MetaOptics Expands into Malaysia with Penang Metalens Manufacturing Platform
The new operation will bring 12-inch direct laser writing, automated module assembly and wafer-level testing together to support high-volume metalens production for co-packaged optics and other semiconductor applications.
MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) ("MetaOptics" or the "Company", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), a leading-edge semiconductor optics company, announced the incorporation of its wholly-owned Malaysian subsidiary, MetaOptics Technologies Sdn. Bhd. The incorporation affirms the Group's commitment to advancing next-generation optical technologies and strengthening cross-border collaborations with Malaysian supply chain partners in semiconductor manufacturing, integrated photonics and nanophotonics. It also marks a key milestone in the Company's global strategy to deliver high-performance metalens solutions to customers worldwide.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, the Group continues to see significant opportunities across metalens applications following sustained engagements with customers on the design and fabrication of metalenses and modules. Conventional lenses have reached their physical limits. Metalenses enable further miniaturisation and offer high thermal stability. These key differentiators open up a wide range of applications across multiple industries. The nanometre-level accuracy of metalenses improves transmit and receive efficiencies in co-packaged optics (CPO), supporting faster data transmission in data centres.
Establishment of a Metalens Capital Equipment Platform in Penang, Malaysia, Supporting the Mass Production of Metalenses
The Group's expansion into Malaysia is expected to be anchored by a first-mover, key metalens manufacturing capital equipment facility in Penang. The facility will house three core equipment platforms:
a) A proprietary, first-to-market, fully automated assembly and testing system for metalens camera modules. Component assembly and testing stations are designed to fit within a single machine for high throughput and optimum cleanroom space utilisation. Advanced metalens optical modules will also be assembled using this machine. This closed-loop approach allows proof of assembly and design for mass production within a single facility. This shortens lead times across the product launch process.
b) MetaOptics' next-generation 12-inch direct laser writer (DLW) platform, which will enable simultaneous writing of hundreds of metalenses for high-volume mass production of co-packaged optics at 0.1mm lens diameter. The platform will easily integrate into standard semiconductor processes, offering a cost-effective mass production solution with low maintenance, high production uptime, and ease of conversion.
c) Wafer-level automatic metalens testers: automated optical metrology systems that characterise metalens performance, including point-spread function, modulation transfer function (MTF), throughput and uniformity across the visible, near-infrared and short-wave infrared bands. Scalable from single-coupon benches for research and development to full-wafer testers for production quality control.
Mass production and fabrication, volume assembly and testing will sit in close proximity. This enables shorter development cycles, improved production yields and a faster path from prototyping to commercial-scale mass production.
Strategic Entry into Malaysia
Malaysia offers a deep pool of engineering and semiconductor talent, and its proximity to Singapore speeds up operational execution, particularly in supply chain management and deliveries. The Group looks forward to working closely with Malaysian investors and government agencies to develop the metalens industry in Malaysia.
Mr Thng Chong Kim, Executive Chairman of MetaOptics, said: "Malaysia provides an established semiconductor base, a deep process-engineering pool and proximity to customers and suppliers. The incorporation of MetaOptics Technologies Sdn. Bhd. will enable us to establish the fabrication, assembly and testing capabilities in Malaysia. This will serve the growing metalens industry in the region."
Singapore Remaining as the Group's Headquarters
The Group continues to execute on its multi-pronged growth strategy across its 4 core business segments:
(i) Metalens capital equipment
(ii) Metalens design and foundry
(iii) Metalens IoT products and smart devices
(iv) AI algorithms
As the Group continues to grow internationally, Singapore will continue to remain the Group's headquarters and core research and development base. It will continue to serve as the centre of excellence for the Group's technology, metalens design, product development, strategic planning and the coordination of the four core divisions.
