Semiconductor Industry / SEMI Korea SEMI spreads its wings globally in the semiconductor and FPD industry The following is an interview with SEMI Korea president Lee Joo-hoon on the occasion of SEMICON's 19th Anniversary.-Ed. Q: First of all, please give us your assessment of the SEMICON Korea 2006 held last month. A: SEMICON Korea 2006, the 19th anniversary of SEMICON Korea which was held at COEX, Seoul, Korea during February 8-10, concluded successfully, attracting numerous industry leaders and executives in the semiconductor and FPD industry from all over the world. As the largest and most comprehensive industry event in Korean market, this year's SEMICON Korea features 432 exhibiting companies occupying 1,120 booths, which is a more than 10% increase from the previous year, showcasing the cutting edge technologies new equipment, materials and services for the production semiconductors, NANO technology devices and FPD products. Q: How are SEMI Korea's international standard activities A: Since the beginning in 1973, SEMI Standards has been spreading globally, with as many as 2,500 active members worldwide. It can be characterized as voluntary based international standards. In Korea, as a name of Korea FPD Standards Working Group, about 20 members are participating in standards activity focusing on LCD Backlight Unit (BLU) currently. They have released three documents about BLU so far and are planning to establish the Korea FPD Technical Committee covering all aspects of FPD in the future. Q: What is SEMI Korea's plan to enlarge SEMICON Korea on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary in 2007 A: SEMICON Korea 2007, the 20th anniversary of SEMICON Korea, is expected to host over 500 companies occupying 1,300 booths which is about 18 % increase. SEMI Korea plans to highlight its 20TH anniversary by holding opening ceremony with industry VIPs, and executives. Q: Please outline SEMI's exhibitions as well as activities at home and abroad. A: Specially focused on products and services used to manufacture semiconductors, display, MEMS and related industries, SEMI expositions are the preferred international showcases for introducing new products, latest technological breakthroughs and proven solutions. Designed to offer truly global exposure, the expositions are held in China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States and attract the greatest number of industry decision-makers. Q: Would you tell us about SEMI product and services A: SEMI product and services are comprised of the following: * Business and Technical Education: Industry professionals, business experts, respected members of the academic community and research institutions present the latest technological advances and timely industry issues in programs scheduled throughout the year. * Executive Conferences: SEMI assembles key players in the global semiconductor industry to learn and discuss new ways and opportunities of doing business. * Industry Research and Statistics: The Industry Research and Statistics group provides the industry with timely, accurate information regarding market size and product sales trends for various categories of semiconductor capital equipment components and microelectronic materials, based on actual data reported by industry participants worldwide. * Public Policy: SEMI has active government relations programs in the United States, Europe and Asia. These programs are dedicated to achieving global, free-market access for all SEMI members. * Global Publishing: SEMI publishes a number of media products focused on providing concise, insightful and timely information that is respected, and relied upon, by the global semiconductor industry. * Industry Initiatives: The SEMI Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) division focuses on international EHS topics, compliance and regulatory issues, and the advancement of EHS within the semiconductor industry. * SEMI Membership: SEMI provides members with up-to-date, industry-specific information and educational resources, as well as opportunities to promote company products and services.