VSMC’s new Singapore fab expected to create around 1,600 jobs by 2029

About 75% of these new roles at the Tampines facility will be in professional, managerial, executive, and technical functions.

VisionPower Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (VSMC) has opened its first 12-inch wafer fabrication plant in Tampines, Singapore, a facility expected to create around 1,600 jobs by 2029 as production ramps up.

VSMC is a joint venture between Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation (VIS) and NXP Semiconductors. The fab has entered risk production following the completion of construction. Volume production is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2027.

Of the jobs expected to be created, 75% will be professional, managerial, executive and technician roles, according to Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng, who spoke at the grand opening ceremony on 28 September (Monday). Positions will include engineers, chemists, data scientists and technicians responsible for operating manufacturing equipment, developing and fabricating wafers, and improving production processes through automation.

“An investment like this is not only in the capital and technology it brings, but also the capabilities it builds and the opportunities it creates for our people,” Minister Tan said. “These roles will give Singaporeans opportunities to build deep skills and meaningful careers in an important and growing industry.”

VSMC is also working with local educational institutions to develop a longer-term talent pipeline for the semiconductor sector. The company has signed seven memoranda of understanding with Singapore’s universities and polytechnics. The partnerships include internships, graduate hiring, curriculum co-development, mentorship, learning journeys, and applied research projects.

"The seven MOUs that VSMC recently signed with our polytechnics and universities cover partnerships ranging from internships and graduate hiring to curriculum co-development and joint applied research and innovation projects," added Minister Tan. 

"These partnerships will also provide students industry exposure through mentorship and learning journeys, helping students acquire skills that are directly relevant to advanced manufacturing and better understand the range of careers available in the industry."

The company is also participating in career-conversion programmes and graduate industry traineeships, creating entry routes for both fresh graduates and mid-career workers. VSMC plans to increase its intake under the graduate industry traineeships programme for engineering roles to 15 hires, in partnership with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (SWDA).

"These pathways will help both fresh graduates and mid-career workers enter semiconductor roles through structured training and on-the-job experience.

"Together, these efforts will help ensure that the growth of Singapore’s semiconductor industry translates into good jobs and meaningful career opportunities," Minister Tan affirmed. 

The new fab will manufacture specialty semiconductor products using process technologies ranging from 130nm to 40nm. These chips are used in areas such as power management, automotive systems, embedded flash memory, industrial equipment, mobile devices and high-performance computing.

When fully operational in 2029, the facility is expected to produce approximately 44,000 12-inch wafers per month. It is also expected to generate demand for supporting services in Singapore, including specialty chemicals and gases, equipment maintenance, facilities management and logistics.

VSMC was established in September 2024 by VIS and NXP. The company held its groundbreaking ceremony in December 2024 and completed construction of the facility within 22 months. The fab has since processed its first sample lot, with yields reported above 99%.

Leuh Fang, Chairman of VSMC and VIS, said the facility would support growing demand for specialty integrated-circuit manufacturing and add to Singapore’s semiconductor manufacturing base.

NXP President and Chief Executive Officer Rafael Sotomayor said the joint-venture fab strengthens the company’s manufacturing footprint and supports its long-term customer demand.

Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), added that VSMC’s fab reflects the strong confidence that global companies continue to place in Singapore as a global node for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor value chain.

"Beyond adding new capabilities and capacity to Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem, VSMC’s collaborations with our institutes of higher learning will equip our local workforce to contribute to technologies that shape industries and trends.

"VSMC’s efforts across carbon abatement, energy efficiency and water recycling reflects its ongoing commitment to more sustainable manufacturing practices in Singapore," she added. 

The facility uses a fully automated manufacturing model that incorporates artificial intelligence and digital-management systems. It was designed in accordance with LEED and Singapore Green Mark standards, with measures covering energy efficiency, renewable-energy solutions and water recycling.

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Lead image / EDB