Singapore semiconductor firms push into US market as global AI boom drives advanced chip demand

“Therefore the investments into companies that are in the area of AI in the US will continue to grow.”

Other Singapore firms are also looking to ride the wave.

For some, breaking into the US market could provide long-term stability as they transition from mature semiconductor segments to more advanced technologies like AI.

NexGen Wafer Systems, which develops machines used to build chip circuits, is expanding its US presence to engage directly with major industry players.

Mr Cheung Ting Kwan, CEO of the semiconductor equipment firm, said the move will help the company secure repeat business while reaching new customers like Intel, who handle the entire supply chain from designing and manufacturing to selling.

“We have to show them our capability,” he added.

“We exchange roadmaps and ideas, know what their pain points are, what they require on the technology front, and to prove that in the next one to two years, that we are a very viable option for them – as a matter of fact, a top option for them.”