I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

I feel compelled to start off by recognizing that today marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic activities that took place on 9/11/2001. Like so many of us, I will never forget exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard that United flights 11 and 175 had struck the World Trade Center in NYC. That day, the world was forever changed, and the effects still reverberate. Today, I am taking a moment to remember the lives lost and the heroism and coming together that day brought about. 

Take a moment today to breathe, appreciate all the good things you have, and reflect on what it takes to keep them. Say thank you to a public servant or veteran if you happen to encounter one, and of course, I hope you enjoy this week’s selection of must-reads. 

I am featuring international trade show events, including THECA in Thailand and SMTA Guadalajara in Mexico, our new topic-focused series, “Follow the Story” about AI, the global economy, and supply chain, and finally, drone technology and how it is affecting the U.S. domestic supply chain, specifically from the viewpoint of materials developer, Isola.

Real Time with... THECA 2026: Thailand's Electronics Industry Growth and Challenges
Published September 10

I was privileged to travel to Bangkok for the Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia event (THECA), and wanted to highlight my show interview with Phutana Daoruang, general manager of THPCA, who discusses the explosive growth that Thailand's EMS and PCB industries have seen in the last three years, and the plans for development to support the semiconductor industry as well. His enthusiasm and pride show through in this candid interview, but it has not been without its challenges; workforce is a chief concern for them and something that was discussed at length during the event. If you are interested in China Plus One and Thailand specifically, this is a great interview.

Follow the Story: AI Reshapes the Electronics Supply Chain
Published September 9

This great new series by Managing Editor Michelle Te distills some of the most important areas we are covering within I-Connect007 publications, with this installment on AI, of course. Much like our Must-Reads published on Fridays, our Follow the Story will put a spotlight on several articles that revolve around a topic of great relevance and interest. This week, we focus heavily on our supply chain and how the effects many of our companies are beginning to see and feel, resulting from the consequences of the whole business world chasing big AI-related profits, from the biggest drivers to soaring memory prices to CCL availability, production delays, and extraordinary price increases that continue to trend upward.

SMTA Guadalajara: 15 Years of Advancement in Electronics Manufacturing
Published September 9

In excellent coordination with the international flavors of both September issues of SMT007 Magazine and I-Connect007 Magazine (which publishes next week), I am focused on trade shows and events of note for the industry. SMTA Guadalajara, held in October, isin  high on that list. Celebrating 15 years of this event, the epic changes the region over the past decade have transformed the event's scale and energy. In her article, Ana Maria Mendoza discusses the event, the Mexican government's support for industry, and what is in store for attendees.  

Built Here, and Ready for What’s Next
Published September 8

Laura Martin of Isola pens a thoughtful narrative from the perspective of modern drone technology, and what it implies for the electronics supply chain and the additional scrutiny they will be under as this technology advances. With a naturally specific view of a materials developer, Laura writes, “Drones present an especially interesting materials challenge because there is no single drone PCB." Laura outlines specific manufacturing challenges that materials must address and reassures readers that these material requirements need not be addressed separately, while extolling the virtues of hybrid constructions. We hope to see more from Laura Martin in the future, so take a moment for this short read. 

Real Time with... THECA 2026: MKS Academy: Future of PCB Training
Published September 8

Recruiting and retention, upskilling, and a general lack of a viable workforce for electronics manufacturing are not new challenges. We have been talking about it for over two years, and many are working to remedy the issue. Among them is MKS’ Atotech, which recently announced its new MKS Academy for effective, accelerated learning that can accommodate large-scale platforms. Watch my interview with Daniel Schmidt, director of marketing and training, who emphasizes that we need everyone working on this issue to meet the workforce demands in front of us.