automation, higher value-added technologies and AI have been the major areas of focus while stressing the need to retrain and rebuild the current workforce. While we have also hired experienced personnel in these areas, concurrently, we have also focused on employee retention and upskilling.
SSIA: How has your company adapted its workforce development strategies to align with both local and global trends in the semiconductor sector?
John: With the global growth in semiconductors comes a shortage of experienced talent both locally and globally. Embarking on upskilling and developing current employees who are committed and loyal to the company is a logical conclusion.
SSIA: Can you provide examples of how your workforce initiatives have made your organization more agile and future-ready, especially in Singapore’s competitive landscape?
John: The workforce initiatives demonstrate UTAC’s commitment to our employees and management team. The employees embrace the need to change and feel motivated by their new experiences. Retention is higher since the employees see that management recognizes the need for the company and employees to adapt to remain competitive.
SSIA: How do you view SSIA’s role in driving unity and transformation within the semiconductor sector as we approach 2025 and beyond?
John: SSIA has members from across the entire semiconductor supply chain. The association brings the members together to share recent developments in the industry and hosts conferences to bring senior leaders from different areas of the industry together. These events align expectations on the industry growth and trends. SSIA also establishes focus groups from multiple companies that enable sharing, alignment and industry thrusts and standards.
SSIA: What do you see as the most critical areas for workforce development in the semiconductor sector to ensure we remain competitive and relevant?
John: I believe the use of AI for data analytics, predictive machine monitoring and problem solving will continue to be a critical area for workforce development. Automation with remote machine monitoring and reduced manual interfaces with the equipment and product will, if implemented correctly, improve quality, cost and efficiency.
SSIA: What message would you like to share with other industry professionals regarding the importance of workforce transformation in the semiconductor sector?
John: The semiconductor industry must adapt to several complex factors in these changing times: geo-political challenges, evolving technologies, manpower and expertise shortages, and cost challenges. The stability and capability of the company’s workforce is critical. We believe that an employee who feels motivated by continuous upskilling and learning will remain loyal to the company and can grow and evolve with the industry.
