A*STAR and Applied Materials Announce New Joint Lab for Semiconductor Equipment and Local Supply Chain Development

Back row from left to right: Mr Brian Tan, Regional President (South East Asia), Applied Materials; Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Trade and Industry; Mr Frederick Chew, Chief Executive Officer, A*STAR Front row from left to right: Dr Arvind Sundarrajan, Managing Director, Semiconductor Products Group, Applied Materials; Prof Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive, Science and Engineering Research Council, A*STAR

SINGAPORE, 6 September 2024 - The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Applied Materials today announced a new joint lab to collaborate on developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for semiconductor equipment and creating capabilities for the local chip ecosystem. Minister of State, Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, witnessed the signing ceremony.

The Applied Materials - A*STAR Joint Lab for Applied Process Equipment Accelerator (APEX) will focus on:

• Developing semiconductor manufacturing processes that minimise material waste and maximise resource efficiency;
• Developing components and methods to enhance the quality and functionality of semiconductor equipment targeted for ICAPS markets (IoT, Communications, Automotive, Power and Sensors); and
• Creating computer models to test, simulate and optimise new processes and designs.

The joint lab will also enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore to support development of these solutions.

A*STAR's research institutes - Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Institute of Microelectronics (IME), and Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) – will contribute their research and expertise in advanced manufacturing, materials, simulation and sensor technologies, to develop new approaches in designing and building innovative manufacturing processes and components for semiconductor equipment.

“A*STAR is excited to collaborate with Applied Materials on this joint lab, supporting their efforts to continuously innovate and advance semiconductor equipment capabilities. The joint lab will also benefit our local SMEs which have a vital role to play in supporting the growth and development of Singapore's semiconductor ecosystem. 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,” said Prof Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive, Science and Engineering Research Council, A*STAR.

“Applied Materials looks forward to building upon our successful and longstanding engagement with A*STAR by launching this joint lab designed to innovate on materials, manufacturing and components for semiconductor equipment. This collaboration supports Applied’s semiconductor product development activities in Singapore and aligns with Applied’s Singapore 2030 plan to strengthen our global manufacturing and R&D capabilities, broaden technology ecosystem partnerships in Singapore and promote local workforce development,” said Dr Arvind Sundarrajan, Semiconductor Products Group Managing Director, Applied Materials.

A*STAR and Applied Materials have collaborated in the field of semiconductors for more than 10 years. This includes the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Advanced Packaging in Singapore to accelerate materials, equipment and process technology solutions for advanced 3D chip integration technologies.

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About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.

About Applied Materials

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations make possible a better future. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.