In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the semiconductor industry stands at the forefront of innovation, powering everything from smartphones to autonomous vehicles. As the demand for advanced semiconductor technologies grows, so does the need for highly skilled professionals capable of pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Recognising this critical need, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) through its lifelong learning division, SITLEARN, has established a powerful partnership with Applied Materials South East Asia that is setting new standards for industry-academia collaboration.
Building Bridges: The SITLEARN-Applied Materials Partnership
The partnership between SITLEARN and Applied Materials reached a significant milestone in 2022 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement formalised both organisations' commitment to developing and implementing Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes that directly address the evolving skills needs of the semiconductor industry while preparing Applied Materials employees for future challenges.
What makes this collaboration particularly impactful is its focus on practical, industry-relevant skills. Through this partnership, SITLEARN offers tailored learning modules in cutting-edge areas critical to the semiconductor industry, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Engineering
- Smart Manufacturing
"Our partnership with SITLEARN has been instrumental in equipping our workforce with the critical data analysis and machine learning skills needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape. The Machine Learning and AI Data Analytics programme is a testament to this collaboration, providing our engineers with practical knowledge and tools to enhance decision making and efficiency within Applied Materials.”– Way Tat Tan, Senior Director, Technology & Applications
"What sets our partnership with Applied Materials apart is our deep commitment to understanding their specific workforce needs and designing educational solutions that directly address those requirements,”– Robin Ngan, Director at SITLEARN
Tailored Learning for Industry Excellence
The strength of the SITLEARN-Applied Materials partnership lies in its emphasis on customisation. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the curriculum and duration of each program are specifically designed to address the unique needs of Applied Materials employees. This tailored approach includes a variety of formats:
- Short courses for targeted skill development
- Comprehensive long courses for deeper understanding
- Stackable post-graduate modules for advanced specialisation
All programmes are delivered by SIT's expert academic staff, ensuring the highest quality of education while maintaining strong industry relevance.
"What sets our partnership with Applied Materials apart is our deep commitment to understanding their specific workforce needs and designing educational solutions that directly address those requirements," notes Robin Ngan, Director at SITLEARN. "This collaborative approach ensures that the learning experiences we provide translate directly to enhanced capabilities and performance in the workplace."
Spotlight on Excellence: The Machine Learning and AI Data Analytics for Semiconductor Industry Programme
A standout example of this successful collaboration is the Machine Learning and AI Data Analytics for Semiconductor Industry programme, a comprehensive 10-week learning journey co-created by SITLEARN and SIT's Engineering Faculty in collaboration with Applied Materials.
Conducted over 10 weeks through 13 intensive sessions, this innovative program equips learners with essential skills in:
- Statistical Process Control (SPC) - Providing engineers with tools to monitor and control manufacturing processes for optimal quality
- Design of Experiments (DOE) - Enabling systematic approaches to determine cause-and-effect relationships in complex systems
- Advanced Process Control (APC) - Teaching sophisticated techniques for maintaining process parameters within specified limits
- Machine Learning (ML) Applications - Introducing cutting-edge ML technologies specific to semiconductor manufacturing challenges
The programme targets key technical roles within Applied Materials, including Process Engineers, Process Support specialists, and Customer and Manufacturing Engineers, enhancing their data analysis capabilities critical for innovation and efficiency in semiconductor production.
Applied Learning in Action
What truly distinguishes this programme is its rigorous applied learning methodology. The curriculum incorporates inputs from Applied Materials stakeholders to ensure all content is directly applicable to real-world challenges faced by the company. This approach creates an engaging and relevant learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
The programme features:
- Co-delivery by SIT Engineering faculty and Applied Materials project leads
- A blend of in-person and online learning activities
- Culminating impact projects that demonstrate tangible improvements to Applied Materials
About SITLEARN
