Saxon students conquer Taiwan: semiconductor adventure in the Far East!

Saxon students conquer Taiwan: semiconductor adventure in the Far East!

An exciting adventure for students that couldn't be more exciting! With its Semiconductor Talent Incubation Program (STIP), the Free State of Saxony has managed to build a bridge between theory and practice in the booming semiconductor industry. There are currently 30 Saxon students in Taiwan, where they not only study but also have the opportunity to gain exciting insights into the world of TSMC. Josef Goldberger, who promotes the program locally, recently met some of these young talents - including Harald Waje, Jakob Kretzschmar and Alexander Klimmek - and took them to a café to chat about their experiences and gain an insight into Taiwanese culture.

Harald Waje, who is studying physics at TU Dresden, Jakob Kretzschmar, who is studying business informatics at HTW Dresden, and Alexander Klimmek, who is completing a dual course of study at Zittau/Görlitz University, all traveled to Taiwan to explore new perspectives in an industry that is affected by a severe shortage of skilled workers. TSMC, a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, plans to build new factories in Taiwan, further increasing demand for skilled workers.

Insights into studying and life in Taiwan

In the first phase of the program, which runs until August 2025, students have the opportunity to study TSMC semiconductor modules at National Taiwan University and to undergo practical testing at TSMC's Newcomer Training Center & Fab in July and August. Up to 30 ECTS points can be earned. Even though the students have to be cautious about reporting their internship experiences at TSMC for the time being - strict confidentiality agreements restrict their information - they are still enthusiastic about the new perspective they have gained.

The different study systems in Taiwan present a bit of a challenge. There is more homework and fewer events, but also the opportunity to explore the country very actively. The history, the mountains and the wide range of leisure activities such as hiking, cycling and surfing attract students. The culinary highlights, especially the famous night markets with their street food, also make students' hearts beat faster.

An important program for the future

Josef Goldberger also highlights the security situation in Taiwan. Citizens feel safe here, so personal belongings can often be left unattended. He also mentions the citizen-friendly administration, which makes many administrative procedures possible digitally and conveniently in English. An aspect that many students would miss back home.

But why is all of this so important? The semiconductor industry plays a crucial role in the digital and green transformation, as the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection bmwk.de describes. Semiconductors are not only the basis of modern communication technologies, they are also crucial for precise medical technology and contribute to climate protection. Although Europe's market share of global semiconductor production has fallen to around 8% from 21% in 2000, there are significant initiatives to strengthen this industry.

The STIP program is therefore not just an educational opportunity; It is a strategic step to take a look at international competition and to expand your own competence in a future market. The next few years will show how many of these students make the leap into the semiconductor industry and what impulses they will bring with them to Saxony.