Taiwan seeks Japan talent to solve chip worker shortage

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4448/ Taiwan seeks Japan talent to solve chip worker shortage Taiwan leads the world in cutting-edge semiconductor production, but the industry is struggling with a human resources shortage. To remedy this, it has launched a program to attract Japanese students to foster future talent. Program boasts attractive perks A program in Taiwan for Japanese students began full-fledged operations at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in September. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4448/images/OerxheYrKbwvb34XpmiYNi87o2N4Zgr4A37zFTzt.jpg

Students study semiconductors at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan The program provides exceptional financial assistance. Thanks to corporate donations, the students are fully exempt from the tuition of about 15,000 dollars for four years. They can even receive living expenses of 320 dollars every month. Its 17 participants learn specialized skills needed to make semiconductors such as mechanical engineering and production management. Classes are in Chinese and English. Ogawa Kodai graduated from the economics department at a university in Japan. He joined the program to acquire practical knowledge he could apply in the industry. He says he's learning things he never would have in Japan, and that the program lets him do things on his own. Universities alone can't solve problem Taiwan's eagerness to attract Japanese students comes as Taiwanese company TSMC, the world's largest chipmaker, aims to open its second factory in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan. The head of the university, Chang Chuan-yu, stresses the need for more efforts to cultivate talent. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4448/images/8C0VkzZInbHk3m4mKfJ41fuEpnc781jTz2Dv2I7p.jpg

National Yunlin University of Science and Technology President Chang Chuan-yu Chang says, "Semiconductor makers need a lot of workers, but conventional universities can't keep up in developing human resources." Japan, Taiwan universities team up on training Universities in Japan and Taiwan are also working together. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, or NYCU, signed an agreement with four Japanese universities to grow talent for leading high-level research and development. The universities have jointly set up a research institute, where a cleanroom, essential for making semiconductors, is available around the clock. Ono Shinjiro, a graduate student in Japan, does research there to create next-generation semiconductors. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4448/images/DlKAzwVxCqw5tJq3aywOUjY8A1eYXMGZXvjrJYEg.jpg

Ono Shinjiro conducts research at the institute. He says the cleanroom is ideal for working on experiments whenever he wants. During class, students sometimes have discussions with Taiwanese company officials to learn how to connect new technologies to businesses. Taiwan's semiconductor industry's strong point is its human resources system that swiftly trains new workers. While they are in university, it provides them with high-level skills, and brings them into production sites as new staff who can be of assistance. Ono says being in an environment close to companies and industries got him thinking about things from all angles, and really changed his mindset. Taiwan companies have high hopes for program Johnson Lee, the vice president of a Taiwan company, has high hopes for outcomes of the program. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4448/images/2V7r2HqMPm5PsQfVWYByb4uPqUaTbRuKs2pBnovt.jpg

Johnson Lee, Vice President, Junsun Tech Lee says participants can learn about the need to develop markets and competitive products. The university plans to accept more Japanese students. A professor says Taiwan and Japan will work together to develop basic technology for next-generation semiconductors and create a win-win relationship. Broad push aims to keep Taiwan on top Academia, government, and companies in the industry are all working to ensure Taiwan stays the world's top semiconductor producer. It's not just because chips are the backbone of Taiwan's economy. Amid growing military pressure from China, they are also seen as a tool to prevent conflict. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/4448/images/OATTQVO3hWNakds3pOmWepBtkLNJG2GVOO2hyk5L.jpg

Students study at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan The policies are supported by Taiwan's focus on cultivating fresh talent, something it sees as essential for creating new technologies. Taiwanese companies and universities say they are taking a long-term perspective when it comes to sustaining human resources. For its part, Japan's semiconductor industry is expected to see significant benefits from strengthening collaboration with Taiwan.