Working at Applied Materials SG: Company Culture, Benefits, and Leadership

As a global leader in materials engineering for chip and display production, Applied turns possibilities into reality. Since its 1991 establishment, the Asia Production Center in Singapore plays a key role in Singapore's semiconductor equipment industry. For an overview of Applied Materials Singapore, Aniday provides insights into critical aspects such as Company History, Culture, Benefits, and Leadership.

General Information

A leading American corporation providing equipment, services, and software for semiconductor chip and advanced displays manufacturers. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, it played a crucial role in Silicon Valley’s development and it is currently the largest supplier of semiconductor equipment.

Established in 1991, Applied Materials South East Asia has grown with Singapore's economy. The Singapore Operations Center is their largest manufacturing facility outside the U.S., producing 50% of global semiconductor equipment. Our local R&D centers drive materials engineering innovations for our global operations. In 2019, we received the Distinguished Partner in Progress Award from the Singapore Economic Development Board for significant contributions.

Company History  

• 1967: Founded by Michael A. McNeilly and others, went public in 1972.

• 1976: James C. Morgan becomes CEO, and refocuses on the core business of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

• 1984: Opens technology center in Japan and service center in China.

• 1987: Introduces chemical vapor deposition (CVD) machine Precision 5000.

• 1993: Precision 5000 was inducted into the Smithsonian Institution. 

• 1996: Acquires Opal Technologies and Orbot Instruments for $285 million.

• 2000: Acquires Etec Systems, Inc.

• 2001: Acquires Oramir Semiconductor Equipment Ltd. for $21 million.

• 2008: Purchases Baccini, a designer of tools for manufacturing solar cells.

• 2009: Opens Solar Technology Center in Xi'an, China. Completes acquisition of Semitool Inc.

• 2011: Acquires Varian Semiconductor.

• 2013: Announces merger with Tokyo Electron, named Eteris, scrapped in 2015.

• 2018: Named among FORTUNE World's Most Admired Companies.

• 2019: Announces intention to buy Kokusai Electric Corporation, which was then terminated in 2021.

• 2023: Plans a $600 million plant in Tampines Industrial Crescent, Singapore, creating 1,000 jobs. This initiative is part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, solidifying the country as a primary hub for the company's global production capacity.

Products and Services 

The company designs and produces semiconductor fabrication equipment, encompassing processes like ALD, CVD, PVD, RTP, CMP, etch, ion implantation, and wafer inspection. In 2009, it acquired Semitool, and in 2019, it announced a $2.2 billion deal to acquire Kokusai.

Company Culture 

Applied Materials puts their focus on:

Developing Talents

As a part of Singapore’s thriving talent ecosystem, Applied Materials South East Asia engages in collaborations with local educational institutions. They contribute to fostering a forward-looking workforce, providing employees with opportunities to excel in R&D, Field Services, Manufacturing, and Corporate functions.

Inspiring Innovation

In close collaboration with research institutes and higher education establishments in Singapore, they have established four joint labs with A*STAR and the National University of Singapore, namely the Applied Packaging Development Center, Applied Materials - NUS Advanced Materials Corporate Lab, Advanced Semiconductor R&D Lab, and Veranome Biosystems Lab.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Their positive impact extends to Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines through the support of employee volunteerism and partnerships with local non-profit organizations.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Applied, they value each individual, celebrate diversity, and embrace varied perspectives as a crucial element of innovation, recognizing that their differences represent their greatest strength.

They foster an inclusive and supportive environment for professional and personal growth through diverse Employee Resource Groups like Women’s Professional Development Network (WPDN), Professional and Technical Network (PTN), and Zealously Energize through Sports and Teamwork (ZEST).

Employee Benefits

At Applied Materials, employees have access to a diverse range of rewards and benefits from the first day of employment, catering to their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Health & Wellness:

Applied Materials provides comprehensive medical coverage, and wellness programs, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their families. The Changi office is equipped with a fully-fledged gym that hosts regular fitness programs.

Financial & Savings:

In addition to statutory retirement funds/programs, Applied Materials extends a range of life and disability insurance plans to assist employees in planning for the present and future.

Paid Time-Off:

Employees can take advantage of a competitive paid time-off program, which includes annual leave, medical leave, family care leave, parental leave, and child care leave.

Rewards & Recognition:

The company's extensive Recognition Program acknowledges teams for their outstanding contributions. Furthermore, Applied Materials offers employee stock purchase plans, performance bonuses, and other special recognition programs as gestures of appreciation.

Development & Training:

To foster continuous growth, Applied Materials encourages employees to expand their knowledge and stay updated in their fields through training and development opportunities, along with tuition assistance.

Applied Giving:

For those passionate about social issues and community involvement, Applied Materials has established programs to provide support for making a positive impact worldwide.

Company Leadership

• Brian Tan - Vice President: oversees the company's infrastructure and strategy in South East Asia, leading the Service business in China and South East Asia. A primary focus for him is driving growth and innovation at Applied Materials while fostering partnerships across both private and public sectors. He joined Applied Materials in 2000 and has held diverse leadership positions across functions since then.

• Desmond Seow - Managing Director: is responsible for overseeing Applied’s business development and after-sales service support for Micron on a global scale. With over 24 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, Desmond has held diverse regional and global management roles in Service Operations, Logistics and Quality, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. 

Conclusion 

As a global leader in materials engineering solutions for chip and display production, Applied transforms possibilities into reality. Established in Singapore in 1991, it has become a key Southeast Asian hub for manufacturing, R&D, and customer support. Aniday has provided a concise overview of Applied Materials Singapore, covering company history, culture, benefits, and leadership.