SEMICON Korea

SEMICON Korea was hugely successful event with new records established in exhibitors, floor space, program attendance, and other parameters. While I have been to Korea many times before (I was responsible for marketing in Korea for Motorola several years ago), this was my first SEMICON Korea.

What struck me most about the event was the strong support it receives from Samsung and Hynix. Not only have they integrated the event into their annual purchasing cycle, they also actively participate in many of the committees that coordinate the technical and business programs. There is great alignment between the programs on lithography, materials, etch, design, CMP and other technical programs and what the top IDMs in Korea are focusing on. Samsung even hosted a fab tour of their 300 mm logic line, prior to the show.

Another interesting component of the program was the ‘supplier search” assistance we provided to Chartered, the Singapore-based foundry. SEMI helped Chartered alert, identify and arrange meetings with many of the exhibitors.

I particularly enjoyed two special Forums on PV and Greenhouse Gas Reduction. With leading FPD manufacturers in the country and a global leadership role in Sustainable Development, I was happy to help report on these on two important topics for SEMI members worldwide.