{
  "id": 9733927,
  "title": "Singapore SMEs set for bigger role as chipmakers localise supply chains: A*Star deputy chief",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/singapore-smes-set-for-bigger-role-as-chipmakers-localise-supply",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-25T08:06:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Singapore",
    "slug": "the-business-times-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-smes-set-bigger-role-chipmakers-localise-supply-chains-star-deputy-chief"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are poised to assume a more prominent role in the semiconductor supply chain as major chip manufacturers localize their sourcing, according to a senior A*Star official. Speaking at the Innovate Together 2026 forum on September 25, A*Star deputy chief executive for innovation and enterprise, Prof Yeo Yee Chia, emphasized Singapore's ambition to cultivate national champions in the semiconductor industry. He acknowledged that while Singapore has historically supported MNCs by attracting investment, the focus is shifting towards bolstering local champions. Prof Yeo, who previously worked at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and currently leads Singapore's first research innovation and enterprise (RIE) flagship in semiconductors, pointed out that as large corporations establish supply chains in Singapore, SMEs stand to gain by supplying them with components. A*Star, through its Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), collaborates with MNCs to develop components, which are then transferred to SMEs to capture the market. The agency is also exploring various avenues for commercialising its research, ranging from licensing to spinning off companies, with the latter offering higher returns but higher risk. Prof Yeo highlighted that Singapore's semiconductor industry differs from Taiwan's in that Taiwan's is home-grown, while Singapore's is dominated by foreign firms. However, Singapore has shifted its focus from advanced logic chips to equipment for advanced logic and packaging fabs. In the context of geopolitical tensions between the US and China, Prof Yeo believes Singapore can serve as a strategic manufacturing base outside of Taiwan. He stressed that the goal is to nurture the entire semiconductor industry, rather than focusing on a single \"sacred mountain\" like TSMC.",
  "summary": "The Republic’s chip sector is MNC-led but could become a national champion, says industry veteran Yeo Yee Chia",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}