Semiconductor equipment giant Applied Materials is significantly expanding its footprint in Singapore, committing US$500 million to a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The expansion aims to meet surging global demand for advanced chips driven by artificial intelligence.
The new site at Tampines Industrial Crescent more than doubles the company’s advanced cleanroom capacity in the city-state. It is already operating at volume production, utilizing autonomous assembly systems and AI-assisted quality inspection to accelerate time-to-market for next-generation semiconductors.
This strategic investment will generate 1,000 new roles across manufacturing, research and development, and field services. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted the creation of these "good jobs," which offer Singaporeans exposure to frontier technologies and global operations. Applied also plans to scale its internship program to 100 annual placements by 2027.
Gary Dickerson, President and CEO of Applied Materials, emphasized that AI is transforming every industry, necessitating robust semiconductor infrastructure. By anchoring critical activities in Singapore, the company leverages the nation's deep ecosystem in wafer fabrication and precision engineering. This move reinforces Singapore’s position as a trusted, resilient base for high-tech manufacturing amid intensifying global competition.