Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
As it marks its 30th anniversary, SEMICON Southeast Asia (SEA) 2025 hosted a momentous event, the Night of Leaders. This distinguished dinner and awards ceremony celebrated the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the future of the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia. Organized by SEMI, the global industry association, the event took place on the evening of Tuesday, 20 May 2025, at the historic Clifford Pier in Singapore. The gathering was graced by the presence of Guest of Honour Mr. Jermaine Loy, Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), whose leadership underscores Singapore’s pivotal role in regional tech innovation.
A Night Celebrating Excellence, Vision, and Impact
Coinciding with the opening day of SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, the Night of Leaders served as a platform to honor the remarkable contributions that have fortified Southeast Asia’s semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystem. The evening brought together senior executives, industry pioneers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—individuals whose dedication and ingenuity drive the region’s ascent in the global semiconductor value chain.
From legendary industry veterans with decades of influence to emerging leaders with innovative visions, the event celebrated the diverse spectrum of talent fueling technological advancement, economic growth, and regional collaboration.
Honoring Excellence Across Four Prestigious Award Categories
The ceremony spotlighted four distinguished awards, each designed to recognize different facets of leadership, legacy, and potential within Southeast Asia’s semiconductor sector:
SEMI Lifetime Achievement Award
This esteemed accolade was awarded to a veteran industry leader whose unwavering commitment and pioneering efforts have significantly shaped the global and regional semiconductor landscape. The recipient’s decades of dedicated service exemplify innovation, mentorship, and leadership—setting a benchmark for future generations.
SEMI Southeast Asia Industry Leader of the Year Award
Recognized through peer nominations, this award celebrates a leader whose sustained efforts have catalyzed growth, innovation, and opportunity across Southeast Asia’s semiconductor ecosystem. The recipient exemplifies strategic vision and exemplary leadership in advancing the industry’s development.
SEMI Southeast Asia Industry Tribute Award
In conjunction with the milestone 30th anniversary of SEMICON Southeast Asia, this award honors individuals whose impactful contributions have left a lasting mark on the region’s semiconductor industry. Nominees are senior leaders responsible for profit and loss (P&L), demonstrating strong financial acumen, integrity, and a commitment to fostering industry growth. Beyond their business achievements, recipients are recognized for mentoring talent, supporting sustainable practices, and contributing to community development—elements vital to the industry’s holistic progress.
SEMI Southeast Asia Emerging Young Leader Award
Celebrating the future of the industry, this award recognizes five outstanding young professionals under 40 who have demonstrated transformative potential through innovation, leadership, and impactful contributions. Nominated by SEMI’s Southeast Asia Workforce & Talent Development Council, these rising stars exemplify the new wave of talent shaping the industry’s trajectory. Honorees are given a platform during SEMICON Southeast Asia to share their vision and insights, inspiring the next generation of semiconductor professionals.
Tech Leader Awards 2025 Winners & Citations
Before the evening concluded, the event celebrated the remarkable achievements of this year’s Tech Leader Award winners, whose leadership and vision continue to drive innovation and excellence in the semiconductor industry:
Mary G. Puma
Chair, SEMI International Board of Directors; Executive Advisor, Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
SEMI Lifetime Achievement Award
Ms. Mary G. Puma is a distinguished leader with over four decades of experience in technology and 25 years dedicated to the semiconductor sector. She previously served as President and CEO of Axcelis Technologies from January 2002 to May 2023 and as Executive Chairperson of the Board until May 2024. Currently, she is an Executive Advisor at Axcelis. Ms. Puma has been instrumental in advancing semiconductor manufacturing equipment and supply chain innovation globally. Since December 2022, she has chaired SEMI’s International Board of Directors, guiding the industry association serving the micro and nanoelectronics supply chain worldwide.
She also serves on the boards of Ciena Corporation, Allegro MicroSystems, Entegris, and Penguin Solutions. Ms. Puma holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Tufts University and a Master of Science in Management from MIT Sloan School of Management. Her leadership and influence have inspired countless professionals and fostered sustainable growth across the industry.
Mr. Chen Kok Sing
Senior Vice President, Global Assembly and Test, Micron Technology
SEMI Southeast Asia Industry Leader of the Year Award
Mr. Chen Kok Sing oversees Micron’s global assembly and test operations. With over 30 years in the semiconductor industry, his expertise spans frontend wafer fabrication and backend assembly and testing. He previously managed Micron’s Singapore operations, establishing the NAND Centre of Excellence for developing advanced 3D NAND technologies. Under his leadership, Micron’s Singapore facilities have earned recognition as Industry 4.0 and Sustainability Lighthouses by the World Economic Forum.
Mr. Chen is a passionate advocate for talent development, having mentored thousands of graduates and fostering partnerships with local educational institutions. His community engagement efforts include high volunteer participation and workplace excellence, earning Micron Singapore multiple awards, including the Great Place to Work and Legends awards. Based in Singapore, he also contributes to national initiatives, serving on panels and advisory councils dedicated to future economic growth and manufacturing innovation.
A Reflection on Legacy and a Glimpse of the Future
As SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 commemorates three decades of industry growth, the Night of Leaders exemplifies the region’s rich legacy of innovation and resilience. It also underscores the importance of nurturing new talent and fostering leadership to ensure sustained progress.
The awards ceremony not only acknowledged individual excellence but also reinforced the industry’s collaborative spirit, highlighting how shared vision and collective effort propel Southeast Asia toward becoming a global semiconductor hub.
Looking forward, the region’s semiconductor industry continues to build on this strong foundation, driven by the celebrated leaders and inspired by the emerging talents honored tonight. As they forge new paths in advanced manufacturing, materials, and design, Southeast Asia’s semiconductor ecosystem is poised for a future filled with innovation, growth, and global influence.
In Conclusion
The Night of Leaders at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 was more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of the industry’s journey, its present strength, and its promising future. With talent, vision, and collaboration at its core, Southeast Asia’s semiconductor industry is set to thrive as a key player on the global stage, guided by the legacy of its pioneers and the promise of its next generation.