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The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and a leader in materials engineering solutions have announced a new joint lab aimed at advancing semiconductor equipment innovation and bolstering Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The partnership was formalised in a signing ceremony attended by Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan. The initiative will focus on the development of innovative, cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing processes and create new capabilities for local industries.
The new facility, known as the Applied Materials-A*STAR Joint Lab for Applied Process Equipment Accelerator (APEX), will work toward three main objectives. First, it aims to develop semiconductor manufacturing processes that minimise material waste while maximising resource efficiency, ensuring a more sustainable approach to production.
Second, the lab will focus on improving the quality and functionality of semiconductor equipment, particularly for markets in IoT, communications, automotive, power, and sensors. Finally, the lab will utilise computer models to simulate and optimise new processes and designs, allowing for more precise and efficient equipment manufacturing.
This collaboration will also provide opportunities for Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to contribute to the development of these solutions. The joint lab will enable local SMEs to integrate into the semiconductor supply chain by equipping them with the necessary expertise to produce high-quality semiconductor components.
This will help SMEs enhance their capabilities and competitiveness, allowing them to move up the global value chain and strengthen Singapore’s role in the international semiconductor market.
Several A*STAR research institutes will contribute their expertise to the collaboration, including the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), the Institute of High-Performance Computing (IHPC), the Institute of Microelectronics (IME), and the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE).
These institutes will provide insights into advanced manufacturing, materials research, simulation technologies, and sensor technologies, enabling innovative approaches to the design and production of semiconductor manufacturing processes and components. This interdisciplinary expertise will be crucial in driving the success of the joint lab’s objectives.
Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of A*STAR’s Science and Engineering Research Council, highlighted the importance of the joint lab, stating that it represents a significant step in advancing semiconductor equipment capabilities. He emphasised that the collaboration will not only benefit the company but also strengthen the role of Singapore’s SMEs in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Professor Lim noted that by working with the company that is a leader in materials engineering solutions, local SMEs would gain the knowledge and skills needed to produce reliable and high-quality semiconductor components, helping them grow in both capabilities and competitiveness. This, in turn, will support the broader goal of enhancing Singapore’s position in the global semiconductor industry.
Dr Arvind Sundarrajan, Managing Director of the Semiconductor Products Group at the company, echoed this sentiment. He expressed excitement about the company’s longstanding partnership with A*STAR and the opportunities the joint lab will provide.
According to Dr Sundarrajan, the lab will play a crucial role in the company’s semiconductor product development activities in Singapore. It also aligns with the company’s broader Singapore 2030 plan, which seeks to strengthen its global manufacturing and R&D capabilities, expand partnerships within Singapore’s technology ecosystem, and promote workforce development.
The partnership between ASTAR and this company builds on over a decade of collaboration in the semiconductor field. Notably, the two organisations previously established the Center of Excellence in Advanced Packaging in Singapore, which focuses on accelerating materials, equipment, and process technology solutions for advanced 3D chip integration.
Through initiatives like these, ASTAR and their partners continue to push the boundaries of semiconductor innovation and drive growth in Singapore’s semiconductor sector.
