Applied Materials has officially launched its Tampines Campus in Singapore, marking a US$500m (S$600m) expansion of its manufacturing and research and development operations. This significant investment more than doubles the company’s advanced cleanroom capacity in Singapore, reinforcing its global manufacturing presence. The expansion is part of Applied Materials’ Singapore 2030 plan, which aims to enhance global manufacturing and R&D capabilities, broaden technology partnerships, and promote local workforce development. The company anticipates creating approximately 1,000 new local jobs over the next few years.
In conjunction with the campus opening, Applied Materials announced strategic partnerships with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to cultivate AI-ready talent for the semiconductor industry. The collaboration with NUS will focus on accelerating semiconductor process development through AI, addressing bottlenecks in chipmaking. NUS will also introduce a new specialisation in Applied AI for Materials and Process Engineering within its Master’s programme in 2026.
Meanwhile, the partnership with SIT includes the establishment of The Applied Materials Professorship and Scholarship, supported by a S$3m endowed gift. Professor Stefan Winkler has been appointed as the inaugural Applied Materials Professor, focusing on advancing semiconductor technologies, AI, and robotics. The scholarship will support engineering undergraduates from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to develop a skilled workforce equipped with competencies in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced automation.
Brian Tan, Regional President of Applied Materials, emphasised the importance of talent in the evolving semiconductor landscape, stating, “We are committed to creating more pathways for students to develop the skills needed to thrive in this industry.” These initiatives underscore Applied Materials’ commitment to strengthening its global manufacturing and R&D capabilities as demand for semiconductors continues to grow.
