SHANGHAI, CHINA: SEMICON China, the region's premier event for microelectronics manufacturing, opened on March 18 at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC). The event, organized by SEMI and the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (CECC), runs through today, Thursday, March 20.

The year 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of SEMICON China, with this year's event being the largest ever. More than 900 exhibiting companies from China and around the world are exhibiting this week in more than 2,400 exhibit booths — 29 percent larger than the event in 2007 and the first time the event has exceeded 50,000sqm of occupied exhibit space. This year, SEMICON China is also part of the first Shanghai International IT and Electronics Fair (SIIEF), a collection of high-technology industry events which cover the entire electronics supply chain.

The dramatic growth of SEMICON China and China's domestic semiconductor manufacturing industry is reflected in the number of new local and global exhibitors participating in this year's event. More than 100 companies are new to SEMICON China 2008.

Among the special events marking SEMICON China's 20th anniversary include the Semiconductor Museum, a collection of more than 70 displays (including seven equipment displays) from 25 participating companies, demonstrating both the history of the growth of China's semiconductor industry and the process of manufacturing ICs.

Also part of the anniversary celebration is the SEMICON China 20th Anniversary Gala, of which more than 600 industry executives from across the microelectronics industry are expected to attend. At the gala, SEMI will present the SEMICON China 20th Anniversary Appreciation Awards, recognizing both companies and individuals for significant technological, business and social contributions to the industry. SEMI will bestow awards to 20 recipients in seven categories: Loyal Customer, Outstanding Corporate Social Contribution, Fast-Growing Local Enterprises, HUA MU LAN Outstanding Business Woman, Industry Excellence and Contribution, Long Term Partner, and the China Semiconductor Industry Mentor Award.

SEMICON China also features three days of premier technical and business programs and events, including 15 programs and more than 120 sessions. Program highlights include the China Semiconductor Materials International Conference (CSMIC), which aims to provide a platform for executives, managers, engineers and researchers to exchange the latest development of semiconductor material technology and material & process integration.