Netherlands–Southeast Asia Semiconductor Talent Programme 2026: Building Semiconductor Talent Capabilities for Southeast Asia’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector

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.

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

Participation in this programme is by nomination only.

Master’s 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.

• University Nomination Deadline: 14 June 2026
• Application Deadline (for nominated students only): 14 June 2026

• Lectures by Dutch and Southeast Asian semiconductor experts

• Alumni sharing sessions

• Company visits across the semiconductor value chain

• Group assignments and networking opportunities

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

Vietnam

• Vietnam National University Hanoi – University of Engineering & Technology
• Ho Chi Minh City University of Science

Thailand

• King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL)
• Chulalongkorn University
• King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)
• Mahanakorn University of Technology
• Khon Kaen University

Indonesia

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

Philippines

• University of the Philippines Diliman
• Colegio de Muntinlupa
• Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna
• 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 more information, please contact: Nuffic Southeast Asia
📧 Email: nl-sea.semicon@nuffic.nl
📩 CC: osidharta@nuffic.nl