#Singapore #Kulicke and Soffa #K&S #Lester Wong

Kulicke and Soffa Industries Announces Leadership Transition

On October 28, 2025, Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: KLIC), a prominent entity in semiconductor assembly technology, revealed a significant transition in its leadership. Dr. Fusen Chen, who has led the company as President and CEO, will retire due to health reasons effective December 1, 2025. Under his leadership over the past nine years, Kulicke and Soffa made substantial strides in innovation and operational excellence, considerably impacting its market position.

With Dr. Chen's decision to step down, the Board of Directors has appointed Lester Wong, the existing Executive Vice President of Finance and IT and Chief Financial Officer, as the Interim CEO. Wong, who holds extensive experience within the company, will ensure a seamless transition while maintaining his current responsibilities. Dr. Chen will continue to support the company as an advisor during a 12-month period following his official retirement date.

In a statement, Peter Kong, Chairman of the KS Board, expressed gratitude for Dr. Chen’s contributions, highlighting that his visionary guidance played a fundamental role in securing the company's market position. “Fusen’s dedication has enabled KS to grow and create value for shareholders. His legacy will inspire our organization for years to come,” remarked Kong, underscoring the impact of Dr. Chen’s tenure.

Dr. Chen also reflected on his rewarding journey, conveying appreciation for his team and affirming their collective resilience in overcoming global challenges while building on over 75 years of innovation. He insisted on his confidence in Kulicke and Soffa’s engaging future, despite his departure.

Meanwhile, the Board has initiated an exhaustive search to find a permanent successor who can continue the momentum established by Dr. Chen. The search will consider internal talents and external candidates, seeking a leader capable of further expanding the company’s market share and enhancing its product portfolio.

Kong also mentioned the importance of continuity during this critical time. He affirmed, “Together with the Board, I will assist Lester and the Executive Leadership Team in ensuring the continuity of leadership, stability, and strategic focus of the Company.” He emphasized that this collaborative approach is vital as they navigate a phase of exciting growth fueled by improvements in core markets, capacity expansion, and strong demand in innovative sectors such as AI, electric vehicles, and power semiconductors.

Moving forward, Kulicke and Soffa is focused on investing in next-generation solutions, including the ATPremier MEM Plus™ technology, while expanding capabilities in fluxless thermocompression bonding and chiplet integration. With solid financial health and a clear strategic roadmap, the company is poised to meet emerging customer needs and deliver long-term value.

In light of the leadership transition announcement, Kulicke and Soffa also reaffirmed its outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, which will be disclosed in detail during the upcoming financial results announcement scheduled for November 19, 2025.

As the new Interim CEO, Lester Wong expressed eagerness to step into this role and collaborate closely with the Board and the executive leadership team as they pave the way for identifying a permanent CEO to guide KS into its next chapter. Wong’s wealth of experience within the company and his established strategy are anticipated to foster continued growth, reinforcing Kulicke and Soffa’s leading position in semiconductor assembly technology and ultimately unlocking significant shareholder value.