A*Star, Applied Materials launch lab to develop semiconductor equipment and local supply chain
It will strengthen Singapore’s position in the semiconductor equipment and advanced manufacturing arenas: Minister of State Alvin Tan
THE Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) and semiconductor giant Applied Materials have jointly launched a lab to develop solutions for semiconductor equipment and create capabilities for Singapore’s chip ecosystem.
The Applied Materials-A*Star Joint Lab for Applied Process Equipment Accelerator, or Apex for short, will develop semiconductor manufacturing processes that minimise material waste and maximise resource efficiency. It also aims to develop components and methods to improve equipment for the Internet of Things, communications, automotive, power and sensors markets, and to create computer models to test, simulate and optimise new processes and designs.
A*Star’s research institutes will contribute their research and expertise to develop new approaches in designing and building innovative manufacturing processes and components for semiconductor equipment, the parties said in a Friday (Sep 6) statement.
It will also support Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises. Professor Lim Keng Hui, who is assistant chief executive of the Science and Engineering Research Council in A*Star, said: “Our goal is to equip them with the expertise and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality and reliable semiconductor components, enabling them to grow in capabilities and competitiveness, and move up the global value chain.”
Dr Arvind Sundarrajan, semiconductor products group managing director in Applied Materials, added: “This collaboration supports Applied’s semiconductor product development activities in Singapore, and aligns with its ‘Singapore 2030’ plan to strengthen its global manufacturing and R&D capabilities, broaden technology ecosystem partnerships in Singapore, and promote local workforce development.”
A*Star and Applied Materials have collaborated in the semiconductor field for more than 10 years.
Apex was launched at the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology’s Manufacturing Innovation & Technology Conference 2024 on Thursday. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan outlined the government’s efforts to grow the local advanced manufacturing innovation ecosystem, but also noted the importance of public-private partnerships in this space.
“The lab will further ongoing efforts by Applied Materials and A*Star in developing semiconductor equipment and improve local supply chains,” he said, adding: “This also deepens the partnerships between MNCs (multinational corporations) and local companies, connecting them into global value chains.”
Singapore is “a critical node” in the global supply chain for semiconductor equipment, given that one in five units of equipment is assembled in the city-state. This lab will further strengthen the Republic’s position in the industry, Tan pointed out.
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