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Leading Singapore on a Quest for World-Class Independent R&D Capabilities: Professor Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy Chief Executive at A*STAR
As the tech war between China and the US intensifies, Singapore must strengthen its research and development capabilities in the semiconductor field to remain competitive. With limited resources, Singapore must invest precisely in areas where it holds a competitive advantage, such as equipment manufacturing, advanced packaging, third-generation semiconductors and silicon photonics. Achieving this requires tech leaders with the acumen to identify industry trends, translate R&D breakthroughs into market-ready solutions, and attract international talent. From setting the research direction to commercialising R&D outcomes and talent recruitment, every step is crucial. In this week's profile, we invite tech leader Professor Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy Chief Executive at A*STAR, to share his insights and exciting perspective of a scientist and the invaluable support he has received from his family.
A decade ago, Professor Yeo Yee Chia of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the National University of Singapore (NUS) was invited to meet Morris Chang, the founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for a one-to-one talk.
Chang convinced him to relocate to Taiwan to help overcome technological barriers and join a team to advance semiconductor technologies.
Return to Singapore After Eight Years in Taiwan's Chip Industry
From 2014 to 2022, Yeo stood at the frontline of the global tech war. His main opponents were Korea's Samsung and US chipmaker Intel.
As Director of Research and Development at TSMC, he contributed to the development of the world's most advanced semiconductor chips. During these eight years, TSMC successfully developed industry-leading 7nm, 5nm, and 3nm process chips.
A nanometre (nm) is one millionth of a millimetre (mm), and the 3nm chip can hold at least 50 billion transistors. The more transistors there are, and the smaller they are, the faster the computing speed and the greater the energy efficiency.
TSMC has since surpassed its competitors, producing more than 90 percent of the world's most advanced chips.
Having fought and won the battle of chips, Yeo reflected on his purpose in life. He wanted to do something out of his love for his family and Singapore.
In September 2022, Yeo returned to serve Singapore. He joined the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and leveraged his experience to help integrate its research units, technological development in universities and enterprises, and talent cultivation.
In just two years, he was promoted from Executive Director to Deputy Chief Executive (Innovation and Enterprise). This underscores the urgent need for Singapore's research community to have leaders with practical industry experience to navigate and lead in the fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving technological landscape.
AI Can Save the World, but Needs Rescuing Itself
As one of Singapore's leading scientists, Yeo Yee Chia's research may seem profound, but it is actually closely related to our daily lives.
Yeo has dedicated himself to improving the processing speed and energy efficiency of semiconductor chips, which are widely used in mobile phones, computers, washing machines, cars, artificial intelligence, as well as military and medical technology. The continuous advancements in their functionality are often closely linked to his research breakthroughs.
Two of his latest breakthroughs include his 302nd US patent, awarded on 17 December 2024, which focuses on optimisation of chip architecture and connectivity to enhance computational power, performance, and energy efficiency.
And while AI is said to be able to solve many problems in today's world, its power consumption is shockingly high. A*STAR is working hard to solve this "power monster" problem. "Some say AI can save the world," he joked, "We say we need to rescue AI."
Yeo's team recently developed Co-Package Optics (CPO) technology, which integrates optical components into chips for data transmission. This innovation uses short-distance optical transmission to connect different machines and transmit data optically between chips. According to his calculations, compared to traditional plug-and-play optical modules, a large-scale AI data centre consuming 300 MW of power can achieve savings of at least 15 MW, equivalent to the monthly electricity consumption of 28,800 four-room HDB flats (assuming each flat consumes approximately 375 kWh of electricity per month).
China-US Tech War Bad for Production and Innovation
Singapore is facing spillover risks from the escalating US-China tech war. In recent years, the United States has implemented a "small yard, high fence" export control strategy aimed at restricting China's ability to acquire or manufacture advanced chips, to bolster its own tech and military superiority. The policy has affected companies based in Singapore and Malaysia with Chinese investments and have further limited the export of traditional, mature chips where China holds a competitive edge, to the US market.
Commenting on the intensifying US-China tech war, Yeo expressed his concerns that stifled technological exchange will slow the pace of innovation, albeit Singapore having benefited by becoming the manufacturing base of choice for more tech companies.
He noted that if the tech war divides the global semiconductor supply chain into pro-US or pro-China factions, resulting in trade restrictions, production will decrease, driving up prices. Additionally, reduced production volumes will slow down learning and hinder innovation in the industry.
In December, Yeo attended the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) in the US, widely regarded as the premier event in the semiconductor industry. He observed that scientists from top universities in the US and China presented their research, with Beijing University standing out by publishing 14 papers (Singapore contributed nine). However, he noted a lack of deep interaction between Chinese scientists and their international counterparts, and lack of participation from top Chinese semiconductor companies. In contrast, big players from the US and Singapore were well-represented at the event.
