Innovative semiconductors: Materials engineer Li-San Chan makes technology fit for the future
Ever more functions in increasingly smaller spaces: without innovative materials, modern electronic devices cannot meet the constantly growing demands. Li-San Chan is thrilled by this challenge. She leads the Semiconductor Materials division at Heraeus Electronics in Singapore. "I benefit from my curiosity and my passion for perfection," she says.
As a child, she wanted to know everything in detail, says Li-San Chan. "I had a teacher who asked us to look out of the window on the school bus and ask ourselves: Why do the trees look like that? Why do they have leaves like that? Why are other trees different? That fostered my interest in STEM subjects." STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The 49-year-old sees the fact that she attended a girls' school for ten years as "great luck". She was brought up to be very self-confident, always knowing that she could achieve anything she set her mind to.
Her studies in materials engineering with a focus on microelectronics and organic chemistry at the end of the 1990s were the perfect starting point for a career in the semiconductor industry, as Chan says. She later topped it off with a Master's degree in business administration. "My parents had expected me to become a lawyer rather than an engineer, but the most important thing for them was that I find a good job that I enjoy and that secures my livelihood," she says. Even though she comes from a family with a strong sense of tradition, her gender did not play a role in her career choice: "In my experience, it is of secondary importance in Singapore whether you are a woman or a man, as long as your qualifications and performance are right."
A challenging industry
In Silicon Valley, where she worked temporarily, she also found her professional environment to be diverse and free of gender-specific stereotypes. "In the USA, people in the semiconductor industry come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Personally, I never felt disadvantaged as a woman in the workplace," says Chan looking back.
However, the engineer had to battle against prejudice in international sales, particularly in Asian countries such as China and Malaysia. "I had the impression that customers didn't trust me much at first because I'm a woman. That was a real shock for me at first." Her antidote: "Always be well prepared, anticipate questions and thus gain respect."
Chan joined Heraeus Electronics eight and a half years ago. This Operating Company of Heraeus is one of the leading manufacturers of material solutions in packaging and connection technology. With the trend towards miniaturization of electronic devices, the developers face increasing challenges. "The semiconductor industry is as demanding as it is fascinating," says Chan. "The materials we develop go into devices that shape our everyday lives," she says. In all 5G smartphones and in-ear headphones of one of the most successful brands, a Heraeus product can be found, as well as in components for electromobility or photovoltaic systems. "We know exactly what we are achieving with our work." At the same time, Heraeus Electronics also ensures greater sustainability with recycled materials: "We are the first on the market to use recycled tin and recycled gold, thus reducing the carbon footprint of the devices. Of that we are proud."
"Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams"
Apart from that, Chan appreciates the flexibility that Heraeus offers all employees, especially working mothers. In contrast to the companies she had previously worked for, Heraeus places great value on work-life balance. "In my opinion, this is very important in order to keep female specialists and managers in the company," she emphasizes.
And what is her advice to girls and young women who are interested in science and technology and want to pursue a STEM career? "You have to say what you want, you have to chase the rainbow. Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. Because if you focus on it with all your passion, nothing can stop you."
This article is part of a series of articles in which Heraeus is making women in STEM professions visible. We are introducing female experts who are involved in innovative projects.
