NTU launches international semiconductor training with TSMC

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Taiwan University (NTU) launched the Semiconductor Talent Incubation Program Taiwan (STIPT) on Wednesday (March 6), marking a significant step in fostering semiconductor talents through international collaboration. The ceremony welcomed the first batch of students under this ambitious program, a joint venture between TSMC, the government of Saxony, Technische Universität Dresden, and the NTU.

A New Phase in Education and Industry Collaboration

This initiative is a part of a broader effort to cement ties between Taiwan and Germany in the semiconductor sector. Dr. Jörg Polster, the director general of the German Institute Taipei, highlighted the program's objectives, saying, "It is our goal that we, with the program today, initiate a new phase of having German students in Taiwan. Of course, it is very much dedicated to semiconductors, but we do hope that later on, we can broaden this spectrum and go into different directions." This new phase not only aims to deepen technical knowledge but also to broaden the spectrum of collaborative efforts in various fields beyond semiconductors.

The collaboration is timely as TSMC is set to start construction of its plant in Dresden, Germany, by the end of the year, with the Saxony government investing heavily in infrastructure to meet TSMC's needs. This synergy between educational institutions and industry giants underscores the strategic importance of semiconductors in global technology and economy.

Cultivating Global Talent in Taiwan
The program has attracted 30 students from three German universities across six countries, underscoring its competitive nature and global appeal. A master's student from Germany, currently in Taipei, reflected on the program's selection process, noting, "I think it was quite competitive. You had to have good grades, some achievements in the scientific field so far." This competitive edge ensures that only the best and the brightest are part of this pioneering journey into semiconductor studies and practical training.

Yuan Hsiao-wei, vice president of International Affairs at the NTU, elaborated on the students' curriculum, "During their three-month stay at the NTU, we will organize professional courses and arrange cultural visits and language lessons." This comprehensive approach not only enriches the students' technical knowledge but also immerses them in the cultural and linguistic nuances of Taiwan, promoting a holistic educational experience.

The program's structure involves academic training at the NTU, led by eight professors from the university's electrical engineering and computer science departments, offering eight courses tailored to the semiconductor field. In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes the cultivation of workplace soft skills, preparing students for the complexities and challenges of the global semiconductor industry.

As the semiconductor industry continues to drive technological advancement and economic growth worldwide, initiatives like the STIPT are vital in creating a skilled and adaptable workforce. This collaboration between Taiwan and Germany serves as a model for international education and industry partnerships, promising a future of innovation, mutual growth, and global connectivity in the semiconductor sector.