An Industry Networking Event and a Technical Workshop on Electronic Assembly were held on 25th May 2023 at the Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, University of Moratuwa, in association with the IPC India, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), and Sri Lanka Electronic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (SLEMEA).
IPC is a global organization that supports Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturers, Cable and Wire Harness Manufacturers, and suppliers to the Electronics Industry in order to improve the manufacturing of electronics and to build electronics better. IPC members increase their bottom lines and deliver dependable, high-quality items through Set Standards, Certification, Education, Training, thought Leadership, Advocacy, Creative Solutions, and Industry Knowledge.
The IPC Hand Soldering Competition, which featured 25 competitors from Sri Lankan Electrical and Electronic firms, is the event's centerpiece. By building an assembly that satisfies the requirements of IPC-A-610, Class 3, participants have displayed their abilities and skills. The functionality of the assembly, adherence to the assembly procedure, and overall product quality have all been assessed by the judging panel, which consists of certified specialists. Each contestant had a maximum of one hour to complete the procedure. The contest's winner has earned a spot in this year's Productronica World Championship, which will take place in Munich, Germany, in November 2023.
In addition to the competition, the IPC Industry Networking Event has provided a platform for professionals and industry experts to connect, share knowledge, and discuss the latest trends and advancements in Electronic Assembly. The Technical Workshop on Electronic Assembly will feature insightful sessions by industry leaders, covering topics such as Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing Processes, Quality Standards, and Regulatory Compliance.
Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman and CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, delivered the keynote speech at the event as the Chief Guest. He said, “we have the ability and the knowhow to produce certain component products aiming at different levels of the value chain. Different parts come from different countries. We are in a position to explore that opportunity. The approach has to be niche marketing and going up market. if you can identify the right niches in the market and also if you can match the requirements of those niches to hi-tech products, we will be winners"
Ms. Indumini Kodikara, Director of Export Services of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Dr. Ajith Pasqual, President of the Sri Lanka Electronics Manufacturers and Exporters Association (SLEMEA), Mr. Ville Pirila, Vice President of Quality - GPV Group, and Mr. Anand Selvaraj, Country Manager, JBC Tools also spoke at the networking event.
Additionally, Master IPC Trainer Mr. CS Nagraj, and Master IPC Trainer Mr. TN Phanishayee gave presentations on "Best Practices in Electronics Assembly" and "Wire Harness - A Growing Sector in Electronics," respectively.
The event was very significant for Sri Lanka's Electronics Industry. The country's Electronics Industry has grown steadily thanks to government initiatives and support, as well as a skilled workforce and a favorable business environment. Due to its Advantageous Geographic Position and Highly Educated Workforce, notably in engineering and technology, Sri Lanka has the potential to become a significant player in the Global Electronics Market.
The IPC Industry Networking Event and Technical Workshop on Electronic Assembly offered a valuable opportunity for Professionals, Manufacturers, and Stakeholders in the Electronics Industry to enhance their knowledge, build partnerships, and explore avenues for growth and collaboration.
The EDB is planning to organize similar programmes for Sri Lankan Electronics and Electrical Sector in the future.
