Applied Materials and NUS Collaborate to Expand Semiconductor Research Laboratory
Applied Materials South East Asia Pte. Ltd. and the National University of Singapore (NUS) are expanding their collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing semiconductor research capabilities and talent development in Singapore. This initiative is supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) as part of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) strategy.
Expansion of the Applied Materials-NUS Advanced Materials Corporate Lab
The Applied Materials-NUS Advanced Materials Corporate Lab, which was established on the NUS Kent Ridge campus in 2018, plans to increase its capacity by installing advanced semiconductor process equipment in an upgraded, more spacious cleanroom. The collaboration will also focus on developing programs to strengthen Singapore’s talent pipeline in the semiconductor sector.
Ceremony and Notable Attendees
A ceremony marking this next phase of the Corporate Lab took place on October 24, 2024, at NUS, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat as the Guest-of-Honour, along with industry representatives and participants from the local research ecosystem.
Statements of Commitment and Progress
Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, noted that the Corporate Lab’s establishment six years ago has led to significant advancements, with numerous innovations moving from research into practical applications. He expressed confidence in the potential for future collaborations with Applied Materials to further enhance semiconductor science and technology.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
Dr. Satheesh Kuppurao, Group Vice President of Business Development and Growth at Applied Materials, characterized the Corporate Lab as an effective model for industry-academia collaboration, highlighting that their partnership has yielded multiple patents and scholarship opportunities. He emphasized a commitment to building upon their achievements while enhancing semiconductor research and talent development in Singapore.
Research and Educational Advancements
The Applied Materials-NUS Advanced Materials Corporate Lab, situated within the NUS College of Design and Engineering and Faculty of Science, is intended to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary research and development capabilities across disciplines such as applied chemistry, materials science, and microelectronics process engineering. The second phase of the lab is designed to enhance existing microelectronics research capabilities and promote innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration, featuring a new cleanroom equipped with advanced materials synthesis and characterization technologies.
Introduction of Applied Materials Professorship
Additionally, this new phase will introduce the Applied Materials Professorship at NUS, aimed at attracting experts in semiconductors and materials science. This initiative is expected to enhance the lab’s capabilities and create new educational and professional development opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as professionals in microelectronics and advanced materials. It aligns with Singapore’s economic development strategy, supporting the nation’s goals in manufacturing and research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between Applied Materials and NUS underscores a significant commitment to advancing semiconductor research, nurturing talent, and bolstering Singapore’s technological ecosystem.
(Source: NUS News)
