Overview

In August 2025, the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) officially launched its Semiconductor Process Equipment Talent Cultivation Base, becoming the first university in Taiwan to own a core module of a photolithography machine for educational use.

This was made possible through UMC’s donation of the equipment, which are expensive and difficult for educational institutions to gain access to. Through this initiative, students can gain practical experience to combine with theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom, helping them get a head start in their careers in the semiconductor industry.

The program at NKUST's Semiconductor Process Equipment Talent Cultivation Base includes four main course modules: Basic Skills for Semiconductor Equipment, Instrumentation and Control Systems for Semiconductor Equipment, Practical Vacuum Systems for Semiconductor Equipment, and Hands-on Training for Semiconductor Process Equipment. These modules are designed to equip students with the professional skills they'll need in the future, with the program can train up to 1,000 people each year.

Backed by the Ministry of Education, the HKUST program also relies on industry support. In addition to equipment donation, UMC also provides industry experts as lecturers. At the opening ceremony of the Semiconductor Process Equipment Talent Cultivation Base , UMC's Vice President, Victor Chuang, said, "We are honored to share our industry experience with students through the donation of teaching aids and lecturer resources, helping schools bridge the gap between education and application, and enabling students to grasp the latest technologies early."

As part of UMC’s 3P Talent Development Strategy, this initiative builds on UMC’s ongoing collaboration with academia, including the Semiconductor Equipment Program launched with NKUST in 2023, which offers a 14-class, 40-hour curriculum covering essential semiconductor equipment topics, with top students receiving priority interview opportunities.

In addition to academia collaboration, the 3P strategy also encompasses programs to offer career talks and coaching. The Prospective Talent Program (PTP) targets senior undergraduates and graduate students in science and engineering, providing industry interaction and mentorship.

Internally, UMC’s own Semiconductor Academy located at its Fab 12A site trains new engineers through standardized, hands-on courses. Since its establishment in 2022, the academy has expanded its reach across other UMC sites in Taiwan and overseas. 

The Semiconductor Equipment Academy can be seen as an upgraded version of the new employee training program. Previously, new engineers at UMC were trained by various units within each plant, including basic skills training, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and opportunity education, allowing newcomers to quickly grasp fundamental knowledge and relevant skills. The practical classrooms at the Equipment Academy further standardize, systematize, and practicalize the new employee training.

The booming semiconductor industry is facing the challenge of talent shortage. To ensure the sustainable development of the company and more broadly our industry, UMC starts cultivation of talent on campuses and builds on efforts to strengthen talent development of new and existing employees. Through these efforts, UMC aims to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals, which is key to the company’s long- term competitiveness.