PLUS Microelectronics lab unveiled

by Michelle Jeanne Casiple Caracut, OC/OfCom | Sep 10 2024

In a turnover ceremony on September 6, 2024, the newly established PLUS Microelectronics Laboratory was officially inaugurated. The inauguration marked the culmination of an agreement between 91快活林 and PLUS, signed on October 10, 2023, in Taguig City, which laid the foundation for the 4M PLUS Microelectronic IC Design Laboratory and Training Center.

This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with computers, laptops and other tools, is dedicated to serving as an instructional and training ground for microelectronics integrated circuit (IC) design, empowering students and professionals with cutting-edge skills.

The event was graced by Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan, Vice Chancellors, other officials of the university, faculty and staff members of the Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering, and the Center for Integrated Circuits Design headed by Prof. Jefferson Hora.

In an interview, Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan shared his enthusiasm for the new laboratory. "The inauguration of the PLUS Microelectronics Laboratory represents a significant milestone for our university. This facility will provide our students with access to top-tier training and development opportunities in microelectronics, preparing them to excel in a highly specialized and ever-evolving industry. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and community growth,” he said.

The ceremony was also attended by the President of Philippine Linked and United Solutions, Inc. (PLUS), Hideki Takamatsu, along with Jafeth Baay, Corporate Secretary; Atsushi Matsuo, Corporate Treasurer; Toru Negishi, SEEDEA Administrative Manager; Miracel June, Senior Engineer; and Ezekiel Jordan, IT Associate.

President Takamatsu, in his message, elaborated on the rapidly evolving field of semiconductor design and development. "...we are engaged in a world where technology evolves rapidly, and as the technology gets smaller and smaller, the absolute number of designers becomes more and more scarce," he noted.

Takamatsu further emphasized the extensive applications of semiconductors, such as in automotive technologies, camera modules for leading smartphones, and low-power, ultra-high-speed interface devices. He highlighted the multidisciplinary expertise required in this sector, which spans electricity, mechanics, information technology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Addressing the potential for new graduates, Takamatsu underscored the high future potential of the semiconductor industry. He said that semiconductors are integral to all electronic devices, and the IT technology that relies on them has a vast market. “Without semiconductors, IT products like smartphones, PCs, and communication technologies would not be feasible," he explained.

The semiconductor industry, while highly specialized, offers numerous advantages. It features lower competition compared to other sectors due to its specialized nature, making it less likely for professionals to switch from other fields. This specialization results in a consistent demand for engineers.

Moreover, the industry is not as well-known for its market size, which Takamatsu sees as a unique advantage for science and engineering graduates interested in semiconductors. The industry also boasts high annual salaries due to the complex and high-demand nature of the work.

One of the core principles of PLUS’s management is contributing to the local community. "Through our business activities, we aim to create new jobs, train engineers, and allow them to take root and play an active role in the area for the long term," Takamatsu remarked. The new lab in Iligan City is a stride towards achieving these goals, fostering technological growth and community development.

Present in the inauguration, too, were the Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Desiderio Apag III, who represented Commission on Higher Education Regional Office - X, Director Freddie Bernal and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region X Provincial Director, Engr. Roy Sagrado, representing DOST-X Director Romela N. Ratilla.

Established in the Philippines in 2017, PLUS is a Japanese IC design company renowned for providing comprehensive solutions for the entire LSI design process. The company is at the forefront of developing pioneering semiconductors that support advanced digital applications, including IoT, autonomous driving, and smart cities—primarily benefiting Japanese technological infrastructures.

The establishment of the PLUS Microelectronics Laboratory on campus not only symbolizes a bridge between Japanese ingenuity and Filipino talent but also paves the way for a brighter, tech-savvy future in the region.

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