To strengthen the digital integrated circuit (IC) talent pool within Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem, NTU Singapore is launching a new graduate learning pathway in integrated circuit design.
The new FlexiMasters in Integrated Circuit Design, developed in collaboration with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) and supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), aims to meet the surging global demand for specialized chip design expertise, the university said in a statement on Wednesday.
The program is designed in collaboration with fabless semiconductor companies to ensure graduates possess industry-ready skill sets.
Students will access laboratories equipped with industry-standard Electronic Design Automation toolchains such as Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems, providing state-of-the-art teaching and research infrastructure aligned with current industry practices.
They will learn to model digital systems from register-transfer level design through to the final layout file formats required for chip fabrication, gaining practical experience that bridges design concepts and production-ready deliverables.
Professor Boh Wai Fong, Vice President of Lifelong Learning and Alumni Engagement, NTU Singapore, said the program is tailored for graduates, practising engineers, and technical managers looking to gain hands-on experience in digital IC design – a critical foundation for creating next-generation, high-performance technologies.”
The “stackable” learning pathway provides learners with the flexibility to support lifelong learning.
The four-step program begins with a series of bridging courses for those without prior knowledge in IC design.
Learners will graduate with either a Graduate Certificate or FlexiMasters in Integrated Circuit Design, depending on the number of academic units cleared.
Those who wish to further their studies can map the FlexiMasters onto a Master of Science in Integrated Circuits and Microelectronics from the NTU School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
It is noted that semiconductors are critical to support the demands of greater connectivity, data processing as well as electrification.
With the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and the industrial internet of things (IoT), the global industry is on track to exceed $1.3 trillion by 2026.
It is also noted that in Singapore, top fabless companies such as AMD, Broadcom, Marvell, MediaTek, Qualcomm and Realtek conduct IC design and product development activities here that drive further innovation of new semiconductor products.
Thus, NTU sees a steady pipeline of highly trained IC designers is needed to support the talent needs of these companies as they continue to grow in Singapore.
As AI reshapes production cycles, NTU said the curriculum also prepares learners for AI-oriented hardware development, such as edge inference engines and accelerators.
This specialized knowledge enables professionals to contribute effectively to a rapidly evolving landscape with significant growth potential.
Ow Kai Onn, Senior Vice President and Head, Semiconductors, EDB, said many of today’s breakthroughs in AI compute originate from IC designers, who, along with many other exciting STEM roles, are part of Singapore vibrant semiconductor research and development (R&D) ecosystem.
“I am grateful to SSIA and our industry partners for working closely together to partner NTU Singapore to successfully launch the FlexiMasters in Integrated Circuit Design,
“This reflects the shared commitment between industry, academia and government in growing our pool of IC designers in Singapore, so that they are equipped to drive innovation in growth areas such as AI, software defined vehicles, robotics and wireless communications,” he added.
Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director, SSIA, said partnerships with Institutes of Higher Learning play an important role in cultivating specialized skills and strengthening Singapore’s talent pipeline.
“IC design is a vital capability that supports innovation from initial research through to advanced manufacturing,” he added.
Graduates of the program can pursue diverse, high-value career pathways, including roles as Digital IC Design Engineers, Verification Engineers, and System-on-Chip integration specialists, said the statement.
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