TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Wednesday handed certificates to 119 students from eight European countries participating in short-term semiconductor training in Taiwan.

The students came from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. National Taiwan University, National Cheng Kung University, and the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute helped sponsor the program.

As a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan will continue deepening cooperation with like-minded European countries and expanding joint training programs, Lin said. He added that international cooperation and talent exchanges were key to Taiwan’s rise as a technology powerhouse.

Lin welcomed the European students to continue their studies or seek employment with Taiwanese semiconductor firms. He said they could serve as a bridge between Taiwan and Europe to build a resilient, democratic supply chain.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the semiconductor training program in 2022. So far, 348 students and professionals have taken part. The ministry said the courses and exchanges contribute to an economic system based on democratic values.