Tech Talks: Meet Toh Li Ying, the UMC leader driving purposeful innovation in the tech industry

In a sector that thrives on rapid change and technical precision, Toh Li Ying has carved out a deeply fulfilling two-decade career grounded in problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous innovation. As senior manager of defect management at UMC – a leading global semiconductor foundry – she plays a pivotal role in maintaining process integrity and driving smart manufacturing initiatives.

Since joining UMC in 2004, Li Ying has remained at the forefront of the company’s evolution, from contributing to the launch of Singapore’s first 12-inch fab to leading key projects in advanced process technology and Industry 4.0. A trained materials engineer with a lifelong love for mathematics and chemistry, she sees every technical challenge as an opportunity to grow – both individually and as a team.

As a mother of three, she also finds purpose in sharing her passion for science and technology beyond the workplace – inspiring her children and the next generation to embrace curiosity and dream big in STEM.

What drew you to the semiconductor industry, and what keeps you inspired in your role today?

My journey began with a strong interest in mathematics and chemistry, which led me to pursue materials engineering at NTU. I’ve always loved solving problems, so joining UMC in 2004 felt like a natural next step. From day one, I found myself fascinated by the complexity and pace of the semiconductor industry.

I’ve stayed in defect management throughout my career, and what keeps me going is the dynamic nature of the work. Each day presents new puzzles to solve, and there’s a great sense of purpose in ensuring product reliability and process optimisation. What’s most fulfilling is collaborating across teams to overcome challenges and contribute to continuous improvement.

Tell us about a career moment that’s had a lasting impact on you.

In 2008, I was selected to be part of the 65nm technology transfer team, which meant spending two months in Taiwan. That experience opened up my technical knowledge and reaffirmed my passion for this field. It was a turning point for me – both professionally and personally.

Later, I took on leadership roles including mentoring new hires and leading smart manufacturing projects under our Industry 4.0 initiatives. These opportunities helped me develop my soft skills and broaden my perspective as a leader. What grounds me is the belief that engineering can make a meaningful difference in the world. And through my work at UMC, I get to contribute to that every day.

What leadership lessons have stayed with you from your time in STEM?

The most powerful lesson is the importance of open communication and collaboration. In tech, problem-solving rarely happens in silos. I’ve seen how diverse teams – with different perspectives and backgrounds – can come together to find more creative, effective solutions.

That insight has shaped my approach as a leader. I strive to build an inclusive environment where every team member feels heard, empowered, and encouraged to take initiative. I also emphasise resilience. Setbacks are inevitable in any technical field, but they’re also opportunities to grow. Nurturing a culture where people are not afraid to try, learn, and adapt is key to long-term success.

What advice would you give to girls and young women considering a career in tech?

Follow your curiosity. The tech world is vast – from coding to data analytics to engineering – and there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try different roles until you find what excites you.

Build a growth mindset and don’t shy away from challenges. Speak up, share your ideas, and know that your perspective matters. It’s also important to find mentors and peers who can support and uplift you. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me, and now I try to pay that forward.

As a mother of three, I often share my love for science and technology with my children – especially my eldest, who’s already showing a strong interest in non-fiction and STEM topics. It’s a small reminder that the example we set today can spark something powerful in the generation to come. We need more women in tech – not just to close the gender gap, but to shape a future that’s diverse, innovative, and inclusive.