Saxony to lure top semiconductor sector professionals using TSMC as bait
The Free State of Saxony and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking exchange program aimed at promoting talent in the semiconductor industry. The program, which was officially announced at a TSMC factory in Taichung, Taiwan, will facilitate the study and training of students in semiconductor technology between Germany's Saxony state and Taiwan.
Thirty students from six countries will be involved, with a focus on nurturing skilled professionals for the semiconductor sector. The program is a cooperative initiative involving TSMC, the Saxony government, and academic institutions such as National Taiwan University (NTU) and TU Dresden.
The scientific coordination office, serving as the central point of contact for science and students interested in studying, was opened in Taipei on Tuesday. The Free State of Saxony will contribute around €1 million for this office, with an additional €500,000 per year to the exchange program.
Under the program, up to 100 German students per year will have the opportunity to intern at Taiwanese universities for multiple months. These internships will provide students with direct exposure to semiconductor manufacturing and research, preparing them for careers in the industry.
The exchange program aligns with Saxony’s development as a major semiconductor hub, known as "Silicon Saxony," which has attracted major investors including TSMC. This collaboration aims to address the lack of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry in Dresden, as TSMC plans to build a semiconductor plant in the city but is concerned about a local shortage of skilled workers.
The initiative fits within Taiwan's broader regional cooperation efforts to sustain its semiconductor industry competitiveness and global supply chain partnerships. Lora Ho, TSMC Senior Vice President, expressed pleasure about launching the exchange program with the Free State of Saxony and TU Dresden, stating that it will foster the next generation of semiconductor talents and support cross-border cooperation.
In summary, the exchange program's objective is to bridge academic knowledge with practical semiconductor industry experience, promote international collaboration, and develop high-quality semiconductor talent to support both Saxony’s industry growth and Taiwan’s continued leadership in global semiconductor manufacturing. The program offers an opportunity for anyone looking to break into the semiconductor industry, providing them with the skills and experience needed to succeed in this rapidly growing field.
This exchange program, spearheaded by TSMC and the Free State of Saxony, is designed to nurture the next generation of semiconductor talent by uniting education-and-self-development with technology. The project aligns with the Free State of Saxony's development as a technology hub, with a focus on addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the region's semiconductor industry.
