Philippine IC design companies clinch US$2 million worth of deals with Taiwan

The Philippines 1st participation to Semitech Taipei, a platform that promotes focused interaction among different Taiwan semiconductor sectors, led to about US$2 million deal, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

“Though the Philippines has very young IC design industry, we were able to capture buyers for our back-end IC design and product design service” said Trade Assistant Secretary and CITEM Executive Director Fe Agoncillo-Reyes.

Blue Chip Designs, Inc., Circuit Solutions, EAZIX, eDesign Technologies, Inc., Fastech Synergy, Inc., and Symphony Consulting, were the Philippine representatives for the event.

“Philippines impressed the Taiwan semiconductor market with the exhibitors’ product quality and functionality, as well as the adaptability to multi-assessment and functional application requirements,” added Agoncillo-Reyes.

EAZIX’ ZigBee was one of the products that captured the attention of Taiwanese buyers. Zigbee is an emerging wireless platform using a robust technology compatible with existing technologies using the same band. The technology targets manufacturers for remote switching, wireless sensor networks, remote sensing/telemetry, wireless remote control, personal area networks, home and building automation, and industrial controls.

Philippine companies also met with the 150 members of the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA). “We look forward to the business mission of fabless Taiwan companies to the Philippines so they will learn more about our capabilities in IC design services,” said Agoncillo-Reyes.

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, worldwide sales of semiconductors are expected to reach US$205 billion in 2006, with compound annual growth rate of 9.8 percent through 2008, amounting to US$309 billion.

Taiwan remains the global leader in foundry and captures the second-largest IC design industry. Semico Research Corporation also reported that Taiwan outperforms the worldwide standard with a 6.7% annual growth rate with values reaching US$35 billion in 2005.