"Finding a job I love and my love for my family gives me the energy to keep going!"
Mother's Day serves as an annual reminder to reflect on the remarkable impact mothers have on individuals and society. It offers a dedicated moment to express gratitude for the everyday acts of love, care, and sacrifice that often go unrecognized.
To mark its significance, Silicon Box asked three of our working mothers – Katy, May and Jick, who have been with Silicon Box since its early days – how they have navigated the complexities of balancing their professional aspirations with the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Personal & Professional Journey
What inspired you to pursue your current career path, and how has motherhood influenced that journey?
Katy: I am a technical trainer in the learning and development field, so continuous learning has always been a vital part of my life. After becoming a mother, I learned to be more patient and view things from different perspectives. Previously, I focused solely on adult learning theory. However, during my pregnancy, I was eager to be a good mom, so I read The Psychology Book (DK) and attended several psychological courses from SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to understand how to better interact with my child. Interestingly, the new psychological theories I learned for my daughter improved my communication and performance with my team, because I could break down complex technical concepts into easier, more memorable content.
May: I have always been passionate about problem resolution as an engineer. Motherhood has given me a new sense of purpose and drive that further fuels this passion. My role also requires me to work shifts. Since becoming a mother, I've learned to be more efficient and focused on every aspect of my work. I now prioritize my time better, allowing me to fully commit to my child at home while meeting work expectations.
Jick: I was fortunate to dedicate most of my time to my kids for the first seven years of motherhood. It was only after I transitioned into the semiconductor industry that my career began to evolve. Now that my children are older, I have more time to focus on my work and build my professional path while still being present for them.
Work-Life Balance and Company Culture
How do you balance your responsibilities at work with your role as a mother? What strategies or routines help you manage your time and energy between work and family?
Katy: I am still figuring out how to balance work and family. At this stage of motherhood, I need to pay more attention to my family since my daughter is still young. Although my parents help, she still prefers to be with me, especially when she is unwell. What has worked so far is compartmentalizing my focus: at work, I concentrate on work, and at home, I focus on my daughter.
May: I try to plan ahead as much as possible. If I know I must work overtime that day, I make alternative childcare arrangements around pickup times. I identify "time-wasting" activities, like mindless social media scrolling, and use that time to rest and relax instead. I prioritize getting enough sleep each night to ensure I'm well-rested and ready for the challenges ahead.
Jick: I am incredibly grateful to my husband, who helps with most of the kids' homework. Finding a job I love and my love for my family gives me the energy to keep going!
Can you share a challenge you've faced balancing work and motherhood and how you overcame it?
Katy: Last December, my daughter and husband both came down with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). I had to shuttle between three locations: one at home and another at the hospital. Thankfully, I have supportive colleagues who helped me reorganize deadlines and a kind boss who offered to cover for me. My parents were also able to help care for my daughter at home.
May: My child recently had a high fever and needed to be hospitalized because it took a while to subside. Due to the nature of my job, which requires me to work shifts, my manager and I had to rework operational scheduling with the rest of my team. It was difficult, but thankfully, Silicon Box's supportive culture regarding family commitments allowed me to navigate this period without major issues.
Jick: I believe I balance both aspects well, thanks to the incredible support from my husband and not to forget my boss who always allows me to take urgent leave when needed to attend to my kids.
"One significant lesson I've learned from motherhood that I apply to my work life is the importance of patience and truly listening to others."
Personal Insights & Advice
What is one lesson you've learned from motherhood that you apply to your work life?
Katy: One significant lesson I've learned from motherhood that I apply to my work life is the importance of patience and truly listening to others.
May: Time management. Only after becoming a mother did, I realize how much time I have each day and how effective time management can benefit both my work and home life.
Jick: Being patient.
What advice would you offer to other mothers who are navigating their careers?
Katy: Remember that we are all different and face unique situations, so don't feel pressured if the advice doesn't resonate with you.
May: Take things slowly. No one is a perfect mother from day one, so don't be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes.
Are you especially proud of a particular moment as a working mother?
Katy: Always proud of myself because I was brave enough to choose to be a mother… 😂
May: While I don't have a specific moment, I often reflect on and feel proud that I am fully committed to supporting my child's development.
Jick: Working mothers essentially juggle two major jobs, and you can never quit being a mother!
Looking Forward
How do you hope to inspire your children through your work and career?
Katy: I want to teach them to never stop learning. Grades aren't what matters; the ability to learn is what truly counts. Never think you know everything.
May: I hope to show them that with hard work and dedication; anyone can achieve their goals.
Jick: I once told my kids that regardless of their future aspirations, the most important principle is to "Deliver what you have committed." Since the beginning of my career, I have dreamt of leading my own team and sharing my knowledge with the younger generation so they can eventually take over. Much like raising my children, I aim to nurture them to become independent and trustworthy individuals.
While Katy, May and Jick’s paths to motherhood differ, we find a common thread of resilience, adaptability, and support when they share their challenges, hopes, and pride in growing personally and professionally. Their insights serve as a reminder that challenges can lead to growth, and with determination and the proper support, it is possible to thrive in both roles.
This Mother's Day, we celebrate not just the sacrifices made by mothers, but also their unwavering strength and profound influence they have on their families and workplaces alike. We hope their experiences inspire others to pursue their passions while embracing the beautiful journey of motherhood.
#FunFact
36% of our female employees are parents and 43% of Silicon Box employees are women!
Are you looking to work with colleagues who are passionate and motivated like Katy, May and Jick?
Reach out to us for career opportunities at hr@silicon-box.com or explore our Job Portal.
To mark the significance of Father’s Day, Silicon Box asked three of our working fathers – Suresh, Meng Keat and Andy --- to share how fatherhood has transformed their lives personally and professionally.
