Promoting positive change in Singapore through the power of partnerships

Micron Technology specialises in developing memory and storage solutions that enhance energy efficiency and capabilities across a wide spectrum of applications, from industrial electronics to personal technology devices. The chips manufactured by Micron may be tiny, but they’ve played an outsized role in numerous technological advancements that have shaped our lives.

Beyond its technological prowess, Micron – and its 9,000 team members – is actively contributing to positive change in Singapore, implementing initiatives centred on education, community enrichment and environmental sustainability.

FABRICATING NEW STANDARDS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Last year, Micron Singapore’s facility became the first front-end fabrication in the world to receive the Sustainability Lighthouse designation from the World Economic Forum. The accolade demonstrates Micron’s leading position in driving sustainable manufacturing and also acknowledges its proactive approach to eco-efficient business operations.

The company leverages cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, predictive maintenance and deep learning, to improve automation and reduce energy usage and carbon emissions.

Mr Chen Kok Sing, corporate vice-president and Singapore country manager at Micron Technology, said the company believes sustainability is intrinsically linked to business success.

“Sustainability needs to start from a mindset. We actively engage our team members to think and act sustainably, be it at work, home or in the community,” said Mr Chen.

Between 2018 and 2021, Micron’s Singapore facility increased manufacturing output by around 270 per cent while reducing the resources required to produce every gigabyte of storage by 45 per cent.

In the last three years, Micron Singapore has increased its waste recycling rate for its production materials from 58 to 85 per cent. Its Fab 10 fabrication plant also uses 98 per cent NEWater – the reclaimed and treated wastewater produced by the Public Utilities Board.

As a founding committee member of the SSIA’s (Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association) Semiconductor Sustainability Committee, it is working with its ecosystem partners to generate new circular economy opportunities. This includes recovering sulphuric acid from its chemical waste for reuse in other industries and converting sludge waste into fluorspar for the metal industry. 

In Singapore, Micron piloted a central abatement system that captures and detoxifies greenhouse gases before they are released into the atmosphere. Micron says that the system can bring as much as 40-per-cent cost savings and 90-per-cent fuel consumption savings compared to conventional point-of-use abatement technology. Some 36,000 solar panels are also being installed in the facility. 

“To help achieve Micron's ambitious, time-bound sustainability targets – which include 100 per cent clean energy globally where available and zero hazardous waste to landfills – we need strong collaboration from our partners, institutes of higher learning as well as strong partnership with our government to develop capabilities in Singapore,” said Mr Chen.

CARING FOR SINGAPORE’S COMMUNITY

In a commitment to community engagement, Micron Singapore actively empowers its employees to strengthen their local communities through giving, volunteerism and collaboration opportunities. An estimated 60,000 volunteering hours were clocked by over 90 per cent of its team members this year.

Its Micron Kampong initiative, launched on Nov 26, is a partnership with Sembawang Central Grassroots Organisations and Blossom Seeds, an organisation supporting vulnerable seniors in Singapore. Micron employees participate in a nine- to 12-month volunteer programme, befriending elderly participants who are at high risk of social isolation through social events organised by Micron's volunteers.

To support the initiative, fundraising events were held during Micron’s Charity Week and other occasions, with the Micron Foundation matching every dollar raised.

Company events, such as Micron Family Day held on Dec 9, focus on doing good for the community. Donations are made to Charity Week beneficiaries, including Blossom Seeds, The Food Bank Singapore, Garden City Fund, Digital for Life Fund and the Make-A-Wish-Foundation Singapore. The donations also support the Community Development Council’s disbursement of welfare packages for needy families. 

“Micron is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, both internally and in the community. In Singapore, we have six team member-led and volunteer-driven employee resource groups (ERGs) supporting different communities, including women, people with disabilities and multicultural groups. These ERGs are our ambassadors of inclusion, helping us by ensuring everyone’s contributions are respected and valued,” said Mr Chen.

He added: “With our enduring relationship and strong partnership with the Singapore government, we are committed to building a more connected and inclusive community in Singapore.”

Here’s how Micron is creating opportunities for people, communities and the planet.