In addition to its focus on innovation, the company counts Singapore's connectivity to world markets and highly qualified talent pool as some of the key factors in its success.

Avago Technologies is fast chalking up the accolades. Beginning as Hewlett-Packard's components division in 1961, the company has evolved to become a global leader in the design and supply of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, components and subsystems, providing the nuts and bolts of innovation for numerous original equipment manufacturers.

Going by market share, Avago ranks top worldwide in optical mouse sensors, office automation encoders, photo-IC optocouplers and semiconductor-based filters. It recently added another feather to its cap with business research and consulting firm, Frost & Sullivan, presenting the company with the 2008 Global Optocouplers Company of the Year Award.

The award acknowledges exemplary achievements and best practices within a multitude of industries and functional disciplines. This year, for the first time, Frost & Sullivan has turned the spotlight on the optocoupler industry. Avago was selected for its leadership in the market, as well as its constant efforts to identify and meet its customers' needs.

"Avago Technologies has been a pioneer in the optocoupler market for many years, and is a global leader in this market. Its strong commitment towards gaining technical competence over its competitors, while leading the search for new applications to drive the optocouplers market has resulted in their market success," says Jaydeep Bhattacharjee, Analyst, Frost & Sullivan.

Leading the pack

High voltages, magnetic fields and noise are commonly present in an industrial environment. This is where optocouplers are necessary to insulate high voltages and isolate unwanted signals to avoid downtime and ensure data accuracy.

It is an arena where Avago has long been setting the pace. The company first began manufacturing optocouplers in Singapore some 30 years ago. In 1997, the entire Isolation Products Division, which is responsible for optocouplers and optoelectronics, was transferred to Singapore. As the HQ for the division, the Singapore office handles a full suite of operations from R&D to test development, process and product engineering and marketing, and has a staff strength of over 200.


"We capitalised on the competencies developed over the years and have grown the business significantly," says Chong Tze Siong, Vice President and General Manager, Isolation Products Division, Avago Technologies. "The last 10 years have been an exciting period for us, especially for the team in Singapore."

Avago now has more than 20 per cent of the global optocoupler market share. They are used in a variety of end-user applications that include motor controls, inverters, and industrial automation equipment such as programmable logic controllers and factory automation.

"Being selected as the 2008 Global Optocouplers Company of the Year is a tribute to the innovation, hard work and dedication of many contributors within our Isolation Products team and service groups," adds Chong. "With a legacy of innovation and development, Avago is focused on developing optocoupler products that will meet the emerging market applications and future requirements of our customers."

Base of operations

For the company, Singapore is just the place to do business. As a global company with dealings in North America, Europe, Japan and Asia-Pacific, customer intimacy is a key factor in its success. "It is important that we stay close to our customers," says Chong. "We have to be there to design the products to meet their requirements." As such, Singapore's excellent connectivity is a big plus.

The availability of talent is another consideration. "When we transferred marketing and R&D to Singapore, we were fortunate that there was a ready pool of skilled talent we could harness," he explains. "As we grow, we will continue to need talent. It helps that we have a diverse selection here, and also global talent is comfortable with relocating to Singapore to work and live."

Not one to rest on its laurels, the company is already moving full steam ahead. By providing optocouplers for emerging markets such as the green energy and automotive (namely hybrid vehicles) industries, Avago looks to take its business to the next level and stay ahead of the competition.