Semiconductor firms urged to work with public research institutes

Semiconductor firms urged to work with public research institutes

It is hoped that with a more systematic approach to determine research areas in semiconductors, Singapore will be able to tap new advances in technology.

POSTED: 13 Oct 2015 23:16

SINGAPORE: Semiconductor firms should work more closely with public research institutes, so as to strengthen Singapore as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing - this was one of the recommendations contained in a White Paper by the Singapore Semiconductor Vision 2020 Task Force.

Other recommendations included enhancing labour productivity and improving the talent pipeline. The task force comprises representatives from organisations including A*STAR, Applied Materials SEA, GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore, the Institute of Microelectronics, Lantiq Asia Pacific, Micron, Singapore Economic Development Board, SSMC and STATS ChipPAC.

The task force hopes that by adopting a more systematic approach to determine research areas in semiconductors, it will help Singapore tap new advances in technology as well as trends such as the Internet of Things.

Said Mr Russell Tham, regional president for Applied Materials and chairman of the Singapore Semiconductor Vision 2020 Task Force: "Singapore's ability to collaborate between the public and private sector is certainly a unique strength.

“I can tell from our experiences, the collaborations that we had create a unique competitive advantage for the company - by leveraging A*STAR's research institutes, by leveraging the ability to construct models that are complementary to Singapore's interests.”

The semiconductor industry employs over 40,000 people in Singapore and has annual output of around S$50 billion.

- CNA/xq

- wong chee tat :)