As Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and its supply chain partners continue to expand their investments in Arizona, the region has rapidly emerged as the core of the United States’ “Silicon Desert” for semiconductor manufacturing.
Dean Chao-Ming Fu of the College of Semiconductor Industry at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) recently visited Arizona to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northern Arizona University (NAU) on behalf of CYCU. The two institutions will engage in in-depth collaboration in semiconductor research, student exchange, and industry internships, working together to cultivate key talent that connects Taiwan and the United States while serving the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Dean Chao-Ming Fu noted that U.S. policies driving localized manufacturing have intensified the global demand for semiconductor talent. Through its partnership with NAU, CYCU aims to align with the emerging “Silicon Phoenix Corridor” and strengthen collaboration in research, student exchange, and industry internships to support the Taiwan–U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.
Under the MOU, CYCU and NAU will jointly develop programs including summer courses, student exchange, internships, and dual-degree opportunities to cultivate globally competitive semiconductor talent. NAU Vice President Cesar Flores added that the partnership will strengthen talent development while providing students with valuable exposure to Taiwan’s semiconductor expertise and industry culture.
CYCU has established a comprehensive semiconductor talent pipeline, including a master’s program in Semiconductor Materials and Optoelectronic Inspection (2024), Taiwan’s first private university College of Semiconductor Industry, and a newly launched undergraduate program. Together with its research center, CYCU builds an integrated ecosystem from education to R&D.
During his visit to Arizona, Dean Chao-Ming Fu not only signed the MOU but also engaged with industry leaders to better understand global semiconductor trends and talent needs. CYCU will continue expanding international and industry collaborations to support the global development of Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain.
