Micron inaugurates newly-expanded facility in Singapore housing global ops

This story was updated after publication with additional details provided by Micron.

Yesterday (14 August), Micron Technology (Micron) announced the expansion of its 3D NAND flash memory fabrication operations in Singapore.

This expanded facility, also known as NAND Centre of Excellence, would bring together various functions - from technology development and product engineering, to quality and manufacturing, to leverage on the company's long-term investment in infrastructure and technical expertise in Singapore.

The country operations at this facility will be led by Chen Kok Sing, Micron VP and Singapore Country Manager, while the HR function will be managed by Sim Cher Whee, Micron's Senior Director of Global Talent Acquisition.

Singapore will serve as its primary manufacturing location for NAND technology nodes. It currently employs a diverse workforce of about 8,000, with women making up 30% of its engineering pool.

Speaking to Human Resources Online on why the city-state was chosen, Chen said: "Singapore is home to a global pool of top talent, enabling us to attract diverse and highly-skilled talent.

"Micron enjoys a long and successful partnership with the Singapore government and we share a common goal to grow and create opportunities for the strong local talent and promote a favorable environment for the semiconductor industry."

Moving forward, Micron is also looking at hiring "talented, determined and highly-educated employees in the region". In fact, according to Chen, the firm has already added more than 600 employees with the cleanroom expansion, both experienced and newly graduated university talent.

"The company expects to hire about 1,500 more new team members in the next two years. More than 80% of these are expected to be new college graduates. The roles are high-quality skilled job roles for advanced manufacturing."

Taking the semiconductor industry ahead

While officiating the launch ceremony yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said in a speech that the semiconductor industry in Singapore currently employs about 35,000 people.

In line with this, he stressed the importance of ensuring the longer-term growth of the industry, to provide more good jobs for Singaporeans. "But beyond the number of jobs in the industry, the nature of these jobs is equally important. In this regard, the jobs in the semiconductor industry has transformed significantly."

Apart from that, also mentioned that the semiconductory industry has to build a strong pipeline of talent who possess a keen interest in the fields of science and technology. In helping with this, for instance, he shared that the government is working closely with companies to promote careers in the industry, with Micron as an "active partner".

He added: "As a country with no natural resources, people are our most critical resources. I am glad that Micron is bringing the best out of your workers, and offering them good jobs."

About the NAND Centre of Excellence

Spanning 500,000 sq ft in cleanroom space, the facility be a base for Micron's worldwide operations, and will drive the implementation of its 3D NAND production for use in mobile phones, solid-state drives, digital cameras, and more.

It comprises the global manufacturing hub, a wafer fabrication unit, as well as a space for the testing and assembling of materials.

Photo / Micron