Overview

SEMICON Taiwan 2023 took place in Taipei in September. Aside from showcasing the latest semiconductor technologies, it featured a program called the “Women in Semiconductor Panel,” which attracted hundreds of attendees. The venue was packed, and even high school students from schools such as National Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High School and Stella Matutina Girls’ High School were drawn to participate, demonstrating that empowering women in technology has become one of the focal points of public attention in recent years. UMC participated in the “Women in Semiconductor Panel” for the first time this year. The Company was represented by Mindy Lin, Vice President of Quality & Reliability Assurance at UMC, who shared and exchanged insights with representatives from companies such as DuPont, Lam Research, and Texas Instruments.

Mindy Lin, Vice President of Quality & Reliability Assurance at UMC, participated in the “Women in Semiconductor Panel” at the SEMICON Taiwan 2023, sharing her perspectives on empowering women in technology

Just as fabs have shifted from 4-inch to 12-inch, Mindy Lin has noticed a significant shift in the industry’s demographics. In the past, equipment engineers were predominantly male, but nowadays, an increasing number of female equipment engineers are joining the field. As technology advances—with AI, Industry 4.0 automation, and more—it helps workers overcome inherent physiological differences and enhances work efficiency, collectively creating a more inclusive working environment. “In reality, the semiconductor industry requires a wide range of talents. You can see different disciplines such as physics, chemistry, materials, electrical engineering, and project engineering within the semiconductor industry. Regardless of academic background or gender, everyone can contribute to the semiconductor industry,” stated Mindy Lin.

In terms of employment and appointment, UMC prioritizes professional competence as the primary criterion for talent selection. Mindy Lin is a good example of this approach. Since joining the Company in 1988, she has undergone training within various companies of the Group, including Faraday Technology and Wavetek Microelectronics, and she has even gained experience in establishing new facilities and companies in China. In all aspects, she has proven herself! According to the latest data shared on-site by the consulting firm Willis Towers Watson, the proportion of female high-level executives in the Taiwanese semiconductor industry stands at 6%. In contrast, as of 2022, UMC has achieved proportions of 11% for female high-level executives and 22.1% for female managers, vastly exceeding the industry average.

To support employees in fully utilizing their talents and abilities, UMC has dedicated itself to creating a friendly workplace that embodies the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In 2022, the “Diversity and Inclusion Statement” was signed and announced by the Co-president and Chairman of the Corporate Sustainability Committee, Shan-Chieh Chien. This statement explicitly affirms the Company’s respect for the uniqueness of every employee, and pledges not to discriminate based on factors such as race, skin color, gender, and age. UMC is committed to promoting and implementing this statement through four key initiatives: (1) establishing senior executive oversight mechanisms, (2) setting goals for workplace diversity, (3) promoting education and training, and (4) strengthening benefits for a friendly workplace.

UMC organizes seminars to empower women, inviting experts to share their experiences in the hope of inspiring more female employees to collectively create workplace value

At the end of the “Women in Semiconductor Panel,”, Mindy Lin encouraged women to embrace the “ability to dream” and break free from the traditional gender roles and stereotypes that exist in the workplace. Having the ability to dream of different possibilities in life means not imposing limitations on oneself. However, dreaming is not simply fantasizing; it also requires clear goals, wholehearted dedication, and the practice of self-encouragement once those goals are achieved. “Lastly, and most importantly, you must encourage yourself. For example, plan a small trip, watch a movie, or treat yourself to ice cream. Keep this cycle going, and your ability to realize your dreams will continuously flow and turn those dreams into reality,” said Mindy Lin.