Advanced semiconductor technologies and training are core objectives

SINGAPORE -- September 8, 1998 -- Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have announced a 5-year agreement that outlines cooperative efforts to characterize deep submicron devices and develop high-frequency RF integrated circuits for telecommunications applications.

The objectives of the agreement are to capitalize on present and future resources such as staffing, technology, infrastructure and equipment; promote technological exchange and collaborate in joint research and development projects; and provide industrial exposure to NTU’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering post-graduate students.

The collaborative effort draws upon the strength of both organizations in the fields of integrated circuit design and device characterization. Under terms of the agreement, Chartered will provide NTU's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with engineering wafers to characterize and model deep submicron integrated circuits based on Chartered’s wafer manufacturing technologies and processes.

Modeling and characterization are important for the manufacture of highly reliable semiconductor devices. Deep submicron technologies require manufacturing processes that create electronic circuits hundreds of times finer than a single human hair.

"The signing of this agreement symbolizes a vignette of NTU’s commitment to enhance the competitive advantage of locally based industries," said Professor Er Meng Hwa, deputy president and dean of electrical and electronic engineering of NTU. "We are pleased that Chartered Semiconductor has demonstrated its commitment to support high technology research and development activities at NTU."

John Martin, Chartered vice president of technology development, said, "The semiconductor industry’s continuing rapid growth is outpacing the availability of new talented engineers who can continue the tradition of innovation and discovery. The joint program with NTU signifies our commitment to building Singapore’s pool of available engineers, while gaining valuable resources in semiconductor research."

Nanyang Technological University (www.ntu.edu.sg), formerly known as Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI), was established in August 1981 as a tertiary institution for education and research in various branches of engineering and technology. As of August 1998, the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has 206 academic staff and 214 administrative, research and technical staff. The School also has 149 doctorate, 271 Masters of Engineering and 388 Masters of Science students. The full-time and part-time undergraduate engineering students are 2,837 and 312 respectively.

The School’s mission is to excel in teaching, research and professional services in electrical and electronic engineering, thereby contributing to the technological and economic advancement of Singapore. The School has adopted the motto, E3, to promote and cultivate the identity and culture in the School to achieve excellence in engineering education. E3 covers three main areas: excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in research and development and excellence in services to industry.

About Chartered
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing (www.charteredsemi.com) is a leading dedicated foundry, offering advanced wafer manufacturing processes for a broad range of CMOS logic, memory and mixed-signal technologies. Through alliances with complementary service providers, Chartered helps customers gain access to best-in-class services ranging from design to assembly and final test of packaged chips.

Known for quality processes and exceptional customer service, Chartered is a recipient of Semiconductor International Magazine's Top Fab award. Headquartered in Singapore, the Company operates sales and service offices worldwide. Chartered is a member company of Singapore Technologies, a technology-based multinational conglomerate with 1997 revenues of S $5.4 billion (US $3.4 billion).