Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543032
FEBRUARY 2026 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 71 forum showcasing the scale, capabil- ity, and diversity of India's electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The event brought together manu- facturers, technology providers, poli- cymakers, and industry bodies from India and international markets to address manufacturing excellence, supply chain resilience, and cross-border collabora- tion. Strong participation across consumer electronics, EV, aerospace, defence, and high-reliability manufacturing highlighted India's expanding capabilities across multiple sectors. The outcomes of IEMI 2026 under- scores India's growing relevance as a manufactur- ing and collaboration hub, reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for electronics production, talent development, and supply-chain partnerships. We hope to build on this momentum by engaging with global stakeholders to strengthen ongoing collaboration and industry dialogue. Southeast Asia: Malaysia Office and Skill Development Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand are emerging as key hubs for both production and workforce development. The Malaysia office has been actively supporting the regional ecosystem through technical training, certification programs, and industry engagement aligned with global manufac- turing standards. In Thailand, the Association is actively support- ing standards adoption, industry-aligned certifica- tion, and technical education initiatives aimed at strengthening manufacturing quality. These efforts focus on enhancing productivity and export readi- ness in automotive and industrial electronics. As electronics products become more complex and reliability expectations rise, skill development has become a strategic priority across Southeast Asia. Training programs for engineers and techni- cians are increasingly aligned with international benchmarks, enabling manufacturers to meet strin- gent quality, reliability, and compliance require- ments demanded by global customers. Collaboration between India and Southeast Asia has strengthened knowledge exchange, work- force readiness, and best-practice adoption across electronics assembly, inspection, and reliabil- ity processes. These initiatives play an important role in building a future-ready workforce capable of supporting advanced electronics manufacturing across both regions. Southeast Asia: Growth of the Electronics Sector The electronics sector across Southeast Asia contin- ues to expand, supported by strong foreign invest- ment, export-oriented manufacturing, and diver- sification of global supply chains. Countries in the region have developed strong capabilities in auto- motive electronics, industrial electronics, consumer devices, and high-reliability manufacturing. There is a greater emphasis on quality systems, standardization, and certified talent, and manufactur- ers are aligning more closely with global standards to support international customers and ensure long-term competitiveness. Regional engagement with global industry associations plays a key role in supporting this transition, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to scale responsibly. Looking Ahead to APEX EXPO 2026 At APEX EXPO 2026, our office aims to strengthen global partnerships, advance dialogue on work- force development and standards adoption, and reinforce collaboration across the electronics manu- facturing value chain. India's sustained member- ship and certification growth, combined with the successful delivery of IEMI 2026 and Southeast Asia's expanding manufacturing and skills ecosys- tem, reflect a region that is increasingly central to global electronics manufacturing. SMT007