Manila, 9–10 March 2026: ERIA, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines, convened the First Regional Workshop on Developing the ASEAN Semiconductor Roadmap: Enabling Pathways for Strategic Investment on 9–10 March 2026 at Grand Hyatt Manila. The workshop brought together policymakers from the Philippines and other ASEAN Member States, alongside representatives from industry, trade associations, academia, and the research community.

The workshop forms part of ERIA’s support for the development of the ASEAN Semiconductor Roadmap, a Priority Economic Deliverable (PED) under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship. The roadmap aims to integrate strategies across three key areas – Technology and Innovation, Talent, and Supply Chain and Investment – building on the ASEAN Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain (AFISS), which was co-developed by ERIA and adopted during Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairship. These strategies will be translated into actionable initiatives to attract high-quality semiconductor investment to the region.

Sessions and Outcomes

Ms Anna Maria Rosario D. Robeniol, Senior Policy Fellow at ERIA, welcomed participants, many of whom had contributed to shaping the PED during the Philippine National Consultation Roundtable in November 2025. Mr Ardhana Tahriza Syarif, Research Associate at ERIA, followed with a presentation outlining the PED’s structure, as well as the workshop’s objectives and expected outcomes.

Dr Han Phoumin, Senior Energy Economist at ERIA, provided the broader context by introducing provisional milestones and initiatives for discussion. He emphasised that the roadmap will reflect the diverse strengths of ASEAN Member States while offering phased pathways for regional supply chain integration and value chain upgrading through targeted investment promotion.

The workshop featured three thematic sessions:

• Session 1: Technology and Innovation, Value Chain Expansion, and Technology Upgrade – Challenges and Milestones
  Moderated by Dr Josef T. Yap (Ateneo School of Government), this session reaffirmed ASEAN’s position as a global hub for assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) and electronics manufacturing services and solutions (EMSS). Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening regional R&D and innovation networks to support technological upgrading.
• Session 2: Talent, Workforce Targets, Mobility, and Talent Development – Challenges and Milestones
  Moderated by Prof. Krista Danielle S. Yu (De La Salle University), the session addressed ASEAN’s significant semiconductor talent gap. Participants emphasised the need to strengthen industry–academia collaboration and proposed the development of an ASEAN-wide semiconductor talent framework and certification system.
• Session 3: Supply Chain and Investment Architecture – Expanding ASEAN’s Role in the Global Semiconductor Industry
  Moderated by Prof. Lawrence Dacuycuy (De La Salle University), this session examined ASEAN’s reliance on external inputs, particularly in upstream segments. Participants noted that stronger regional coordination and complementary specialisation could enhance resilience, while harmonised investment incentives and regulatory frameworks would support deeper regional co-operation.

Over the 2-day workshop, participants deliberated on proposed milestones and preliminary initiatives, which will be further refined at the Second Regional Workshop, scheduled for 7–8 May 2026 in the Philippines.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Ms Marie Sherylyn D. Aquia, Director of the Bureau of International Trade Relations at DTI Philippines. She commended ERIA’s continued support for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship and its role in advancing ASEAN’s position as a competitive and indispensable hub in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Photos Credit: ASEAN-BAC Philippines