Netherlands–Southeast Asia Semiconductor Talent Programme

The Netherlands is home to one of the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystems, with key players such as ASML, NXP, ASM, and BESI. With over 50,000 professionals working across more than 300 companies, the sector is growing rapidly and seeking new talent and international partnerships.

At the same time, Southeast Asian countries are also expanding their semiconductor industries. To foster stronger collaboration between the Netherlands and Southeast Asia, the second Netherlands–Southeast Asia Semiconductor Talent Programme will be held from 3-14 August 2026 at ASEM (Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia) and Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia.

The Netherlands Southeast Asia Semiconductor Talent Programme is a multi-annual initiative running from 2026 to 2028, building on the successful pilot year in 2025. To maximize its impact, the programme actively welcomes collaboration with industry players, knowledge institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. Potential partners are invited to contact Nuffic Southeast Asia to explore joint opportunities.

This two-week programme aims to:

• Strengthen cooperation between the Netherlands and Southeast Asia
• Support regional capacity building in semiconductor talent development
• Encourage academic exchange and industry exposure
• Facilitate access for Southeast Asian talent to the Dutch innovation ecosystem

The programme has been truly insightful. Connecting with participants from various countries gave me valuable global perspectives, while the deep dive into the semiconductor industry opened new possibilities for my future professional development in this field.— Student from Thailand

At Greatech, we believe that talent development is critical to the future of the automation industry. Participating as a sponsor allows us to engage with promising young talents, support knowledge exchange, and contribute to building a skilled workforce that will drive the industry's continued growth and innovation. — Corporate Affairs, Greatech

Participation in this programme is by nomination only.

Final year STEM undergraduate students from selected universities in six Southeast Asian countries—Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines—will be nominated by their home institutions.

Only students who are formally nominated by their university will be invited to submit an application via Nuffic's application platform. Individual or self-nominations will not be accepted.

• Lectures by Dutch and Southeast Asian semiconductor experts

• Alumni sharing sessions

• Company visits across the semiconductor value chain

• Group assignments and networking opportunities

This programme has strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in the semiconductor industry. Through company visits to different fields, I gained a better understanding of real working environments, technologies, and career opportunities by directly asking questions to industry professionals. — Student from Malaysia

The programme timeline for 2027 is currently being finalized. Stay tuned.

The programme will be hosted by ASEM (Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia) and Universiti Sains Malaysia in Malaysia.

For selected participants, the following will be covered:

• Programme fees

• Accommodation

Please note: International flights and insurance must be arranged by the home university.

Malaysia

• Universiti Malaya
• Universiti Putra Malaysia
• Universiti Malaysia Perlis
• Universiti Sains Malaysia
• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Melaka

Singapore

• Nanyang Technological University
• Singapore University of Technology and Design

Thailand

• Chulalongkorn University
• King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)

Indonesia

• Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Surabaya
• University of Indonesia
• Gadjah Mada University
• Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)

Philippines

• Colegio de Muntinlupa
• De La Salle University Manila

The programme is coordinated by Nuffic Southeast Asia and guided by a steering committee comprising representatives from:

• The Netherlands Embassies in Southeast Asia

• High Tech Universities

• Malaysian Universities

• Netherlands alumni representatives

This initiative is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM), and Khazanah Nasional Berhad, with strong support from key industry partners including: Greatech Group, ASML, Hittech Group, Nexperia, BESI, Frencken Group Limited, Neways Electronics, Sophic Automation, and MSIA (Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association). These organisations play a vital role in driving innovation and nurturing semiconductor talent across the region.

For further inquiries, please contact the relevant team member below.

Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships
Charlotte Troost: ctroost@nuffic.nl

Academic Affairs
Oktavia Sidharta: osidharta@nuffic.nl