National Oxygen Pte Ltd Wins Gold Materials Supplier Award from Chartered

National Oxygen Pte Ltd (NOX), a leading supplier of bulk and specialty gases, received the 2005 Gold Materials Supplier Award from Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, one of the world's top dedicated semiconductor foundries.

NOX won the award for achieving the highest score in Chartered's annual rating of materials suppliers, who are evaluated based on quality, service, innovation, delivery and cost. NOX and other award winners were honored during Chartered's Supplier Day held on February 17. The annual event honors the achievements of Chartered's global network of value-chain suppliers and partners.

"Chartered extends its congratulations to National Oxygen for winning our Gold Supplier Award in the materials category," said Tang Yong "TY" Ang, vice president of fab support operations at Chartered. "We were impressed with the world-class capabilities, quality services, commitment and hard work from NOX. Chartered looks forward to working even more closely with NOX in 2006 as we raise our mutual expectations for future success."

"We are very excited and delighted with the award. Winning it for the first time provided a strong boost to our motivation," said Shigeto Umatani, managing director, NOX. "On behalf of Taiyo Nippon Sanso group, I want to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to Chartered for honoring us with this very prestigious award. I also want to thank our partners, Matheson Tri-gas Inc. and Sodiff Advanced Materials Co. Ltd, for their commitment and support over the years, as well as NOX's Singapore team for providing outstanding services to Chartered. Going forward, NOX is committed to improving all aspects of our performance in order to provide even greater value to Chartered and all of our customers."

About National Oxygen Pte Ltd : National Oxygen Pte Ltd, is a single source provider of bulk and specialty gases, gas handling equipment and high performance purification systems. The company also provides support services, engineering services and TGM to semiconductors and electronics firms. As a member of the Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation group, NOX is part of a worldwide industrial gas organization focusing on being the single source provider for global customer requirements.

NOX's media relations contact is:
Mr Gary Choo (General Manager)