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The award recognizes Dr. Han’s exceptional contributions to onshore advanced integration and packaging technology in Italy, strengthening the wider EU semiconductor ecosystem
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Meet Beth, a dedicated team member whose journey in the semiconductor industry showcases her unwavering commitment to professional growth. Captivated by the fast-paced and innovation-driven nature of the field, Beth eagerly embraces new challenges while nurturing her passion for continuous learning.
ROME, Italy, December 19 - Silicon Box, a global leader in advanced semiconductor packaging and system integration, welcomes the European Commission's approval of approximately €1.3 billion for its new manufacturing facility in Italy . The project, representing a total investment of €3.2 billion, will create 1,600 high-skilled jobs and establish Europe's most advanced semiconductor packaging facilities. The investment supports the EU's strategic goal to produce 20% of the world's semiconductors by 2030 and marks Silicon Box's first manufacturing expansion beyond Singapore. With its proprietary large format panel-level process lines, the factory can scale up the packaging of chips 6 to 8 times more than traditional wafer-level packaging. "This strategic investment in Italy represents a pivotal moment in Europe's semiconductor renaissance," says Dr. Byung Joon Han, Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Box. "By bringing our advanced packaging technologies to the heart of Europe, we're not just expanding our global footprint – we're creating a cornerstone of the EU's semiconductor ecosystem that will serve critical sectors from automotive to artificial intelligence." Project Details and Timeline The new first-of-its-kind advanced manufacturing facility in Novara will feature: Panel-level packaging and heterogeneous integration capabilities R&D center focusing on next-generation packaging solutions Industry 4.0 automated manufacturing systems Key net-zero technologies to minimize carbon footprint and environmental impact Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2025, with initial production planned for Q1 2028. The plant is expected to be operating at full capacity in 2033, processing approximately 10,000 panels per week. Regional Impact and Partnerships Under the Italian measure, Silicon Box is committed to strengthening Italy’s and the wider EU semiconductor value chain by bringing in advancing packaging technologies, managing supply shortages through priority orders, and developing workforce training programs. Silicon Box is already in talks with the local government to develop partnerships with educational institutions and workforce programs to cultivate a robust native talent which will include technicians and maintenance workers with expertise in automation, robotics, mechatronics, computer science, and graduates in electronic, mechanical, management, chemical and physical engineering. “We're committed to creating high-quality jobs, fostering local partnerships, and driving technological advancements that will benefit our customers and the broader economy, " says Michael Han, Head of Business, Silicon Box. “Silicon Box would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Piedmonte government, local officials, and our partners for supporting this expansion. Silicon Box remains committed to driving innovation, ensuring supply chain resilience, and contributing to the economic growth of Italy and beyond.” Silicon Box’s key manufacturing services will enable the adoption of chiplets and high-performance alternatives that require integrating a wide variety of technology nodes and materials. The plant will specialize in advanced packaging solutions for AI, high-performance computing (HPC), data centers, automotive, mobile, IoT and robotic applications, addressing Europe's growing demand for advanced chip technologies. ### Forward looking statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements include: our manufacturing expansion and investment plans and expectations in the European Union (EU) and the anticipated benefits therefrom; anticipated supplier, ecosystem, community, and government support and approval for our planned EU investments and anticipated benefits related to such support; environmental plans for and benefits from our factories and technologies; and other characterizations of future plans, expectations, events, or circumstances. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: changes in demand for our products; Silicon Box’s failure to realize the anticipated benefits of its strategy, plans, and proposed transactions; construction delays or changes in plans due to business, economic, or other factors; increases in capital requirements and changes in capital investment plans; adverse changes in anticipated government incentives and associated approval related to Silicon Box’s planned EU investments; adverse legislative or other government actions; insufficient ecosystem support; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; and other risks and uncertainties described in this press release. All information in this press release reflects management’s views as of the date hereof unless an earlier date is specified. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any duty, to update such statements, whether as a result of new information, new developments, or otherwise, except to the extent that disclosure may be required by law. Inquiries Media: janice.yeo@silicon-box.com | media_enquiries@silicon-box.com Investors: mike.han@silicon-box.com About Silicon Box Silicon Box is an advanced semiconductor packaging company, specializing in cutting edge integration technology and manufacturing processes. We offer solutions that enable chiplet architecture, as well as high performance alternatives to traditional packaging schemes. Leveraging our proprietary technology, 30 years of multi-sectoral expertise, and relationships with best-in-class partners, we strive to solve the unique challenges of chiplet adoption to build the emergent technologies shaping the world around us today. Silicon Box was founded in 2021 by Dr. Byung Joon (BJ) Han, Dr. Sehat Sutardja, and Weili Dai. Dr. Han was previously the Chairman, CEO and CTO of the world’s 3rd largest outsourced assembly and test provider, STATS ChipPAC (SSE: 600584) for two decades, taking the company to $4B in revenue during his tenure. Dr. Han is the inventor of many of the most advanced packaging solutions in today’s market, and his team at Silicon Box holds standing records for yield in advanced packaging technology at wafer-level production. Dr. Sutardja introduced the concept of chiplets at the International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) in 2015. He and Weili Dai founded Marvell Technology Group (NASDAQ: MRVL) in 1995 and ran the company for twenty years from a start-up to an over $50B market value company. To learn more about Silicon Box go to: silicon-box.com/newsroom and silicon-box.com
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ROME, Italy, June 28 – The co-founders of Silicon Box, CEO Dr. Byung Joon (BJ) Han, Dr. Sehat Sutardja, and Weili Dai, together with the Minister Adolfo Urso, Presidente Alberto Cirio of the Piedmont region, and Mayor Alessandro Canelli of the municipality of Novara today announced that Novara in Piedmont will be the site of the company’s new, first-of-a-kind advanced semiconductor packaging and testing foundry.
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