The College of Semiconductor and Advanced Technology Research at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) hosted the “CYCU 70 Semiconductor Industry International Forum: Retrospect and Prospect” on October 13, attracting nearly 200 participants from industry, academia, and research institutions.
During the event, the Taiwan Semiconductor International Development Association (TSIDA) was officially initiated. The association aims to establish a strategic platform for information sharing and technological collaboration, integrating Taiwan’s industrial and academic resources and connecting with leading global research institutions. Through this effort, TSIDA seeks to address the emerging geopolitical and technological challenges of the AI and quantum computing era, laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.
CYCU President Dr. Ying-Ming Lee opened the forum with a keynote on “The Semiconductor Industry and Geopolitics,” noting that 2025 marks both the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics and a turning point for the global semiconductor industry. Despite geopolitical and supply chain challenges, the industry is expected to sustain double-digit growth, fueled by AI, high-performance computing, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing. He emphasized CYCU’s commitment to cultivating semiconductor talent through its College of Semiconductor and Advanced Technology Research, calling the forum a key step in realizing the university’s 70th-anniversary vision and promoting innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The international forum brought together leading industry figures and scholars from Taiwan and abroad, including Dr. Nicky Lu, Founder and Chairman of Etron Technology, who spoke on “The Explosive Growth of the Smart Economy: The Symbiotic Power of AI and Semiconductors.” Dr. Steven Lu, General Manager of Macronix International, presented “The Evolution of Semiconductor Technology and the Future of AI Chips,” offering insights into AI chip development trends. Mr. Jimmy Yi, CEO of Top Rainbow Technology, shared his entrepreneurial journey in the talk “From a Sheet-Metal Workshop to a Semiconductor Equipment Company,” illustrating Taiwan’s transformation in advanced manufacturing. The session was moderated by Dr. Ning-Kuo Wang, Honorary Dean of CYCU’s College of Semiconductor and Advanced Technology Research and former Global Executive Vice President of Applied Materials.
In the afternoon session, the forum expanded its global perspective through a panel featuring leading European institutions. Dr. Stefan De Gendt, Director of International Cooperation at IMEC, delivered a talk titled “IMEC — The World’s Chip Lab,” outlining IMEC’s global research network. Dr. Christian Renaux of UCLouvain introduced the Winfab Laboratory and ongoing collaborations with Taiwan, while Professors Kristiaan Temst and Michael Kraft shared innovative research on magnetoelectric effects and MEMS design, sparking lively discussions among participants.
The event concluded with a roundtable forum on “Global Linkages and New Professional Horizons,” highlighting the growing importance of international and industry–academia collaboration.
During the forum, the Taiwan Semiconductor International Development Association (TSIDA) was officially launched. Founding members include CYCU President Ying-Ming Lee, ITRI Academicians Chien-Nan Lin, Stan Shih, and Min-Chu Wu, Attorney Wen-Ching Yang, WIN Semiconductors Chairman Chen Chin-Tsai, Etron Technology Chairman Nicky Lu, Macronix General Manager Steven Lu, and CYCU College of Semiconductor and Advanced Technology Dean Jack Fu. Taoyuan City Mayor Cheng Wen-Tsan attended the event to recognize CYCU’s efforts in advancing industrial transformation and global engagement.
TSIDA’s mission is to unite Taiwan’s semiconductor strength, providing a strategic platform for information exchange and technological collaboration, connecting with top global research institutions, and building a solid foundation for the sustainable international development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.
Dean Jack Fu of CYCU’s College of Semiconductor and Advanced Technology Research stated that the college is actively fostering deep collaboration with world-renowned institutions such as KU Leuven and IMEC (Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre) in Belgium to cultivate globally minded semiconductor professionals. Following its initiation, the Taiwan Semiconductor International Development Association (TSIDA) will proceed with registration under the Ministry of the Interior. The association plans to organize industry–academia forums, think tank alliances, advanced joint courses, and business development initiatives, with a Global Semiconductor Think Tank Summit scheduled for next year to chart the next milestone for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.
As part of CYCU’s 70th anniversary celebrations, this forum embodied both reflection and foresight, uniting academia, industry, and international partners. From Chung Yuan to the world, CYCU continues to contribute to the sustainable growth of the semiconductor industry and the betterment of humanity.
