Establishment of a Semiconductor Base at Asia University with Equipment Donation from Jtron Technology to Foster Talent Development

President Jeffrey J. P. Tsai of Asia University stated that 15 years ago, Asia University established the “Semiconductor Industry-Academia Program,” which has produced outstanding alumni

On the morning of December 11, Asia University hosted a Distinguished Lecture featuring Jtron Technology Chairman Yihmin Lin, who delivered a talk on “The Semiconductor Supply Chain in Taiwan: Today and Tomorrow - Industry-Academia Collaboration for a New Semiconductor Blueprint.” The event attracted a large audience of Asia University faculty and students, both in person and online. Following the lecture, Asia University President Jeffrey J. P. Tsai signed an MOU with Chairman Yihmin Lin. Jtron Technology will donate semiconductor testing equipment to establish a semiconductor base at Asia University, aimed at fostering semiconductor talent in central Taiwan and strengthening the academic and technical capabilities of both parties in talent cultivation.

President Tsai praised Chairman Lin for his exceptional leadership in the semiconductor industry and significant contributions to education. Fifteen years ago, Asia University initiated its “Semiconductor Industry-Academia Program,” led by the renowned Professor Gene Sheu, one of Taiwan's “first-generation semiconductor talents” trained in Silicon Valley. The program has since trained hundreds of high-level engineers, who have gone on to work in prestigious companies across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Singapore, and other countries, including Apple in Germany, Qualcomm in USA, Synopsys, and TSMC.

Chairman Yihmin Lin of Jtron Technology pointed out that the establishment of the semiconductor base creates a “win-win-win” situation for the industry, the university, and the students

President Tsai highlighted the program's success in achieving 100% employment rates among its graduates. Notable alumni include Hutomo Suryo Wasisto from Indonesia, who pursued a Ph.D. in nano-microelectromechanical systems at the University of Brunswick in Germany. His research has been utilized in MIT’s educational materials and earned him the “Best Young Scientist Award in Europe.” Currently, he is Head of Optoelectromechanical Integrated Nanosystems for Sensing (OptoSense) Group in the Laboratory for Emerging Nanometrology (LENA), Braunschweig, Germany. Similarly, Neelam Agarwal from India, a graduate of the program, is now a senior engineer at Renesas, a leading microcontroller supplier, and has delivered impactful presentations at international semiconductor conferences.

Asia University has collaborated with institutions like MIT and UC Berkeley, integrating authorized MIT materials in its curriculum. The semiconductor program has also been recognized as an “Outstanding Program” by Taiwan's Ministry of Education.

President Jeffrey J. P. Tsai of Asia University (right) and Chairman Yihmin Lin of Jtron Technology (left) jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding

Recently, Asia University has further advanced its semiconductor talent development initiatives in collaboration with India and Indonesia under the Ministry of Education’s “Semiconductor Industry-Academia Collaboration Plan.” President Tsai emphasized that the university is committed to bridging academic knowledge with practical experience, ensuring students are equipped with cutting-edge skills in semiconductor testing and technology.

Chairman Lin's lecture traced the evolution of the semiconductor industry, emphasizing its increasing integration into daily life and national security. He highlighted Taiwan’s critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain and stressed the importance of maintaining leadership through advanced processes, high-level packaging, and industry-academia-government collaboration.

The V101 system donated by Jtron Technology provides a cutting-edge platform for testing semiconductor chips. This initiative will enable students to gain hands-on experience and seamlessly transition into the industry. The partnership aims to establish a semiconductor research center at Asia University, focusing on talent cultivation and advanced training, with a broader goal of attracting and retaining international semiconductor professionals.

Both parties aim to create a win-win-win scenario for the industry, university, and students, further solidifying Taiwan’s leading position in the global semiconductor sector.

Chairman Yihmin Lin of Jtron Technology (left) donated the company’s V101 system for establishing the semiconductor base at Asia University, with President Jeffrey J. P. Tsai (right) receiving the donation on behalf of the university

Representatives from Asia University and Jtron Technology posed for a group photo during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding and equipment donation, with President Jeffrey J. P. Tsai (fourth from right) and Chairman Yihmin Lin (fifth from right)