New A*Star platforms for semicon R&D will help Singapore companies tap growth opportunities
[SINGAPORE] To stay competitive in the growing semiconductor market, Singapore is deepening innovation with two new research and development (R&D) platforms, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng on Tuesday (May 20).
Set up by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), these are part of efforts to partner the industry to 'prepare for future growth', said Dr Tan at the opening ceremony of Semicon Southeast Asia 2025.
The global semiconductor industry is in the eye of a global trade storm, with export restrictions and the threat of upcoming tariffs, noted Dr Tan. Companies are worried about implications for demand and supply disruptions, with some putting investment decisions on hold.
Yet the semiconductor industry is resilient, and should be able to adapt and maintain 'long-term prospects for growth', he added.
This will be fuelled by megatrends such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial automation, which boost demand for high performance semiconductors for applications from consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) to 5G connectivity.
In Asean alone, noted Dr Tan, the semiconductor market is expected to almost double by 2032.
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New alliances, industry development
'Given this operating context, Singapore will carry on with our work to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new alliances in two key areas,' said Dr Tan.
These are deepening integration with like-minded countries, and working with the industry to innovate and develop the workforce.
First, with countries that are similarly committed to open and free trade, Singapore will collaborate on areas across the semiconductor value chain.
'These could include providing companies access to new supply chains and end-markets, to help them navigate global developments,' said Dr Tan.
Second, the government will work with companies to drive innovation and grow talent.
These efforts include A*Star's two R&D platforms.
One of the platforms, by A*Star's Institute of Microelectrionics (IME), is an open R&D line for 200mm silicon carbide wafers, used in electric vehicles, radio frequency devices and 5G communication systems.
It makes R&D faster by bringing the development and pilot manufacturing of such wafers under one roof, in contrast to the former 'fragmented processes' where researchers and companies had to work with multiple facilities, said A*Star in a separate statement.
Said Dr Tan: 'This is the world's first industry-grade line of its kind, and accessible for use by local companies, especially those serving the power electronics end-markets.'
Several companies have already benefited from the platform, including local startup WaferLead, he added.
The second platform is an extension of A*Star's 'lab-in-fab' initiative: a 200mm R&D and manufacturing line that focuses on piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical systems (piezoMEMS) technology.
The project began with the A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics, STMicroelectronics and Japanese vacuum manufacturer ULVAC.
In this second phase, the partnership will expand to include the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and the National University of Singapore, to further accelerate the development of new piezoelectric materials and devices.
These can potentially be used in technology such as ultrasound imaging devices, miniature speakers and smartphone cameras.
Separately, Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Netherlands' Brabant Development Agency (BOM) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic relations.
This provides a framework for Singapore and BOM to develop complementary business ecosystems, collaborating in areas such as deeptech – including semiconductors; digital research; climate-neutral energy solutions; medtech and pharmaceuticals; and sustainable food systems.
EDB and BOM will work with companies and partners in both locations to facilitate knowledge and policy exchanges, talent development initiatives, and joint research opportunities.
Talent development
Besides innovation, talent is key to the semiconductor industry's growth, said Dr Tan. 'This is another area that we are heavily invested in, and have worked with our industry partners to develop.'
For local talent, Singapore is ramping up its programmes for graduates. For instance, the Institute of Technical Education and A*Star's IME signed MOUs with GlobalFoundries, Micron and STMicroelectronics to offer student internships, staff attachments and to promote joint projects.
Singapore is also actively pursuing talent from the region, said Dr Tan. 'Given the global nature of semiconductor companies' operations, it is crucial for employees to learn from a diversity of experiences beyond Singapore.'
For instance, the Innovation Talent Exchange programme between Singapore and Vietnam will facilitate the annual exchange of up to 300 workers from each country. They can take up tech and innovation jobs – including semiconductor roles – in the other country, for up to two years.
This is the 30th edition of Semicon Southeast Asia, a regional trade exhibition for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, and the first time that it is being held in Singapore. The event is happening from May 20 to 22 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
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