On June 12, a German supplier of semiconductor materials formally unveiled a $2.9 billion advanced production facility here. The 150,000-square-meter Tampines factory, Siltronic’s third in Singapore, manufactures silicon wafers for semiconductors used in mobile devices, electric cars, and data centers.
The plant, which is scheduled to generate up to 100,000 wafers per month by the end of 2024, has launched Singapore’s first silicon wafer epitaxy capabilities. Epitaxy is a method that improves the electrical conductivity of wafers. According to Siltronic, the plant currently employs 300 people, but that number is expected to increase to 600 by 2028, with positions ranging from engineers to information technology specialists.
On June 12, Chief Executive Michael Heckmeier stated that developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are driving the increasing need for semiconductors.
He further stated, “Singapore is an excellent location in terms of consumer proximity… There is also a strong staff and a dependable infrastructure here.”
Dr. Heckmeier stated that the center will get additional investment in the future years. Siltronic established itself here in 1997 and began making 200mm wafers in 1999. In 2006, it collaborated with Korean tech giant Samsung to produce 300mm wafers at a second facility. The new factory will also produce 300mm wafers. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, speaking at the inaugural event, stated that the digital and green revolutions will make semiconductors increasingly more important.
He stated: “Building a smarter, safer, greener and healthier world will require more chips, particularly more advanced chips, that can drive breakthroughs in quantum computing, develop AI applications, and deploy green technologies.” DPM Heng said that governments throughout the world are increasingly recognising semiconductors’ potential to develop economies and improve people’s lives.
He stated that Singapore collaborates with partners from all over the world to enhance semiconductor supply and value chains, adding, “These partnerships have contributed to our economic growth and created good, high-quality jobs for our people.”
Global semiconductor sales totalled approximately US$530 billion (S$716.7 billion) in 2023 and are predicted to reach US$1 trillion by 2030. Singapore’s semiconductor industry contributes for about 25% of the total industrial value added.
