CLEMENT CHOO
Mechanical Engineering
(Expected Year of Graduation: 2026)
Clement Choo, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student at NTU, shares how the Work Study Degree (WSDeg) programme accelerated his journey into the semiconductor industry. During his 45-week placement at GlobalFoundries Asia Pacific, Clement gained hands-on experience, sharpened both his technical and communication skills, and earned the prestigious MOE Singapore Industry Scholarship (SGIS) 2025.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORK STUDY DEGREE (WSDEG) PROGRAMME?
I was not familiar with the Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) programme initially until a friend shared with me after I expressed interest in joining the semiconductor industry. He explained how WSDeg could open doors to opportunities in the sector, which sparked my curiosity.
I eventually applied and was thrilled to join GlobalFoundries (GF). My mentors at NTU had also recommended GF as a company that offers strong growth and learning opportunities, especially for students who are new to the semiconductor field.
WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITES AS AN INTERN?
During my internship in the Etch department at GF’s 300mm fab, I supported the engineering team by monitoring machine data and parameters. When a machine showed signs of failure or triggered alarms, I served as the first or second line of defense to assist engineers in troubleshooting. Beyond daily operations, I was entrusted with projects such as initiating a machine harmonisation project aimed at improving equipment utilisation and overall efficiency.
Being a WSDeg intern has been especially beneficial, as the semiconductor industry has a steep learning curve. The extended duration of the WSDeg programme provided me with the time and exposure needed to build a strong foundation and gain a deeper understanding of the industry—something that would have been more challenging to achieve in a typical four to six month internship.
WHAT WERE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
One challenge I faced initially was my limited knowledge of semiconductors. The learning curve was steep and the amount of information at the beginning felt overwhelming. To overcome this, I made it a point to ask questions and regularly consult my mentor, which helped me grasp new concepts more quickly.
Another challenge was communication. Working with colleagues from different departments and external vendors required me to adapt my communication style. Over time, I learned to tailor my messages to suit different audiences, which significantly improved my effectiveness at work.
WHAT ARE YOUR KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS PROGRAMME?
Through the WSDeg programme, I have grown both in technical knowledge and soft skills. My 45-week attachment at GF provided ample time to build a strong foundation in the semiconductor industry while sharpening my communication and project management skills.
The experience also gave me a realistic understanding of full-time work and prepared me mentally for a future career in this field. I realised that a career in engineering requires both passion and perseverance. It is not merely a desk-bound job but one that often involves hands-on work in the cleanroom, from troubleshooting machines to replacing hardware.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE?
I value the WSDeg programme because it provides me with ample time and opportunity to experience what being an engineer is truly like. The extended duration allows me to take on meaningful projects that contribute to the organisation while helping me gain a clearer understanding of my future career direction.
Unlike a typical internship, the WSDeg experience offers much deeper industry exposure and hands-on learning. I am grateful that this journey led to my being awarded the MOE Singapore Industry Scholarship (SGIS) with GF in 2025.
HOW DID CAO HELP YOU IN PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE WORK?
I developed an interest in the semiconductor industry through the LevelUP! Mentorship Programme, organised by the Career & Attachment Office (CAO). I chose a mentor with extensive experience in the semiconductor field, and through our conversations, he helped me gain a clearer understanding of the industry and guided me on how to take my first steps into it.
This mentorship shaped my perspective. I was fascinated by how massive machines could manufacture microchips with transistors measured in nanometres, which deepened my curiosity about chip fabrication. Around the same time, I was accepted into the WSDeg programme. During my interview with the manager at GF, I shared the insights I had gained from my mentor, which helped me secure the opportunity.
Looking back, I am grateful to both GF and CAO for providing an opportunity that has set me on my career path in the semiconductor industry.
SHARE ADVICE WITH YOUR PEERS.
If you have a genuine interest in a particular industry or a goal you want to pursue, do not hesitate to reach out and find a way to make it happen. We are responsible for our own growth and every path we take is an opportunity to learn and progress. Programmes such as WSDeg, mentorship and career counselling are valuable resources that can guide us in making informed career decisions and help us transition more confidently into our future careers.
Note from GlobalFoundries:
Since 2022, GlobalFoundries has partnered with NTU to offer the Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) programme. Each year, we are proud to welcome a strong cohort of students through this initiative, which serves as a valuable platform for identifying passionate and committed individuals keen to build their careers in the semiconductor industry.
Through multiple internship attachments and the final-year project in the concluding phase of the programme, we gain meaningful insights into each student’s capabilities and potential. We are pleased to share that about 70% of our interns from this programme have gone on to take up full-time roles with GF. This collaboration continues to be a key component of our talent development strategy.