ASEAN Chairmanship puts PH at center of regional semiconductor talks

The Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairship in 2026 is expected to place the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry at the forefront of regional cooperation as the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI) prepares to host an ASEAN-integrated edition of the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE).

Scheduled on October 26–28, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, PSECE 2026 will gather manufacturers, technology companies, policymakers, investors, researchers, educators, and industry leaders from across ASEAN and Asia to strengthen regional partnerships, promote innovation, and build more resilient semiconductor and electronics supply chains.

Taking place during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, the convention reflects the country’s growing role in advancing regional cooperation at a time when global supply chains are being reshaped by geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.

This year’s convention adopts a stronger ASEAN focus through the ASEAN-Integrated PSECE platform, where representatives from industry, government, and academe will discuss strategies to deepen regional integration, strengthen supply chains, accelerate innovation, develop future-ready talent, and enhance ASEAN’s global competitiveness.

One of the convention’s centerpiece events will be the ASEAN Semiconductor and Electronics Forum (ASEF) 2026, scheduled on October 26 under the theme:

“One ASEAN, One Semiconductor Future: Building Resilient and Sustainable Global Value Chains.”

Hosted by SEIPI, the forum will convene regional policymakers, industry executives, and technology leaders to examine ASEAN’s expanding role in the global semiconductor ecosystem. Discussions will also explore semiconductor-enabled technologies, AI-driven industries, sustainable manufacturing, and stronger regional cooperation aligned with the Philippine ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Beyond policy discussions, PSECE 2026 will feature executive forums, technical symposiums, networking sessions, and an expanded exhibition showcasing the latest products, technologies, services, and innovations from local and international companies. International country pavilions and academe-led initiatives are also expected to encourage knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration.

“PSECE has always served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the semiconductor and electronics industry. By integrating a stronger ASEAN dimension, we aim to create more opportunities for cooperation that support innovation, talent development and sustainable industry growth across the region,” said SEIPI President Dr. Dan Lachica.

As one of the Philippines’ largest manufacturing sectors and a major export contributor, the semiconductor and electronics industry continues to play a critical role in economic growth and regional integration. Organizers said PSECE 2026 aims to translate industry discussions into concrete partnerships, investment opportunities, policy initiatives, and workforce development programs that will strengthen both the Philippines’ and ASEAN’s position in the global electronics value chain.

With the Philippines serving as ASEAN Chair in 2026, SEIPI said the convention offers a timely platform for member economies to pursue a more integrated, competitive, and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem. Additional details on the conference program, speakers, exhibitors, and participating ASEAN partners will be announced in the coming months.