AAC expands operations in S’pore

By Oh Wei Lun

Chinese manufacturer and supplier of miniature acoustic components and solutions AAC Acoustic Technologies Holdings Inc officially opened AAC Technologies Pte Ltd, its new international headquarters and Research & Development (R&D) centre in Singapore. Located in Science Park II, the new premises will perform a

range of functions such as sales and marketing, corporate training, technical support services, business planning & development and R&D.

To expand the company’s existing technological capabilities, ACC plans to invest over SG$20 million in R&D activities in Singapore over the next five years. It also targets to set up automated production lines in Singapore in three years. The strategic expansion will support its growing businesses worldwide.

Chief Executive Officer of AAC Acoustic Technologies Holdings Benjamin Pan says, “Singapore is a clear choice for our new international headquarters and R&D centre. With a talented workforce, strong infrastructure, excellent intellectual property protection and proximity to our growing global customer base, Singapore offers a first-rate pro-business environment for AAC to further strengthen our business to serve our clients worldwide.”

The company was listed in Forbes Asia’s 200 Best Under a Billion companies for two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008. AAC’s sales revenue exceeded US$320 million (SG$460 million) in 2008, and has achieved a total of 142 patents for the first half of 2009. Some of its major clients include Nokia, Motorola, Research In Motion, Sony-Ericsson and Nintendo.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan was present as a Guest-of-Honour during the launch, says, “The establishment of AAC Singapore is an excellent growth story in challenging times. It is also testimony to the value that Singapore can provide for internationalising Chinese companies.”

Commenting on the electronics industry in Singapore, he emphasizes that the Singapore government is committed to grow the electronics and related sectors through R&D infrastructure such as the Institute of Microelectronics and Data Storage Institute, and the various manpower training programs such as the EDB PREP-UP program. It will help increase the pool of R&D expertise for the electronics industry.

The electronics industry is a key pillar of Singapore’s manufacturing sector. Last year, the electronics sector accounted for 26 per cent of Singapore’s manufacturing value-add and 73 per cent of the manufacturing sector’s R&D spending. In addition, the strong base of electronics capabilities has enabled Singapore to grow new industries in areas such as medical technology, avionics and solar energy.