Hsinchu, Taiwan, April 22, 2014 -United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TSE: 2303) ("UMC"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today kicked-off its “Eco-echo Conservation Project” with an NTD 30 million environmental protection fund appropriated towards the long-term conservation of Taiwan’s local ecosystem. The company also celebrated Earth Day at its Hsinchu headquarters with a carbon-neutral themed concert and the commencement of annual company-wide green activities.

UMC CEO Mr. Po Wen Yen said, “Recently, UMC achieved a significant milestone by completing Taiwan’s first government accredited carbon credit trade. We have appropriately decided to contribute this gain to environmental protection by creating the ”Eco-echo Conservation Project” to set up a new cooperation model for other corporations and environmental protection organizations. Through this effort, we hope to attract further attention to ecosystem challenges and devote more conservation work to this area.”

UMC’s ”Eco-echo Conservation Project” consists of two aspects: conservation and education, with the main goals of promoting biological diversity, species recovery and promoting environmental protection living concepts. The first partner within this cooperation is The Society of Wildness (SOW). UMC will make an initial grant of NTD 3 million over three years to co-execute conservation projects with SOW. Starting from 2016, UMC will welcome project proposals from other conservation organizations to receive NTD 1 million per year for selected projects.

UMC’s 2014 Earth Day event is carbon-neutral themed, with all activities having been carbon footprint verified. Events include the premier of UMC’s Corporate Sustainability film which highlights the company’s sustainable development efforts over the years. A low-carbon environmental friendly buffet will be served, with entertainment being provided by a low-carbon, electricity-free music concert. The estimated carbon emission is around 300 kg CO2e, which will be reduced by adopting low carbon measures while the rest will be offset by the carbon rights gained from UMC’s earlier projects for greenhouse gas reduction. Other activities include company-wide events to promote employees to live a green lifestyle, such as eco-daytrips, a green market, handmade soap workshop, etc.

UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that provides advanced technology and manufacturing for applications spanning every major sector of the IC industry. UMC’s robust foundry solutions allow chip designers to leverage the company’s leading-edge processes, which include 28nm poly-SiON and gate-last High-K/Metal Gate technology, mixed signal/RFCMOS, and a wide range of specialty technologies. Production is supported through 10 wafer manufacturing facilities that include two advanced 300mm fabs; Fab 12A in Taiwan and Singapore-based Fab 12i. Fab 12A consists of Phases 1-4 which are in production for customer products down to 28nm. Construction has been completed for Phases 5&6, with future plans for Phases 7&8. The company employs over 15,000 people worldwide and has offices in Taiwan, mainland China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at at https://www.umc.com.