TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to establish a Taiwan-US Semiconductor Education Alliance.
FICHET Chair Lee Tsai-yen (李蔡彥) and AASCU President Charles Welch signed the agreement during a semiconductor higher education networking event in Orlando, Florida, according to the Ministry of Education. Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) witnessed the signing.
A total of 23 universities from Taiwan participated in the conference, along with representatives from 27 US institutions. AASCU is an organization made up of public colleges and universities supported and governed by US state governments.
Lee said in his remarks that the global semiconductor industry is facing unprecedented demand for talent and rapid technological innovation. Higher education institutions must move beyond traditional academic boundaries and build cross-border, interdisciplinary talent-training models, he said.
Cheng added that Taiwan has a complete semiconductor ecosystem and world-class innovation capabilities, with universities serving as a key hub linking industry, research, and talent. Through Taiwan-US higher education cooperation, it will be possible to cultivate professionals with expertise and global perspectives and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the global technology supply chain, he said.
