Written & Image credit to NCKU AISSM.
With the global expansion of TSMC and increasing demand for semiconductor talent, 86 outstanding students from 30 top universities across 15 countries, including Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and European countries, gathered at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) on July 23. They are participating in the fourth annual Semiconductor Summer School, held by Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM), NCKU from July 23 to August 2.
Jointly organized by NCKU’s IC Design, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, and Semiconductor Packaging and Testing Degree Programs, this comprehensive program covers core areas such as IC design, manufacturing processes, and packaging/testing. It demonstrates the program’s interdisciplinary integration and industry-academia collaboration, addressing the industry's urgent demand for advanced talent.
At the opening ceremony, Prof. Wei-Chou Hsu, Associate Dean of AISSM, warmly welcomed the participants: “Taiwan is a key hub for the global semiconductor industry, with a complete supply chain and cutting-edge technologies. Located in Tainan, an advanced manufacturing base, NCKU offers strong collaboration opportunities with industry. Students will not only learn about the latest R&D trends but also gain hands-on experience through company visits and laboratory courses.”
Prof. Felix Wu, Dean of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, also encouraged students to explore Tainan during their stay to experience the local culture and cuisine. Prof. Kenichiro Takakura from Kumamoto National College of Technology, a partner institution under the MOU with NCKU AISSM, led a group of students for the third time, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions.
The cohort of this year includes students from North America (USA, Canada), Europe (Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland), and Asia (Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan), which reflects NCKU's continued effort in global engagement, strengthening its partnership networks, particularly with Central and Eastern Europe, through MOFA-sponsored short-term semiconductor training programs.
NCKU is committed to positioning Taiwan as a global talent hub within the semiconductor value chain. In addition to cultivating domestic and international R&D professionals through its degree programs, NCKU actively collaborates with leading institutions in key semiconductor regions such as Arizona (USA), Dresden (Germany), and Kumamoto (Japan).
This year, students have joined the program from universities located near TSMC Arizona, including Arizona State University, University of Texas at El Paso, and Auburn University. Participants also arrived from institutions in the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) region, such as TU Dresden, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technical University of Liberec, and University of West Bohemia.
Additionally, eight students came from Kyushu University, Kumamoto University, and Kumamoto National College of Technology in Japan — a region that hosts Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM).
A new feature this year is the introduction of “Semiconductor Process and Packaging” courses, co-taught by faculty from NCKU, industry experts from Applied Materials and Moldex3D, and researchers from the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI). The curriculum spans core technologies ranging from wafer fabrication to packaging and testing and is further enriched by hands-on cleanroom training at the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Center. Through direct interaction with production equipment, students gain practical experience that complements and deepens their theoretical understanding.
The IC Design track continues its hands-on approach, using EDA tools from circuit design to simulation. Each day combines theory and projects, allowing students to deepen their understanding through practical challenges.
In addition to technical training, students enjoy a cultural day trip to Taipei, including visits to Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, Wanhua Historic District, as well as a culinary experience at the world-renowned Din Tai Fun, offering an immersive experience of Taiwanese culture and hospitality.
By integrating its degree programs with domestic and international academic and industrial resources, and with support from the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Center, NCKU provides a globally-oriented and practice-driven learning platform. The program aims to shape high-tech professionals with a global vision and hands-on expertise.
Through years of development, NCKU AISSM’s Semiconductor School continues to drive the internationalization of semiconductor education, fostering deep cross-cultural collaboration and innovation. Through strong partnerships with key institutions across Asia, the Americas, and Europe, the school continues to broaden students’ global perspectives and enhance intercultural communication through dynamic exchange among diverse participants.
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2025-07-23
With the global expansion of TSMC and increasing demand for semiconductor talent, 86 outstanding students from 30 top universities across 15 countries, including Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and European countries, gathered at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) on July 23. They are participating in the fourth annual Semiconductor Summer School, held by Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM), NCKU from July 23 to August 2.
Jointly organized by NCKU’s IC Design, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, and Semiconductor Packaging and Testing Degree Programs, this comprehensive program covers core areas such as IC design, manufacturing processes, and packaging/testing. It demonstrates the program’s interdisciplinary integration and industry-academia collaboration, addressing the industry's urgent demand for advanced talent.
At the opening ceremony, Prof. Wei-Chou Hsu, Associate Dean of AISSM, warmly welcomed the participants: “Taiwan is a key hub for the global semiconductor industry, with a complete supply chain and cutting-edge technologies. Located in Tainan, an advanced manufacturing base, NCKU offers strong collaboration opportunities with industry. Students will not only learn about the latest R&D trends but also gain hands-on experience through company visits and laboratory courses.”
Prof. Felix Wu, Dean of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, also encouraged students to explore Tainan during their stay to experience the local culture and cuisine. Prof. Kenichiro Takakura from Kumamoto National College of Technology, a partner institution under the MOU with NCKU AISSM, led a group of students for the third time, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions.
The cohort of this year includes students from North America (USA, Canada), Europe (Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland), and Asia (Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan), which reflects NCKU's continued effort in global engagement, strengthening its partnership networks, particularly with Central and Eastern Europe, through MOFA-sponsored short-term semiconductor training programs.
NCKU is committed to positioning Taiwan as a global talent hub within the semiconductor value chain. In addition to cultivating domestic and international R&D professionals through its degree programs, NCKU actively collaborates with leading institutions in key semiconductor regions such as Arizona (USA), Dresden (Germany), and Kumamoto (Japan).
This year, students have joined the program from universities located near TSMC Arizona, including Arizona State University, University of Texas at El Paso, and Auburn University. Participants also arrived from institutions in the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) region, such as TU Dresden, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technical University of Liberec, and University of West Bohemia.
Additionally, eight students came from Kyushu University, Kumamoto University, and Kumamoto National College of Technology in Japan — a region that hosts Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM).
A new feature this year is the introduction of “Semiconductor Process and Packaging” courses, co-taught by faculty from NCKU, industry experts from Applied Materials and Moldex3D, and researchers from the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI). The curriculum spans core technologies ranging from wafer fabrication to packaging and testing and is further enriched by hands-on cleanroom training at the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Center. Through direct interaction with production equipment, students gain practical experience that complements and deepens their theoretical understanding.
The IC Design track continues its hands-on approach, using EDA tools from circuit design to simulation. Each day combines theory and projects, allowing students to deepen their understanding through practical challenges.
In addition to technical training, students enjoy a cultural day trip to Taipei, including visits to Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, Wanhua Historic District, as well as a culinary experience at the world-renowned Din Tai Fun, offering an immersive experience of Taiwanese culture and hospitality.
By integrating its degree programs with domestic and international academic and industrial resources, and with support from the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Center, NCKU provides a globally-oriented and practice-driven learning platform. The program aims to shape high-tech professionals with a global vision and hands-on expertise.
Through years of development, NCKU AISSM’s Semiconductor School continues to drive the internationalization of semiconductor education, fostering deep cross-cultural collaboration and innovation. Through strong partnerships with key institutions across Asia, the Americas, and Europe, the school continues to broaden students’ global perspectives and enhance intercultural communication through dynamic exchange among diverse participants.
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2025-07-23

Opening Ceremony of the 2025 NCKU AISSM Semiconductor Summer School.

Associate Dean Wei-Chou Hsu welcomed international participants and hopes they gain fruitful experiences.

Dean Felix Wu encouraged students to embrace learning and explore Taiwan's culture.

86 Students from 15 Countries Joined the NCKU AISSM Summer School this year. About two-thirds of them visited Taiwan for the very first time.
