has launched its $2 billion advanced semiconductor manufacturing foundry to revolutionize the chip manufacturing sector, develop local capabilities, and boost Singapore’s position as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Silicon Box is also looking to upskill and employ up to 1,200 highly skilled people with computer science, engineering, and design backgrounds.

The three Silicon Box co-founders—Dr. Han Byung Joon, CEO; Dr. Sehat Sutradja, Chairman of the board; and Weili Dai—were joined by EDB Chairman Png Choon Boon at the launching of the 73,000sqm Tampines factory last July 20, 2023.

“This new facility is well poised to solve the unique challenges for chiplet adoption, which is critical to meet market demands of emerging technologies. Our proprietary interconnection technology will not only shorten the design cycle of chips but also lower new device costs, reduce power consumption and enable faster time-to-market for industry partners like artificial intelligence, data centers, and electronic vehicles,” said Dr. Han.

In line with Singapore’s goal to expand its manufacturing sector by 50% by 2030, this will further strengthen its appeal as a preferred destination for AI and semiconductor companies seeking to diversify their manufacturing supply chains amid growing geopolitical tensions. By embracing this new technology, Singapore aims to solidify its position as a global leader in high-performance technology and enhance its attractiveness to industry players.

The establishment of this factory is poised to have a significant impact on Singapore’s semiconductor sector. It is expected to boost the industry’s growth and elevate the country’s standing as a formidable player in the global market. This development will contribute to the nation’s economic expansion and support Singapore’s long-term vision of expanding its manufacturing base.

Developing local talent to be ready for next-gen manufacturing

With the support of the EDB, the factory will create over 1,000 technologically advanced jobs while providing upskilling opportunities. This venture focuses on human capital spanning from entry-level to highly skilled engineering roles; the homegrown talent is vested in Silicon Box’s vision as they commit to providing upskilling programs to keep the Singaporean workforce market-ready in disruptive technologies.

This investment will bolster the nation’s GDP and drive workforce development, ensuring Singapore remains at the forefront of technological innovation and manufacturing excellence.

“Singapore is home to a vibrant and sophisticated semiconductor industry, with a strong ecosystem of solution providers and partners. Silicon Box’s decision to set up its first manufacturing and R&D facility in Singapore is a testament to our competitiveness as a critical global node for semiconductors and a vote of confidence in the long-term growth prospects of the sector in Singapore. We will continue strengthening our industry’s competitiveness by developing a stronger talent pipeline, reducing the sector’s carbon footprint, and deepening our semiconductor R&D capabilities,” said EDB’s Png.

Next-gen semiconductor technology to accelerate the future of computing and AI

The Singapore-based semiconductor integration startup offers design flexibility and exceptional electrical performance at a lower cost and power consumption with its proprietary fabrication method. Silicon Box has developed the shortest interconnections using sub-5-micron technology, setting a new standard in semiconductor design cycles. This means the industry can efficiently scale chiplet-based solutions across the semiconductor value chain.

Silicon Box’s one-of-a-kind fabrication method increases design flexibility, providing better electrical performance. It offers cost-savings without compromising on power, and its sub-5-micron technology, ensuring quicker scaling of chiplet-based solutions.

The benefits for chip designers result in double computing performance at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional approaches. For graphical processors and high-performance computing chips, costs can be reduced by up to four times. This is a new paradigm in the chip industry, where stakeholders can concentrate on enhancing the performance optimisation of these modular functional units.

ESG and resource efficiency

Silicon Box’s facility utilizes a reverse osmosis de-ionized (RO-DI) water filtration system that purifies NeWater for manufacturing processes. It has a fully contained wastewater treatment facility that enables 50% of post-manufacturing wastewater to be recycled and reused, as well as a multi-grid voltage systems and solar panels that improve transmission lines’ capacity and distribute power consumption more efficiently. Moreover, the facility uses energy-efficient window glass, blinds, and high-quality insulation that reduce the energy required for cooling.

Simultaneously, Silicon Box’s integration methods enable high-performance solutions with low power consumption, allowing collaborators to design and build for a more sustainable future. At its core, this cutting-edge offering is not only for manufacturers but retailers and consumers. The ripple effects extend beyond sheer dollars and cents, the predicted economic surge spans multiple sectors due to the interwoven nature of today’s supply chains.

This expansion in Asia marks more than widened industrial horizons; it preludes a shift to innovation-led growth brewing within Singapore’s borders.

By: DocMemory
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