Semicon Singapore Opens to Record Numbers Despite Slowdown of Asian Economies

The Semicon Singapore 98: Test, Assembly and Packaging exposition opened Tuesday with a record number of exhibitors and product display booths. The exposition, sponsored by Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), runs May 5-7 at the Singapore International Convention Centre in Suntec City.

Now in its sixth year, the tradeshow has grown to more than 14,400 square meters of exhibit space and features more than 650 booths displaying products from 524 participating companies.

According to Alan Jung, regional director of Asia Pacific Operations for SEMI, "World wide suppliers to the semiconductor industry are not dissuaded by the region's temporary economic malaise. The Semicon Singapore exposition has been averaging 30% annual growth and grew about 25% this year. That signifies optimism by SEMI members for the long-term prospects of the semiconductor industry in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region."

The Singapore Trade Development Board recently gave the exposition Approved Trade Forum status under its International Exhibition City Programme. The title is only presented to trade events that have the exhibition and conferences held concurrently, are of international stature, and possess great commercial appeal.