Often referred to as the "brains" of modern electronics, semiconductors are the foundation of countless technological innovations. From smartphones and computers to medical devices and automotive systems, semiconductors underpin the functionality of a vast array of devices that have become integral to daily life.
In a presentation held on 19 April 2024 as part of the CDE Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series, Professor Yeo Yee Chia (Electrical and Computer Engineering) delved into the crucial role of semiconductor research and its profound impact on the global economy.
His lecture, titled Translating Semiconductor Research to Impact the World, opened with the assertion that semiconductors today are as essential as water, sunlight and air to supporting modern life as we know it. Speaking to a diverse audience of undergraduates, PhD students, researchers, faculty and representatives of industry, Prof Yeo then went on to share his insights into the world of semiconductors gained from a career in both research and industry.
Given the relentless pace of technological change, Prof Yeo, who is currently Assistant Chief Executive at the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), explored how the semiconductor industry is constantly evolving, with companies vying to develop and apply cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible.
Reflecting on his career so far, Prof Yeo recounted his involvement in semiconductor research - including some 270 patents to his name - that have translated into multiple high-impact outcomes for the industry. His experience includes several years working at TSMC before returning to academia at NUS, giving him a valuable perspective on how the fundamental research done in a university setting drives real advances and innovations.
Attendees at the lecture gained a deeper understanding of Professor Yeo's contributions to the semiconductor industry, including his instrumental role in developing TSMC's advanced technologies such as the 7 nm, 5 nm, and 3 nm nodes. These innovations have not only propelled the semiconductor industry forward but have also had far-reaching implications for sectors such as high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and mobile technology.
Prof Yeo also discussed the complexities of translating semiconductor research into tangible applications. He highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving innovation forward. The lecture also underscored the vital role that semiconductors play in driving productivity, innovation, and economic growth across industries, with disruptions in the semiconductor supply chain having reverberating effects throughout the global economy as well as becoming a vital strategic element of national security.
As the session concluded with a Q&A session, Prof Yeo encouraged students at all levels in the audience to stay curious, learn from others and apply what you learn. Impact, he advised, is about translation, not just about papers or citations.
Attendees at the lecture left with a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of semiconductor research and its profound implications for the future of technology, with Prof Yeo's insights serving as a catalyst for further exploration and collaboration in the dynamic world of semiconductor research and development.