Over the past few decades, globalisation has driven the growth of the semiconductor industry in areas such as technology, devices, and materials, Yeo observed. Different countries have leveraged their unique strengths, benefitting collectively from an integrated industrial supply chain. Today, this chain is being broken up, impacting relationships between businesses, customers, and suppliers, as well as hindering scientific collaboration and exchange – which will slow down the industry's development.
Singapore, with its friendly relations with both the US and China, along with its stable political and economic environment and robust infrastructure, has been viewed by many Western corporations as a "buffer zone" for establishing or expanding production facilities outside China, the US, and the Taiwan Strait region. One example is the VisionPower (VSMC) wafer fabrication plant, a S$10.5 billion joint venture between Taiwan's Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS) and Dutch semiconductor firm NXP, which began construction on 4 December last year.
Chinese tech companies including the likes of Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, Huawei and Xiaomi, have set up operational bases in Singapore, with a number also conducting R&D activities here.
He commented, "Singapore has always benefitted from multi-party cooperation due to its neutral stance, and products and technology from Singapore can be sold all over the world."
"But now, even if something is manufactured in Singapore, the use of US technology or Western equipment means that the product may not be sold to China. I feel that there is much to worry about for deglobalisation."
If Singapore Can't Keep Up, The World Won't Need Us Anymore
Data shows that Singapore currently manufactures 20% of the world's semiconductor equipment and over 10% of its chips. The country also accounts for 5% of global wafer capacity, with the semiconductor industry contributing 7% to Singapore's GDP.
Against the backdrop of a decoupling global supply chain and market, Singapore will find it increasingly challenging to maintain its position of benefiting from both sides. Yeo emphasised that Singapore's research strategy in the US-China tech war is to maintain market relevance and stay at the cutting edge through continuous innovation. "Semiconductor technology is advancing rapidly; if you fail to keep up, you'll fall behind. And if Singapore doesn't keep up, the world won't need us anymore."
But before stepping on the accelerator, it's essential to determine the direction and assess the road ahead—this applies to the research field as well. Yeo highlighted that Singapore's research community closely monitors industry dynamics and major trends, and has already identified priority projects for development and commercialisation. These include device manufacturing, advanced packaging, third-generation semiconductor, and silicon photonics.
Goal: To Retain a Fifth of The Market Share in Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing
Yeo observed that while Singapore has limited resources and cannot manufacture the most advanced chips, it has made significant contributions to the development of advanced chip manufacturing equipment. He expressed hope that the country will continue to maintain a "one-fifth market share" in this sector.
As semiconductor structures approach their physical limits, the future lies in developing advanced packaging technologies. This involves stacking or connecting chips with different functions, much like "building skyscrapers," to enable efficient data transmission between them. This presents opportunities for cutting-edge technologies and creates immense business potential.
Additionally, with the growing adoption of mobile phones and electric vehicles (EVs), demand for third-generation gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors—which offer superior heat resistance and charging performance—is on the rise. In anticipation of these future developments, Singapore established the National Gallium Nitride Technology Centre (NGTC) in 2022.
Silicon photonics is another key focus for A*STAR. It offers high-speed, energy-efficient, and cost-effective transmission capabilities, particularly for powering AI data centres.
Three-Pronged Approach to Achieving World-Class Independent R&D Capabilities
With greater clarity on strategic positioning and direction, Yeo Yee Chia publicly pledged through Lianhe Zaobao his commitment to "lead Singapore in the pursuit of world-class independent R&D capabilities." To achieve this, he proposed a three-pronged approach: collaborating with multinational corporations (MNCs) on R&D, supporting the growth of local companies, and attracting global talent while nurturing local talent.
First, collaborating with MNCs on R&D. This approach will benefit both the global and Singapore semiconductor ecosystems. One notable example is the partnership with Applied Materials, the world's largest supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which established a joint laboratory in Singapore in September 2024. Additionally, an advanced packaging technology R&D platform was launched in November of the same year.
Second, supporting the growth of local companies. In April 2024, A*STAR established the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) to expand R&D capabilities and nurture local talent. The centre focuses on emerging fields such as flat optics and silicon photonics while providing companies and researchers with access to cleanrooms and semiconductor infrastructure, lowering the high barriers to entry for startups and researchers, and offers intellectual property protection and support.
In 2018, A*STAR spun off Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF), which specialises in silicon photonics technology widely used in fibre-optic communications. Yeo believes AMF has significant potential and could grow in the silicon photonics space if it embraces innovation.
He emphasised the importance of aligning Singapore's R&D efforts with commercialisation and market needs, working closely with industry to assess risks and transform research into scalable products and equipment. The ultimate goal is to bring economic and societal benefits through these innovations.
Yeo also highlighted the need to build on Singapore's long-standing reputation for international trust. He pointed to TSMC as an example, noting its ability to consistently earn trust and serve global clients over the long term. "The secret is to remain neutral, safeguard confidentiality, avoid competing with clients for business. These principles have enabled win-win collaborations with multinational giants, even those that are competitors."
