Latest news with #DrTanSeeLeng
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore launches GaN hub to power next-gen semiconductors
SINGAPORE: Singapore launched a new S$123 million semiconductor facility to boost its role in chip technologies and get a share of the growing gallium nitride (GaN) market. The new centre, located in One North, is called the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre for Gallium Nitride (NSTIC GaN). With plans to start commercial operations in mid-2026, NSTIC GaN will offer wafer fabrication and prototyping services to local companies and researchers. Dr Tan See Leng, Minister in charge of Energy and Science & Technology, said, 'In a world marked by strategic fragmentation, investing in GaN technologies improves our ability to compete globally and develop unique skills. This centre is a step forward in securing high-value semiconductor growth for Singapore.' GaN semiconductors' benefits GaN semiconductors offer superior voltage and frequency performance with less heat output than silicon. This means they are crucial for compact electronic systems in 5G and 6G infrastructure. They also have applications for autonomous vehicles, satellite communications, and military radar due to improved energy efficiency and advanced technology. It is the first local facility to offer both 6-inch GaN-on-Silicon Carbide and 8-inch GaN-on-Silicon wafer lines. This permits the production of both high-performance defence-grade electronics as well as commercial power devices. Wafer diameter affects chip output per batch, directly impacting cost and efficiency. Dr Tan stressed: 'Access to local fabrication lowers capital barriers and speeds up time to market. SMEs and start-ups can now prototype and develop chips locally, without facing prohibitive upfront costs.' A*STAR, DSO National Laboratories, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are spearheading the NSTIC GaN project as part of an initiative to strengthen Singapore's semiconductor ecosystem. Other nodes include an advanced photonics R&D centre and a $500 million advanced packaging facility in Tampines. The launch also saw several agreements signed to support industry partnerships. A notable collaboration involves NSTIC GaN, DSO, and the local startup WaferLead, which will work together to develop high-quality silicon carbide substrates. This is a critical component in GaN wafer manufacturing. Waferlead, which produces wafers for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and data centres, expects that using NSTIC's shared infrastructure could yield capital expense savings ranging from $6 million to $10 million. Its CEO, Dr Sunil Wickramanayaka, shared: 'These savings can be invested in market expansion and product development. Singapore is a key node in the global semiconductor industry. EDB estimates Singapore makes about 10% of global chips and 20% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment worldwide. Semiconductors account for nearly 6% of the city-state's GDP and provides jobs for over 35,000 people. The industry benefits from Singapore's strategic location, reliable regulations, and skilled workers. Exploring GaN and other novel materials is part of the industry's efforts to remain competitive.
Malay Mail
14-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Singapore, Indonesia push for low-carbon, clean energy future with new sustainability MoUs
SINGAPORE, June 14 — Singapore and Indonesia on Friday signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to create win-win partnerships that would enable clean energy transition, facilitate industrial decarbonisation, and generate investments in the development of sustainability-related activities. Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a statement that the three MoUs are on Cross-Border Electricity Trade (CBET), Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and a Sustainable Industrial Zone (SIZ). The MoUs were signed by Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr Tan See Leng, and Indonesia's Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr Bahlil Lahadalia, during the former's visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. Dr Tan said the MoU marks a significant milestone in Singapore's continued partnership with Indonesia under the Prabowo administration and reflects the resolve of both countries to pursue robust low-carbon and sustainability initiatives. 'These win-win partnerships will support both countries in achieving a resilient and low-carbon energy future, and generate new investments into green activities, while we do our part for global climate action,' he said in the statement. MTI said the CBET MoU, which builds on previous MoUs on energy cooperation, will see both MTI and Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) aim to put in place the necessary policies, regulatory frameworks, and business arrangements for CBET within 12 months. Meanwhile, under the CCS MoU, a joint working group will be set up to study components of a legally binding government-to-government agreement on CCS that will be necessary for implementing cross-border CCS projects. Under the SIZ MoU, a joint task force will be established by MTI and ESDM to study the development of potential industries within the sustainable industrial zone (SIZ) in Bintan, Batam, and Karimun (BBK). 'The MoU reflects recognition by both countries of the importance of providing regulatory certainty for renewable energy projects, which will in turn create spin-off investments in Indonesia,' it added. — Bernama
CNA
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
A*Star launches new semiconductor R&D platforms to help deepen innovation
Singapore is gearing up for the electric vehicle wave, with new R&D platforms launched by A*Star giving local firms access to new materials that are critical for EV technologies. Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Tan See Leng, shared this during a semiconductor conference attended by over 700 companies from 23 countries. Singapore will also open the world's first industry-grade R&D line for silicon carbide, a material that is set to be a game-changer in semiconductor chipmaking. Nasyrah Rohim reports.
