Singapore

Singapore is an integral part of the global semiconductor supply chain. The country’s semicon sector accounts for 10% of all chips produced worldwide and approximately 20% of global semiconductor manufacturing equipment production. The semiconductor sector employs about 35,000 people and accounts for almost 20 per cent of the country’s manufacturing output. The entire semiconductor value chain is housed in Singapore, and investments are still growing. The Dutch sector is well represented, companies like ASML, ASM, NXP, VDL ETG and NTS are all active in Singapore, with VDL and NTS in the midst of expansion of their operations.

Facts & Figures

Recent Investments:

• NXP and Vanguard announced a joint venture to produce 130 to 40 nanometer chips using TSMC-developed technology. The investment totals US$7.8 billion in a new wafer manufacturing plant in Singapore (June 2024). Read more: NXP, TSMC-backed Vanguard to invest US$7.8 billion in Singapore wafer manufacturing plant – CNA
• A*STAR and Applied Materials opened a joint lab to develop cost-effective semiconductor equipment solutions and bolster the local chip ecosystem (September 2024). Read more: A*STAR & Applied Materials Open Joint Lab for Semiconductor, Supply Chain

R&D Strategy and Focus:

Singapore houses three major public research institutions focusing on semiconductor innovation. The Singaporean public institutes are working closely with industry partners, the government provides subsidies and support for industry partnerships.

• A*STAR: Specializes in advanced packaging, IC design, and photonics. Collaborations include PhotonDelta, BESI, ASM, and discussions with TU/e.
• National University of Singapore (NUS): Conducts research on hybrid integration, photonics, and system design. Active collaborations with Dutch institutions, including the University of Twente.
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Leads in RF, mixed-signal design, AI edge computing ICs, and 3D integration technologies. Collaborates with TU Delft and other Dutch experts.

Human Capital:

Singapore has robust talent development programs, supported by the Economic Development Board and A*STAR, offering scholarships, exchange programs, and industry-relevant training. Dutch universities, such as TUD and TU/e, maintain exchange programs with Singaporean institutions like NUS and NTU.

• Economic Development Board (similar to NFIA) is working with industry and SG institutes on talent programmes for IC design, amongst which an IC design summer camp. In addition a postgraduate IC design (MSc) has been set up.
• A*STAR has programmes to attract international talent with a pre-graduate research attachement (3rd and 4th year Bachelors), research attachment programme for PhDs and a 4-year PhD programme in collab with NUS, NTU, SUTD and SMU. A*STAR also provides scholarships for talents outbound (Bachelor, Master, PhD and Postdoc (National Science Scholarship).
• National University of Singapore has university wide student exchange with Dutch universities: TUD, TU/e, UVA, UT and has this year launched Msc Semiconductor Technology and Operations.
• Nanyang Technological University offers Graduate programmes on IC and attachments with the Centre for Integrated Circuits and Systems.

Upcoming Activities

• An integrated photonics innovation mission is planned in collaboration with PhotonDelta, aligned with the Asia Photonics Expo (26-28 February) and Semicon Southeast Asia (20-22 May).
• The Netherlands Pavilion at Semicon Southeast Asia (20-22 May) will feature Dutch companies, organized by Brabant Development Agency in close collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy in Singapore (incl. Netherlands Innovation Network).