Actively Reaching Out to Talent: Cultivating the Spirit of Craftsmanship in the Semiconductor Industry
Third, attracting global talent while nurturing local talent. During his time at TSMC, he was involved in launching a global talent recruitment initiative. He and his team conducted an extensive search, identifying professors in scientific fields from globally renowned universities who were fluent in both English and Chinese. They reached out to each one individually, inviting them to collaborate or join the company.
Yeo's eagerness to recruit talent is also evident in his daily work at A*STAR. Just a day before the interview, Yeo had conducted virtual interviews with several overseas scientists. With a smile, he remarked, "The bottom line is, if someone is talented, we must reach out to them."
On the talent development front, Yeo had already made significant contributions during his time teaching at the National University of Singapore's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where he mentored 44 PhD students. At A*STAR, he continues to encourage young interns to participate in research and development. Among his PhD students, more than 60% have entered the tech industry, including his prized protégé, Associate Professor Gong Xiao (41) of NUS and a Senior Principal Scientist at the ASTAR Institute of Microelectronics (A*STAR IME).
"In the semiconductor field, the spirit of craftsmanship is essential. Only through continuous training can we achieve excellence. We must also nurture leaders from within. I constantly think about passing the baton to successors and ensuring the team has a strong lineup of backups—just like a good football team, where the bench needs to be deep. My hope is that one day, the team will thrive even without me and perform even better."
Yeo believes Singapore has considerable advantages in attracting and retaining talent, including a strong education system, a green and liveable city, and a diverse selection of local and international cuisine. However, for researchers, the most compelling factor is the opportunity Singapore provides to work on research topics with the potential to make a global impact.
"We have many research projects now, but we must better align these topics with the most critical issues in the industry. A*STAR aims to be the bridge connecting academia and industry, making sharp judgments on R&D directions and business opportunities. In this respect, we can also borrow from the evaluation and assessment of both internal and external experts."
Taking Night Flights on Budget Airlines to Visit Family Every Two Weeks
When discussing his achievements, it is impossible to overlook his wife, Ng Jiak Lui, who has quietly supported him from behind the scenes, allowing him to focus on his work without worries. She is of the same age as Yeo, is a private tutor and a former secondary school Chinese teacher. The couple has two children: their son Sheyuan Yeo (24), who has just graduated with a double degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, and their daughter Zixuan Yeo (20), a sophomore majoring in Life Sciences.
Yeo shared a family photo, recounting that it was taken on National Day last year. The family had dinner on the rooftop of an ordinary restaurant along South Bridge Road before watching the National Day fireworks together.
Having meals together as a family is a simple joy, but it did not come easy.
Ten years ago, when he was invited to join TSMC's R&D team, Yeo held multiple family discussions to ensure that his wife and children supported the decision before resolutely moving to Taiwan. His children chose to remain in Singapore under the care of their mother.
What he didn't expect was that this would turn into an eight-year journey. In Taiwan, Yeo took on heavy responsibilities, leading efforts in the fiercely competitive chip wars. His first trip back home was more than two months later, under the pretext of chairing an international scientific conference in Singapore, which also served as an opportunity to visit his family.
It was during that visit that he realised just how much he missed his family. From then on, for several consecutive years, he adhered to an intense schedule, taking budget flights every two weeks to be with them. Every Friday after work, he would head straight to Taoyuan Airport to catch the 7:50 PM flight back to Singapore, then return to Taiwan on Scoot's early Monday morning flight at 1:00 AM from Changi Airport.
He candidly admitted that it was he who needed his family more than they needed him. "My wife has always been strong; it's me who needs her support more."
He described his wife as a humble person with simple needs, who is easily contented. He knows well that she has supported his research career without complaint for years, but what she values most is for the family to spend more time together.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and borders were closed, Yeo was unable to return home for an extended period. It was then that he made the firm decision to return to Singapore, take on new challenges at A*STAR, and contribute to the nation's industrial and economic development.
Last year, he was also sent to Harvard Business School, where he attended an 11-week management programme. Through studying 115 case studies of successes and failures from various countries and major corporations, he reflected on national research strategies, improving institutional governance, and nurturing talent.
Becoming A Scientist in Singapore Is Not an Unattainable Dream
Speaking about being a scientist in Singapore, Yeo shared the privilege of frequently attending international conferences, exchanging ideas with esteemed masters in the field, and tackling high-value scientific problems that benefit humanity. With a sparkle in his eyes, he remarked, "This is a vantage point like no other."
He encouraged young people aspiring to pursue research careers to join the field, suggesting that they start by participating in A*STAR's internship programmes. "You'll discover that being a scientist in Singapore is not an unattainable dream," he said.
Yeo predicts that scientific breakthroughs in the next 20 years will become increasingly challenging as humanity approaches the physical limits of materials and devices.
However, with a smile, he added, "We have achieved major breakthroughs in the past and overcome barriers that were once thought insurmountable, thanks to many clever scientists and engineers in our industry who have been adaptive and innovative. I think we need plenty of new blood to help us find a new way forward."
Source: Lianhe Zaobao © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
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