Infineon making S'pore its first hub to embed AI in all job roles

Within the AI solutions development plan, the company will engage with the semiconductor, electronics and innovation ecosystems in Singapore through collaborations with SGInnovate, local start-ups, institutes of higher learning and research institutions.

It will also collaborate with the National University of Singapore's Institute of Systems Science and the National Research Foundation's AI Singapore programme to offer AI courses and certifications.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who attended the ceremony, said the global semiconductor industry is the backbone for the rapid adoption of digital technologies, which has been accelerated by the coronavirus-induced crisis.

He said the industry is the source of smarter solutions amid the rising demand for more advanced technologies such as edge computing, the Internet of Things and AI.

Mr Heng, who is also the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, said Infineon is a role model in Singapore's semiconductor industry that has created many good jobs for locals across many different roles.

He highlighted Infineon's Jumpstart Graduate Programme, where fresh local university graduates are mentored as they rotate through different departments, and the company's commitment to the SGUnited Traineeship programme.

To build a pipeline of talent for the industry, Infineon also co-hosts the Chips @ School competition with the Science Centre's student unit Stem Inc to spur the interest of Singapore's secondary school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem), he said.

Under the AI initiative, Infineon Singapore will be partnering academia, industry and local start-up SixSense AI to develop new AI solutions and courses.

It will sign a memorandum of understanding with SGInnovate to partner other AI start-ups as well, said Mr Heng.

Infineon chief executive Reinhard Ploss, who attended the event virtually, said Singapore's national strategy to develop impactful AI solutions and become a Smart Nation aligns well with Infineon Singapore's vision to make it an AI innovation hub and a key player in the company's global AI strategy.

"Singapore is a global node of technology, innovation and enterprise that is able to reinvent itself while conserving its strengths. The country offers a vibrant innovation ecosystem and an attractive environment for top talent to live and work in," Dr Ploss said.

Dr Beh Swan Gin, chairman of the Economic Development Board, said Infineon's decision to locate its global AI innovation hub here is another milestone in its longstanding partnership with the Republic.

"The latest investment will allow Infineon to build new smart solutions for its operations in Singapore and beyond, and in the process upskill its Singapore workforce," he said.

© 2020 Singapore Press Holdings

This article was written by Ovais Subhani from The Straits Times and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.