Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)’s Post

🌟 Singapore's Semiconductor Revolution: Breaking New Ground! Exciting news from Singapore's tech sector! Recent reports from Channel News Asia reveal Singapore's expansion in semiconductor capabilities with new wafer fab parks. This strategic move involves extensive land preparation to meet the increasing global demand for semiconductors. These endeavors not only boost Singapore's manufacturing capabilities but also solidify its crucial role in shaping the future of technology. 🔍 Key Highlights: - Expansion Initiatives: Increasing land allocation to enhance semiconductor production capacity. - Global Demand: Meeting the rising worldwide demand for semiconductors in diverse industries. - Innovation Hub: Reinforcing Singapore's position as a global technology and innovation hub. - Sustainability Commitment: Incorporating eco-friendly practices into manufacturing processes. 🌍 Singapore's proactive approach highlights its dedication to driving technological progress globally. Stay informed as these advancements pave the way for a sustainable and innovative future! Read more about it here. #Semiconductors #SingaporeTech #Innovation #Manufacturing #GlobalTech #Sustainability #FutureReady

Merck has inaugurated its latest Spin-On-Dielectric (SOD) Application Center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, as part of its continued investment in the semiconductor industry. This facility, the second of its kind in Asia, will enhance Merck’s ability to meet customer needs, particularly Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. SOD materials play a critical role in semiconductor manufacturing, enabling the miniaturization and performance optimization of chips. The new center will support the development of advanced SOD materials for memory and logic chips, in line with the growing demands of artificial intelligence. This expansion is part of Merck’s €600 million investment in Korea, announced in 2021, with more than half already spent. The facility strengthens Korea’s position as a key innovation hub for Merck, and according to Kai Beckmann, CEO of Merck’s electronics division, the lab will drive crucial breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. Merck remains committed to advancing chip materials and supporting its Korean partners, reinforcing its role as a leader in the global semiconductor market. Thanks again to The Korea Herald for the full article with more background and insights click the source link in the comments below 💡 🙏👇 #Semiconductors #Innovation #SODTechnology #Merck #AI #R&D #TechIndustry #ChipManufacturing #KoreaTech #Electronics #CONNECT #COLLABORATE #COMMUNITY

#Poland, Europe's top destination for back-end semiconductor production According to recent research by Kearney, #Poland has emerged as a key contender in the global #semiconductormanufacturing ecosystem, particularly in the back-end segment. As #semiconductor demand grows amid increasing digitalisation, #geopolitical tensions, and the rise of #electricvehicles, countries globally are competing to enhance their domestic semiconductor production capabilities. #Consulting firm Kearney has taken a deep dive into which countries are poised to benefit from this crucial industry shift with its “Back-End Semiconductor Manufacturing Attractiveness Index” – which puts #Poland as the top #European location. Poland is, according to Kearney’s research, the frontrunner among EU countries and regions, and the fifth most attractive country globally. But why is that? Well for one, the country’s strategic location within the European Union provides it with a significant advantage. ... and for more? A big thank you again to Dennis Dahlgren for the full article with more background and insights via the link below 💡🙏👇 https://lnkd.in/gnS2pmzs #semiconductorindustry #semiconductors #foundry #ic #icdesign #it #ai #geopolitics #technology #tech #europeanunion #subsidies #aiot

Malaysia is becoming the new hub for tech manufacturing, with companies like AT&S, #Intel, and #Nvidia investing billions into the country's burgeoning semiconductor sector. Check out this insightful article by Patricia Cohen to learn more about how Malaysia is reshaping the global tech supply chain: https://lnkd.in/ecTNGfNU #manufacturing #semiconductors #Malaysia #supplychain #diversification #nytimes

🚀𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆💡 In today’s global tech landscape, Japan is making bold moves to cement its position as a key player in the semiconductor industry. Here’s a snapshot of the strategic initiatives: 🔧 $𝟳.𝟱 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: over the next five years, Japan is investing heavily in advancing semiconductor materials and equipment, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of technology innovation. 📉 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: a 10-year program offering a 20% corporate income tax reduction for semiconductor businesses, providing significant financial relief and encouraging more investments in this critical sector. 🏗️ 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 👉Samsung Semiconductor is exploring a new chip-packaging test line near its Yokohama R&D center. 👉TSMC plans a $7 billion chip plant on Kyushu Island for 12 nm to 28 nm chip production. 👉Micron Technology is pioneering EUV technology in Japan with up to $3.5 billion in investments, backed by Japanese government support. 🏭 Foundry start-up Rapidus: with strong backing from the Japanese government and major conglomerates, Rapidus Corporation has started construction on a cutting-edge chip fab in Hokkaido. Set to begin pilot production in 2025, this facility will focus on advanced 2 nm chips. Check the photo below to see how these strategies are positioning Japan within the global semiconductor industry. Source Arthur D. Little: https://lnkd.in/duDaxCQV #Semiconductors #Japan #TechInnovation #EconomicSecurity #Investments #SemiconductorIndustry #EUV #AdvancedTech

