1st Silicon CEO Claudio G. Loddo Completes His Contract with the Company

Kuching, Sarawak, MALAYSIA; August 29th , 2002 -- 1st Silicon (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. announced today that Claudio G. Loddo, Chief Executive Officer, has completed his contract with the Company. Mr. Loddo was instrumental in founding the company in 1998 and has served in the role of CEO since then.

Claudio Loddo said, "The Company was established during the Asian financial crisis and downturn in the worldwide semiconductor industry. Despite the fluctuating market conditions, 1st Silicon is in production and has adequate financial resources to sustain its growth. Building 1st Silicon has been an exciting challenge. The Company has accomplished much in these five years, including engaging with technology partners and establishing competent management and production teams to establish it as a participant in the wafer foundry industry."

The Chairman of 1st Silicon, Datuk J. C. Fong added, "1st Silicon deeply appreciates Mr. Loddo's contribution in establishing and completing the first wafer foundry facility in Malaysia. This provides the basic platform for 1st Silicon to become a viable foundry source for international semiconductor companies."

Dr. W. J. Nelson, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of 1st Silicon, will also perform the duties of the CEO. Dr. Nelson has 22 years experience in the semiconductor industry. Prior to joining the Company, he was COO of General Semiconductor Corporation.

About 1st Silicon (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
1st Silicon is a dedicated semiconductor foundry founded in 1998 by the Malaysian State of Sarawak. 1st Silicon's 200mm wafer fab has a capacity in excess of 30,000 wafers per month when fully ramped. The Company is in volume production with 0.25mm digital and mixed-signal CMOS technologies and is now providing 0.18mm process prototypes. 1st Silicon's customers include integrated device manufacturers and fabless semiconductor companies from the U.S., Japan, and Asia. The Company has its headquarters in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, and a U.S. registered subsidiary corporation located in San Jose, California. More information is available on the Company's website at www.1stsilicon.com .