YunTech Hosts the “2026 Summer Camp for Japanese Semiconductor Talent Development,” Welcoming Japanese High School and College of Technology Students to Explore Semiconductor Technology
A semiconductor chip connects materials, manufacturing processes, and applications in everyday life. Behind each chip lies not only advanced technology, but also an extensive ecosystem of industry, education, and talent development. For many young students in Japan, semiconductors may have once been simply a technical term encountered in the classroom. This summer, however, they stepped onto the campus of National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech), visited semiconductor research institutions and technology companies, and gained first-hand experience of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, higher education, and social environment.
During the 2026 summer vacation, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology hosted the “Summer Camp for Japanese Semiconductor Talent Development,” welcoming young students from Japan to Taiwan in two sessions, each lasting six days. The first session primarily served Japanese high school students, while the second was designed mainly for students from Japanese Colleges of Technology (KOSEN). The program combined professional courses, engineering hands-on activities, visits to industry and research institutions, and cultural experiences in Taiwan. Tailored to the students’ different stages of education, the camp provided diverse opportunities for semiconductor talent development and overseas learning.
Both sessions included visits to the TSMC Innovation Museum and the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Center (TSRI), including tours of TSRI’s cleanroom facilities, allowing students to gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor industry. After entering the cleanroom, students were able to transform semiconductor knowledge previously learned in the classroom into a concrete learning experience and gain an appreciation of the high standards required for environmental control, equipment, and professional expertise in semiconductor research and manufacturing.
In addition to industry visits, students participated in courses and hands-on activities offered by departments such as the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at YunTech. Through hands-on operation, teamwork, and interactive learning, they experienced Taiwan’s emphasis on practical and application-oriented higher education. Activities included programming, drone operation, and engineering projects, while team-based challenges such as bridge building gave students opportunities to develop communication and task-sharing skills within a limited time. The second session also included a visit to the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), where students learned about Taiwan’s technological research and development and industrial innovation.
Although the students in the two sessions were at different stages of education, both groups had opportunities to experience everyday life in Taiwan beyond their studies in technology. The program took students to the Hsinchu Cheng Huang Temple Night Market, Douliu Night Market, and Lukang, where they explored traditional religious practices, historic local neighborhoods, and local cuisine. By learning about semiconductor technology during the day and exploring Taiwan’s night markets in the evening, students experienced an intersection of technology and culture throughout their journey, gaining a broader perspective on Taiwan.
Professional courses, engineering hands-on activities, and industry visits were among the major highlights of the students’ experience. Some students noted that living together, exchanging ideas, and completing learning tasks with other participants from Japan were particularly memorable experiences. Others found the hands-on courses related to semiconductors and control systems especially interesting. Visits to the TSMC Innovation Museum and other industry-related sites also gave students a more concrete understanding of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, development, and technological capabilities. Regarding teamwork, one student shared that completing a bridge-building project with Japanese participants they had only recently met was a valuable learning experience, as they had to communicate and divide responsibilities effectively within a short period of time. These reflections demonstrate that, beyond learning semiconductor knowledge and engineering skills, the summer camp also provided students with valuable experience in teamwork and international learning.
YunTech President Professor Chuan-Yu Chang stated that semiconductors have become a core component of global technological development, but even the most advanced technologies require talented people to create them, and every great innovation ultimately depends on talent. Education, therefore, should not be limited to the transmission of professional knowledge, but should also cultivate a new generation of talent equipped with professional expertise, innovative thinking, an international perspective, and a sense of social responsibility. Japanese Colleges of Technology place strong emphasis on integrating theory with hands-on practice, which aligns closely with YunTech’s educational philosophy of “practicality and application.” This shared educational vision made the summer camp a valuable platform connecting education, industry, and talent development.
Professor Hui-Ching Yeh, Dean of the Office of International Affairs at YunTech, noted that Japanese students currently studying at YunTech have adapted well to both their academic studies and campus life. Many come to Taiwan with clear and strong motivation to learn, seeking to continuously build their capabilities through professional courses and hands-on training as they work toward becoming outstanding engineers. The summer camp also provided Japanese youth with an opportunity to experience Taiwan’s higher education and semiconductor industry environment firsthand, while learning about YunTech’s strengths in engineering education and practical instruction.
The second session was also joined by Shuichi Ishimura, Principal of Uto High School in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, and teacher Takihiro Kajio. Regarding semiconductor talent development, Principal Ishimura noted that in recent years, the establishment of TSMC’s operations in Kumamoto has increased local interest in the semiconductor field among universities and high schools. The prefecture has also continued to develop initiatives for science education and talent development. Uto High School is designated as a Super Science High School (SSH) by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and has a strong foundation in science education and talent development. During this visit, Uto High School and YunTech signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the aim of establishing a foundation for future collaboration between the two institutions and promoting further cooperation in education and talent development. Principal Ishimura also expressed his appreciation to YunTech President Professor Chuan-Yu Chang and the organizing team for arranging the program and providing students with a valuable and enriching learning experience.
YunTech stated that, in response to the continued development of the global semiconductor industry, talent development and international educational collaboration have become increasingly important. Moving forward, YunTech will build on the MOU signed with Uto High School and continue to organize international talent development programs. Through these initiatives, Japanese youth will have opportunities to learn about Taiwan’s semiconductor technologies and industrial capabilities while gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s higher education system, industrial environment, and local culture. Through courses, hands-on activities, and field visits, the university hopes to broaden students’ perspectives on future learning and career development.
Taiwanese and Japanese Faculty Members and Students Gather at the Summer Camp Opening Ceremony, Officially Embarking on a Journey of Semiconductor Talent Development and Youth Exchange
Japanese students explore the development of the semiconductor industry through interactive exhibits at the TSMC Innovation Museum, gaining an understanding of Taiwan’s global competitiveness through technological applications.
Japanese College of Technology (KOSEN) students visit the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to learn about Taiwan’s technological innovation and development from a research and development perspective.
Japanese students visit a cleanroom firsthand, gaining an appreciation for the precision and rigor of semiconductor manufacturing processes through the stringent requirements for environmental control and equipment.
Taiwanese and Japanese students work together on team challenges, developing collaboration and problem-solving skills through discussion, task sharing, and repeated attempts.
Organizing Unit: Office of International Affairs
Director: Hui-Chin Yeh
Contact Person: Ming-Chun Chang
Telephone: (05) 534-2601 ext. 2393
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