A groundbreaking achievement has emerged from De La Salle University, signaling a leap forward for Philippine technological innovation. Dr. Aristotle Ubando, a full professor at the Gokongwei College of Engineering, has been honored with the prestigious Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2025.
The award, an international recognition of exceptional research and development in science and technology, was bestowed upon Dr. Ubando for his pioneering work: “Thermomechanical Analysis and High Computational Design for Semiconductor and Electronics Packaging Reliability.” The virtual ceremony, broadcast live from Jakarta, Indonesia on January 16th, celebrated a project poised to reshape an essential industry.
Dr. Ubando’s research directly addresses a critical bottleneck in the Philippine semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector – a key engine of the nation’s exports. Traditional product design relies heavily on costly and time-consuming experimental methods, hindering rapid innovation and sustainable practices.
Recognizing this challenge, Dr. Ubando spearheaded the creation of the Thermomechanical Analysis Laboratory (TALa). This innovative facility, born from government support and collaboration with leading semiconductor companies, offers a revolutionary alternative: virtual evaluation of electronic package performance under stress.
TALa utilizes sophisticated Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate material behavior, drastically reducing the need for expensive physical prototypes. This translates to significant cost savings, accelerated design cycles, and a dramatic decrease in potential product failures – ultimately elevating the quality of Philippine-made electronics.
Beyond its impact on industry, TALa is cultivating a new generation of highly skilled engineers. The laboratory provides invaluable research and development opportunities, fostering a domestic talent pool and encouraging careers within the Philippines.
Strategically located on the DLSU Laguna Campus, near the Laguna Technopark, Inc., TALa functions as a dedicated computational design resource for semiconductor companies, offering readily accessible expertise and cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Ubando emphasizes that TALa’s work directly contributes to the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By strengthening domestic scientific R&D capacity, the laboratory is actively driving innovation and bolstering the Philippines’ position in the global electronics landscape.