Meshd sits right at the intersection of what’s happening in deep tech and talent markets in Japan and Asia. Talent shortages in many corners of the deep tech ecosystem are very real, creating very tangible demand for international talents to join companies and projects in the region. Recently in Malaysia, was talking with Sam Baxendale at Kinetik Hiring about similar trends impacting the massive influx of FDI into Malaysian semiconductor markets as well. It’ll be interesting to see how this how plays out and I’m personsally very keen to see how ZooKeep can provide tooling to the ecosystem to reduce frictions ubiquitously existent in TA operations in the region. #talent #deeptech

Singapore Prepares More Land to Woo Semiconductor Giants Looking to Ride AI Wave Summary: Singapore is expanding its wafer fabrication parks by 11% to attract more semiconductor giants, a strategic move spearheaded by government industrial planner JTC. This expansion, set to be completed by the end of 2024, aims to capitalize on the growing demand for semiconductor chips driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). The semiconductor sector is vital to Singapore's economy, employing over 18,000 people and contributing nearly 20% to the country’s manufacturing output. Manufacturing remains Singapore’s largest industry, accounting for more than 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Currently, nine of the world's top 15 semiconductor firms, including Micron and Siltronic, have established operations in Singapore. These companies are concentrated in four wafer fabrication parks located in Pasir Ris, Tampines, Woodlands, and the North Coast. The new land, primarily in the eastern region, will offer customized infrastructure such as roads and water piping, crucial for the delicate process of chip manufacturing. GlobalFoundries, a significant player in Singapore's semiconductor landscape, recently expanded its facilities by 23,000 sqm to meet rising demand. The company’s presence in Singapore, facilitated by JTC’s infrastructure support, highlights the strategic importance of the nation in the global semiconductor supply chain. As regional competition intensifies, Singapore is also enhancing its business parks with amenities like food and beverage services, retail outlets, and childcare facilities, aiming to create vibrant environments conducive to business growth and innovation. #Singapore #Semiconductor #AI #Manufacturing #Expansion #JTC #GlobalFoundries #TechIndustry #EconomicGrowth

KIKUYO, Japan—It was a signature feat for the country that made industrial policy famous. In less than two years, an $8.6 billion semiconductor factory on a plot the size of 40 football fields sprang up amid the cabbage fields here. The Japanese government, eager to boost the country’s standing as a chip-making hub, provided more than $3 billion in subsidies for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and helped round up thousands of workers to construct the buildings. The plant, operated by TSMC subsidiary Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, is set to start mass production this year on schedule. Across the Pacific in Phoenix, TSMC is also building a semiconductor plant—but there are some differences. The Biden administration hasn’t committed to giving the company money. TSMC encountered resistance bringing in the Taiwanese specialists that the company said it needed to build the plant. And the company has backtracked from its original schedule, planning to open its first plant in 2025 instead of this year, while pushing back a second plant at least a year to 2027 or later. The two projects aren’t identical: The U.S. plant is bigger and slated to make more advanced chips. TSMC has said it doesn’t believe the U.S. and Japan projects should be compared because of differences in setup and scope. Still, the diverging timelines point to the experience and funding gap between the U.S. and Japan when it comes to the government directing high-tech investment. The U.S. is laying down more conditions that can slow down the process, say people involved in the projects. “I think there’s something of a culture of speed in Asia,” said Tokyo Electron CEO Toshiki Kawai, whose company supplies chip-making equipment to TSMC.

Singapore got lucky. As in Luck = Oppty meets prep. Again as semicon companies diversify away from Europe (costs and regulations), and North Asia (Taiwan Straits) that means that the forces of globalisation that favoured China over SEA has reversed. "Southeast Asia is emerging as a force in technology manufacturing, helped by relatively low labor costs, ample technology talent and its proximity to major Asian consumer markets. Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Nvidia Corp. are among the companies spending billions of dollars in the region of nearly 700 million people, as China turns more hostile to US firms and India remains practically and politically challenging to navigate." For Singapore, this investment ticks all the right boxes, except cutting edge. "The new factory will make silicon wafers with a 12-inch diameter, which are more advanced than the 8-inch ones fabricated at Vanguard’s existing facility in Singapore. Most new chip plants globally use 12-inch wafers because that gives a higher chip output per wafer." We dun really care, as long as it provides jobs and it is sort of ahead of Malaysia on the tech curve. (Not a competition, as Singapore gets too costly for trailing tech, they move to Malaysia) "The wafers from the new facility will form the basis of relatively mature 130-nanometer to 40-nanometer chips that aren’t as cutting-edge as those made by TSMC in Taiwan. They will be used for functions such as power control in automotive, industrial, consumer and mobile products." So as long as it enters the ecosystem, the whole ecosystem benefits - given its compact size, the foundries, suppliers are all IN THE SAME CITY. Frictionlessness - relative to Malaysia. However, we are still very far from cutting edge, which is okay, since we are no longer (after Chartered Semicon) in the business of building national champions in this space.