TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Micron Technology has announced plans to establish a new plant in Singapore, which will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-enabling high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips. The facility, located adjacent to Micron's existing plant in Woodlands, is expected to begin production in 2026. Initially, it will create 1,400 jobs, with the number expected to increase to around 3,000. According to Sumit Sadana, Micron's executive vice-president and chief business officer, the new plant will enable the company to increase its output of HBM chips. These chips contain multiple layers that enable faster data storage and processing while consuming less power than conventional chips. The HBM chips are essential for graphics processing units and other accelerators made by companies like Nvidia and AMD to process generative AI workloads at data centers. The HBM market, currently valued at around $35 billion, is expected to grow to $100 billion by 2030. To meet the expected demand, Micron is expanding its HBM output in Taiwan. However, the company anticipates that this capacity will be quickly utilized, necessitating the need for additional facilities like the Singapore plant. "We are rapidly going to run out of space in our facility in Taiwan. So, the Singapore facility will be very important to continue our HBM growth," Sadana stated during an online briefing on July 2. In addition to the Singapore plant, Micron has also announced plans to start producing HBM chips in the United States. The company is optimistic about the AI opportunity and believes that Singapore will play a significant role in AI-based innovation. Image Courtesy: Micron Technology