YunTech Collaborates with Fukuoka Institute of Technology High School to Host a Semiconductor Talent Development Summer Camp, Giving Japanese Students Hands-On Experience of Taiwan’s Technology and Culture through Industry Visits and Practical Training

From August 16 to 21, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) hosted the “2026 Fukuoka Institute of Technology High School Semiconductor Talent Development Summer Camp.” The program welcomed 10 university students from Fukuoka Institute of Technology, 35 high school students from its affiliated Joto High School, and five faculty members led by Vice Principal Tomoharu Matsuo. The six-day program combined visits to semiconductor-related institutions, university-level professional courses, hands-on activities, and cultural experiences in Taiwan. Through learning about Taiwan from the perspectives of industry, education, and culture, the 45 Japanese students broadened their international perspectives and explored possible directions for their future studies and careers.

The program included visits to the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Center (TSRI), the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), and the TSMC Innovation Museum. Through guided tours and professional presentations, students learned about the technologies, equipment, and skilled professionals behind semiconductor manufacturing. At the TSMC Innovation Museum, exhibits on industrial development, chip manufacturing, and technological innovation helped students understand the semiconductor supply chain and Taiwan’s role in the global semiconductor industry, connecting what may have previously been abstract semiconductor concepts with real-world industrial development.

In addition to visiting industry sites, students also explored YunTech’s campus and experienced the connection between university-level professional education and the technology industry through hands-on courses. In a course offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, students used Arduino boards together with programming techniques and operating methods introduced by instructors to create their own table tennis games. From hardware operation and programming control to game design, students experienced the process of transforming concepts into functional projects.

The Department of Industrial Engineering and Management arranged a team-based paper bridge-building activity. Students considered structural design, material use, and team coordination while working within limited conditions to improve the stability and functionality of their designs. In the afternoon, they worked with micro:bit devices, programming the devices and observing the results in real time. Through hands-on activities involving hardware operation, structural design, and programming applications, students were introduced to different fields of study while gaining a better understanding of YunTech’s teaching approach and learning environment.

Students also visited the cleanroom and materials analysis laboratory of the Department of Electronic Engineering, where they learned about semiconductor-related education, experimental equipment, and research environments. This experience extended the knowledge gained during industry visits into the context of university-level professional education, helping students understand the connection between technological industries and talent development.

Beyond professional learning, the summer camp incorporated Taiwanese culture and everyday life experiences throughout the six-day program. Students visited Hsinchu Cheng Huang Temple Night Market, Douliu Night Market, Lukang in Changhua, and the Taiwan Glass Gallery, experiencing Taiwan through local cuisine, history and culture, traditional industries, and craftsmanship. In addition to the popular bubble tea, students also tried Taiwanese snacks such as fried chicken cutlets and potstickers, while experiencing the common Taiwanese tradition of sharing dishes around a round table. Through these visits and daily-life experiences, students gained a closer look at Taiwan beyond the classroom and industrial settings. Experiencing a different language and cultural environment allowed them to appreciate Taiwan’s lifestyle and cultural characteristics, making the summer camp a comprehensive international learning experience combining professional education and cultural exchange.

At the closing ceremony, Professor Pao-Jung Ni, Vice President of Fukuoka Institute of Technology, delivered remarks. He noted that the summer camp gave students the opportunity to step into Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and university campuses and learn about the capabilities required for semiconductor talent development from various perspectives, including research, technology, industrial applications, and professional education. He emphasized that leaving a familiar learning environment and experiencing new industries and cultures in another country is itself an important learning experience. He encouraged students to cherish this opportunity to study in Taiwan, continue exploring their interests, build professional capabilities and international perspectives, and turn what they experienced in Taiwan into valuable foundations for their future studies and careers.

Professor Hui-Chin Yeh, Dean of the Office of International Affairs at YunTech, highlighted the motto of Dr. Morris Chang, founder of TSMC, which the students encountered during their visit to the TSMC Innovation Museum: “Behind every difficult challenge lies a beautiful future.” She noted that the message also reflects the learning and growth journey that students may experience if they choose to pursue further studies in Taiwan. For Japanese students considering studying in Taiwan, challenges may arise in language learning, cultural differences, and professional coursework. Overcoming these challenges can become an important part of building professional capabilities and broadening their international perspectives. She encouraged students to view the summer camp as a starting point for discovering Taiwan and YunTech and exploring their future. If they choose to study in Taiwan in the future, she encouraged them to face the challenges of studying abroad with confidence, continue developing professional knowledge and practical experience at YunTech, and pursue careers in the semiconductor field. She also expressed her hope that the students would eventually become outstanding semiconductor professionals and potentially join international companies such as TSMC, applying their strengths to the global technology industry and creating their own promising futures.

In recent years, YunTech has continued to promote semiconductor talent development programs for Japanese students, emphasizing industry-oriented practical training, interdisciplinary learning, and international perspectives through university-level professional education, hands-on courses, and industry connections. This summer camp enabled Japanese youth to gain an early understanding of YunTech’s professional education, learning environment, and Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Through industry visits, practical training, and cultural experiences, students explored the possibilities of pursuing further studies and professional development in Taiwan. Moving forward, YunTech will continue to deepen its collaboration with Japanese high schools, Colleges of Technology (KOSEN), and industry partners. Through Japanese semiconductor talent development programs, industry visits, international exchange, and other initiatives, the university aims to attract more young people from Japan to study in Taiwan, expand its international collaboration network, and cultivate semiconductor talent equipped with professional expertise, practical experience, and a global perspective.

YunTech faculty and staff pose for a group photo with Japanese faculty members and students at the closing ceremony, marking the successful conclusion of the Semiconductor Talent Development Summer Camp.

Japanese students gain an understanding of Taiwan’s technology industry by exploring the semiconductor sector firsthand, from research and development to industrial applications.

Through a single chip, Japanese students gain insight into the global semiconductor supply chain and develop a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

From programming control to structural design, Japanese students explore different fields of expertise through hands-on courses offered by YunTech’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Industrial Engineering and Management.

Japanese students visit the cleanroom and materials analysis laboratory of the Department of Electronic Engineering, gaining firsthand insight into the teaching and hands-on learning environments related to semiconductor technology.

Organizing Unit: Office of International Affairs

Director: Hui-Chin Yeh

Contact Person: Ming-Chun Chang

Telephone: (05) 534-2601 ext. 2393

※The above is an AI-generated translation and may not be 100% accurate. For reference only — please double-check any important details.