Semiconductors (microchips) play an important role in daily life: they are used in telephones, solar panels and medical equipment, among other things. Dutch companies and knowledge institutions are among the top of the global semiconductor industry. Singapore is an international hub for semiconductor production and logistics. That is why Minister Beljaarts (Economic Affairs) and his Singaporean counterpart, Minister Grace Fu (Trade and Industry), agreed that both countries would strengthen their cooperation in the field of semiconductors. For this purpose, an official working group (NL-SG Bilateral Working Group on Semiconductors) will be set up.
With this step, both countries want to further strengthen the ties between companies, knowledge institutions and governments and explore how cooperation can be expanded across national borders. This development is in line with the European Semicon Coalition that was presented in March at the initiative of Minister Beljaarts. This cooperation focuses on additional innovation, expanding the European position to other parts of the value chain and bringing technology to the market more quickly. Beljaarts:
The semiconductor sector is essential for our economic growth, European technological leadership and national security. By working together with innovative and powerful partners outside Europe such as Singapore, Japan and South Korea, we strengthen our mutual position in the global value chain.
Semiconductors as a key technology
Semiconductors have become a central pivot in geopolitical and economic power relations. In 2020, the sector already represented 15% of global goods trade. It is expected that the sector will have an annual turnover of 1 trillion euros by 2030 and will possibly double again by 2040.
The Netherlands has one of the most advanced and collaborative semiconductor ecosystems in the world, with international leaders such as ASML, ASM and NXP, an innovative SME sector, and a strong knowledge base including TNO and the technical universities of Delft, Eindhoven and Twente. Singapore has leading manufacturing companies, strong research and development capabilities and plays a key role in global supply chains. A government working group – such as the NL-SG Bilateral Working Group on Semiconductors – is a good example of how these ecosystems can be connected and how collaboration in innovation and technology development can be stimulated. This working group is a joint initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Business delegation: new collaborations with Singapore
Minister Beljaarts will be accompanied by two Dutch delegations of more than 50 leading companies, knowledge institutions and government representatives from the semiconductor and integrated photonics industry during his visit to the Semicon Southeast Asia Conference. Several new collaborations were announced during his visit. For example, BESI is working with the Singaporean knowledge institute IME on innovative packaging technologies for microchips, and Sioux Technologies and MeetingSelect have signed new contracts with Singaporean partners. The companies have developed an online tool that allows customers to easily book meeting rooms in various hotels. These developments underline the strength of Dutch entrepreneurship and international cooperation in the high-tech sector. In the run-up to the 60th anniversary of relations with Singapore in December 2025, the visit will also contribute to the further expansion of the cooperation between the two countries.
