Taiwan semiconductor industry looking to foster Japanese talentーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Semiconductor Production: The manufacturing of integrated circuits (chips).
• Human Resources Shortage: A lack of skilled personnel in a particular industry or region.
• Overseas Expansion: A company's strategy to grow its business in foreign markets.
• Industrial and Academic Cooperation: Collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.
• Talent Development: Programs and initiatives aimed at training and nurturing skilled individuals.
• Next-Generation Semiconductors: Advanced semiconductor technologies that are currently under development.
• Clean Room: A highly controlled environment with a low level of airborne particles, essential for semiconductor manufacturing.

Semiconductor Industry Collaboration: Taiwan and Japan

This report details a collaborative effort between Taiwan and Japan to address the human resource challenges in the cutting-edge semiconductor industry, where Taiwan currently leads global production. The initiative focuses on fostering talent through joint academic programs and research.

K University Program for Japanese Students

• Initiation: K University in Taiwan launched a specialized program for Japanese students in September.
• Curriculum: The program enrolls 17 participants who acquire specialized knowledge crucial for semiconductor manufacturing, including mechanical engineering and production management.
• Language of Instruction: Classes are conducted in both Chinese and English.
• Financial Support: The program is funded by corporate donations, covering the full tuition of approximately $15,000 over four years. Students also receive a monthly stipend of $320 for living expenses.
• Student Perspective: A student expressed that the program offers learning opportunities not available in Japan, allowing for greater autonomy in their studies.

Strategic Importance and Corporate Involvement

• Taiwan's Ambition: Taiwan, home to the world's largest chipmaker, TSMC, is actively seeking to expand its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, with plans for a second factory in the country.
• Industry Need: The semiconductor industry requires a substantial workforce, and traditional university systems are struggling to meet this demand.
• Joint Research Institute: Universities in Taiwan and Japan are partnering to cultivate talent for high-level research and development. A research institute has been jointly established in what is referred to as "Taiwan Silicon Valley."

Research and Development Environment

• Graduate Student Research: Honos Shinjiro, a graduate student from Japan, is conducting research at the institute focused on creating next-generation semiconductors.
• Advanced Facilities: The institute provides access to a clean room, a critical facility for semiconductor fabrication, which is available 24/7.
• Industry-Standard Equipment: The equipment used is identical to that found at company development sites, offering students an ideal experimental environment.
• Student Experience: Shinjiro highlighted the benefit of being able to conduct experiments at any time, stating, "This is an ideal environment for me to conduct experiments whenever I want."

Bridging Academia and Industry

• Industry Interaction: Students engage in discussions with officials from Taiwanese companies.
• Business Acumen Development: The objective is to teach students how to translate new technologies into viable business applications, emphasizing market development and competitive product creation.
• Mindset Shift: A student noted that the proximity to companies and industries has broadened their perspective, leading to a significant change in their thinking: "Being in an environment close to companies and industries got me thinking about things from all angles. It has really changed my mindset."

Future Outlook and Conclusion

• Program Expansion: The university intends to increase its intake of Japanese students.
• Long-Term Goal: The collaboration aims to jointly develop fundamental technologies for next-generation semiconductors, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between Taiwan and Japan.
• Maintaining Leadership: By strengthening industrial and academic ties with Japan, Taiwan's semiconductor industry seeks to preserve its global leadership position.

Attribution: Matsuda Tommoi, NHK World.