National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in Taiwan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on September 6th, 2023, with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan and Kyushu University in Japan in the three major areas: semiconductors, smart vehicles, and green energy. It is aimed to collaborate on cutting-edge technology and talent exchange in these three domains.

Starting in 2022, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University initiated multiple exchanges and visits with ITRI and Kyushu University, aiming to gather the technological expertise of academic and research institutions in Kyushu. Their goal was to facilitate more opportunities for Taiwan and Japan in terms of advanced technology development and talent exchange. In 2023, they solidified their consensus, leading to the signing ceremony that took place today at SEMICON TAIWAN 2023.

President Lin Chi-Hung of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University stated that the university has consistently played a vital role in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and

is one of the top four universities in the country dedicated to nurturing talent in key industrial fields. He looks forward to increased international cooperation and hopes to attract more international students to enroll in programs related to semiconductor technology at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, further applying research outcomes in the industry and injecting innovation into the sector. Vice President Shiratani of Kyushu University expressed his joy and support for the signing, mentioning that during ITRI’s visit to Kyushu University’s Integrated Circuit Laboratory, they discussed research topics related to chip processing, packaging structures, and process design. Through this collaboration with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, they aim to better understand Taiwan’s future demands and strengthen their roles in the semiconductor industry supply chain.

Vice President Hu Chu-Sheng of ITRI stated that the tripartite MOU signed by ITRI, Kyushu University, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University focuses on the three areas of semiconductors, smart vehicles, and green energy, which are all critical technology sectors being developed globally. Especially in light of the 2050 net-zero carbon emission goals driven by climate change, green energy and electric vehicles are essential, and semiconductors are the foundational technology that supports all IC applications. Both National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Kyushu University have strong academic research capabilities and forward-looking technological expertise, while ITRI possesses the power of applied technology development and industrialization. Together, the three parties aim to collaborate and lay the foundation for industrial technology in Taiwan and Japan to meet the global trends in semiconductor and green energy development, focusing on the necessary advanced technology and talent exchange.

Following the signing ceremony, a “Taiwan-Japan Semiconductor Technology International Symposium” was held in a forum format, bringing together Tier 1 companies from Taiwan and Japan, including Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing, Mitsubishi Electric Power Devices Manufacturing, and Yen Sun Technology, along with Kyushu University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University for discussions. Through this industry-academia-research exchange, they aim to understand needs and technological advantages, initiate collaborative efforts in industry-academia-research between Taiwan and Japan, and cultivate professional skills and talents required in key areas of Taiwan and Japan.