Promoting Diverse Collaboration Models: On-Campus Internships, Project-Based R&D, and Academia-Industry Integration

In response to the growing global demand for high-level talent in the semiconductor industry, Asia University (AU) and Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. (SPIL), a world-renowned semiconductor packaging and testing company, signed an industry-academia cooperation memorandum on April 23. The MOU was signed by AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai and SPIL Executive Vice President Kun-Yi Chien. Together, the two parties will launch a series of collaborative programs to cultivate future talent in the semiconductor packaging and testing sector through the university’s Central Taiwan Semiconductor Base.

President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan possesses the world’s most comprehensive semiconductor supply chain, with packaging and testing technologies ranked among the best globally. With emerging applications such as autonomous driving, AI, and high-performance computing accelerating, packaging and testing have become key enablers. SPIL has expanded its operations in central Taiwan and is accelerating talent recruitment. The collaboration with AU will introduce a diverse model of on-campus internships, R&D projects, and industry-academic integration, providing students with access to world-class semiconductor enterprises and aligning university education with industry needs.

President Tsai also noted that AU has cultivated a large pool of semiconductor professionals over the past decade. Many graduates have excelled in major international companies such as Apple, Qualcomm, and TSMC. The College of Information and Electrical Engineering is focused on AI semiconductors, medical chips, drones, and cybersecurity. AU encourages students to pursue international certifications from companies like NVIDIA and Amazon, with overseas starting salaries reaching USD 70,000 to 100,000. The university also plans to attract international students to expand its global academic and industrial impact.

SPIL’s Senior Vice President Kun-Yi Chien shared that the company is undergoing large-scale expansion in central Taiwan, aiming to create around 8,000 new jobs over the next three years. This development will promote integration of the regional industry chain and create significant employment opportunities. The cooperation with AU aims to establish a local model of education, employment, and talent development. He praised AU’s excellence in AI, smart manufacturing, and IC design, noting its important role in bridging regional talent with global industry. In addition, SPIL and AU will jointly establish technical training programs even for non-engineering students, ensuring practical, job-ready skills.

Dean Ching-Hsien Hsu of AU’s College of Information and Electrical Engineering stated that the university is committed to making central Taiwan a key hub for semiconductor talent. AU actively participates in Ministry of Education and Industrial Development Administration programs such as the “Semiconductor Industry-Academia Collaboration Program.” In addition to well-structured curriculum modules, AU works closely with top-tier industry partners through guest lectures, industry-mentored capstone projects, and internships to boost students' competitiveness. Moving forward, both parties will expand the scope of collaboration to continuously supply talent to Taiwan’s semiconductor packaging and testing sector. “Employment upon graduation and job-readiness from day one are goals we share with SPIL,” said Dean Hsu.

Key areas of this industry-academia partnership include:1.Student Internship Program – Matching students based on expertise and interest for paid internships at SPIL’s Taichung and Changhua plants.2.Capstone and Technical Collaborations – Joint applied research projects between AU students and SPIL engineers.3.Talent Preparation Courses and Technical Seminars – SPIL will offer insights into the latest technologies and industry needs to enhance students’ readiness.4.Campus Recruitment and Career Guidance – Building a seamless transition from university to industry, while encouraging local employment opportunities.