The engagement session at Applied Materials (AMAT) opened with a warm welcome and breakfast. Mr Nihat Kurkcu, VP of Global Manufacturing Operations, then gave an introduction to AMAT as well as a leadership sharing. With growing demand for semiconductors, in part driven by the increasing use of AI in many sectors, Nihat emphasised that innovation is essential–AMAT indeed invests heavily in R&D. Culture-wise, Nihat pointed out the importance of being people-oriented and having a collaborative mindset in order to work effectively with teams across the organisation and globally. Moreover, he highlighted the value of continuous learning, both within one’s own area of expertise, and beyond that, in connection with other areas within the organisation.
Next, our E-Scholar alumni, Khai Shuen, shared about her experience and journey with AMAT, and how her internship with the company impacted her decision to become an engineer with AMAT. She discussed the importance of being able to draw connections between theory learnt in the classroom and practical applications in the workplace, which she was able to do so during her internship. Khai Shuen also encouraged her juniors to keep an open mind and enjoy the journey.
After the sharing sessions, the scholars were split into groups for a time of networking with AMAT staff as well as a cleanroom tour! Students were able to ask in-depth questions in smaller groups, and learn more details about the company and opportunities available to them. Proceeding on to a tour of the cleanroom in groups, the scholars were given an overview of the various stages of production for semiconductor fabrication equipment. It was eye-opening to see how complex things were, and to learn about the careful planning and coordination needed to put everything together.
After the tour, the scholars gathered back for further networking and refreshments. It was a very productive visit, and the students learned much about AMAT as well as the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry.
More photos and videos of the visit can be found at these links: