Applied Materials invests $643m in Singapore campus to meet AI chip demand

The new Tampines facility doubles cleanroom capacity and adds 1,000 planned jobs.

Applied Materials has expanded its manufacturing and research and development (R&D) operations in Singapore with a new $643.52m (US$500m) Tampines facility, aimed at supporting rising demand for semiconductor equipment used in artificial intelligence applications.

The company said the Tampines Campus more than doubles its advanced cleanroom capacity in Singapore and is already operating at volume production. It forms part of its global manufacturing network spanning the US, Europe, Israel, and Taiwan.

The expansion was announced alongside the opening of the campus and a new strategic partnership with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), supported by a $3.86m (US$3m) endowed gift from Applied Materials.

The partnership includes SIT’s first industry-based professorship and a scholarship programme for engineering undergraduates, aimed at supporting semiconductor research and talent development in Singapore.

The company said the initiatives are intended to strengthen capabilities in semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics, alongside broader manufacturing applications.

“AI is transforming every industry, creating unprecedented demand for advanced semiconductors,” said Gary Dickerson, president and CEO of Applied Materials.

Applied Materials said the Tampines facility strengthens its ability to supply semiconductor manufacturing equipment for next-generation chips.

The campus is part of its Singapore 2030 plan and is expected to create around 1,000 jobs over the coming years.

It includes manufacturing and R&D operations, with automation systems such as autonomous mobile robots, AI-assisted inspection tools, and automated testing and assembly processes.

The facility is designed to meet Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum standard, with features including solar panels, energy-efficient systems and water recycling infrastructure.

“Our new AI-enabled facility represents the next era of advanced manufacturing optimised for speed and precision,” said KC Ong, group vice president of worldwide manufacturing at Applied Materials.

The company also highlighted broader global expansion, including manufacturing investments in the US and a $6.44b (US$5b) R&D centre in Silicon Valley.

Applied said the investments support long-term semiconductor demand driven by AI infrastructure growth.