From chips to community: Tracing Micron’s 25-year journey in Singapore

In recognition of his leadership in strengthening Micron Technology’s contributions to Singapore’s semiconductor industry, Mr Manish Bhatia, executive vice president of Global Operations at Micron, has been awarded the Public Service Medal (Friends of Singapore). 

Presented in June by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the medal also affirms Micron’s long history in Singapore. Its assembly and test facility in Bendemeer, established in 1998, is one of the first buildings in Singapore dedicated to semiconductor manufacturing. 

“I feel deeply honoured and humbled to receive the award on behalf of our team in Singapore,” said Mr Bhatia. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Micron Technology.” 
 
Singapore is Micron’s primary manufacturing location for leading-edge NAND technology nodes, which are designed for data-intensive and demanding storage applications across client, mobile, intelligent edge and data centre platforms.  

Over the past 20 years, Micron has invested more than US$30 billion (S$40.6 billion) in Singapore and employs close to 9,000 team members, making the American company one of Singapore’s largest foreign investors and employers.

“Singapore has been a great home to Micron,” Mr Bhatia said. “The robust infrastructure, coupled with a skilled, adaptable workforce supported by a world-class education system and experienced overseas talent, has strengthened our operations and enabled our success.”

Singapore Economic Development Board chairman Png Cheong Boon highlighted that industry leaders like Micron are “stalwarts” in Singapore’s manufacturing sector. They catalyse the growth of key industries, benefit the local ecosystem by creating jobs and business opportunities, and enhance the city state’s “continued attractiveness as an investment destination”. 

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Since 2017, Micron has been pushing the boundaries of technology, developing the world’s first 176-layer and 232-layer NAND innovations, which Mr Bhatia credits to Micron’s leadership in research, development and process advancements.

Acknowledging that the company’s Singapore facilities have played a pivotal role in supporting the global memory and storage supply chain, Mr Bhatia also reflected on Micron’s longstanding partnership with the local government: “Singapore has a strong foundation of good connectivity and a business-friendly environment. Crucially, the Singapore Government has been very supportive in strengthening the local semiconductor ecosystem and enhancing the country’s competitiveness,” he said. 

Furthermore, Micron Singapore is the first front-end semiconductor fabrication plant in the world to be recognised as an Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution Lighthouse and a Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network.

Using data analytics, smart-controlled systems, predictive maintenance and deep learning technologies to improve automation, reduce energy use and lower emissions, the company has achieved sustainable growth, cutting resources used per gigabyte produced by 45 per cent between 2018 and 2021. 

A FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP DRIVEN BY TALENT DEVELOPMENT   

According to Mr Bhatia, the memory and storage industry is experiencing exponential growth driven by the rising demand for AI and data, which in turn increases the need for highly skilled professionals.

“Recognising the mounting concern about the availability of critical skills, we realised the importance of nurturing the talent pipeline upstream so that we can grow students’ interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and boost the chances of them pursuing a STEM career,” he said. 

Since 2023, Micron has collaborated with over 300 educators and career counsellors to help them better understand the industry. Last year, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with all five Singapore polytechnics, and this year, it renewed an MOU with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) on talent development. 

With hundreds of engineers and technicians joining Micron from local universities, polytechnics and ITEs every year, Micron will continue to deepen and expand these partnerships, as well as support non-traditional pathways, including career re-entry, work-study and certification programmes. 

Micron hosted its first Chip Camp with Yayasan MENDAKI and Science Centre last year and successfully completed the second edition in June, which aims to spark female students’ interest in STEM.

A PART OF THE COMMUNITY    

Beyond enhancing Singapore’s competitiveness as an investment destination, Micron has expanded its efforts to champion local community initiatives. 

In 2023, 96 per cent of Micron Singapore team members clocked over 60,000 volunteering hours dedicated to various causes such as Micron Kampong, a programme organised with Sembawang Central Grassroots Organisations to provide support and companionship for seniors. Micron also held fundraisers during its Charity Week and Family Day events last year, with the Micron Foundation matching every dollar raised by team members. 

Additionally, Micron has established six employee resource groups (ERGs) in Singapore to foster communities where like-minded individuals can grow, develop and support one another. These ERGs play a crucial role as inclusion drivers, shaping workplace culture and advocating for underrepresented communities.

One such ERG is Mosaic, which focuses on promoting cultural sensitivity, visibility, connection and career mobility in the workplace. The group recently led the funding and launch of a mini library at Jampacked West Coast, in partnership with non-governmental organisation Jamiyah Singapore.  

Another notable ERG is Capable, which promotes an inclusive environment where both visible and unseen disabilities are embraced. For its efforts to ensure equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities, Micron was recognised by SG Enable with the Enabling Mark (Gold) award, making it the first technology company to receive this honour. 

Said Mr Bhatia: “Micron has been in Singapore for more than 25 years, and we look forward to another 25 years of innovation and positive impact, together with the Government, our partners and the community.”
 
Learn more about Micron and its initiatives in Singapore.