ASE-NCKU Inaugurate Joint R&D Center to Drive Innovation and Talent Cultivation
Written by Amber Tyan. Image Credit to NCKU News Center
ASE, the world's largest semiconductor testing and packaging company, joined forces with NCKU to establish a collaborative R&D center, holding an inauguration ceremony on the 12th of January,2024.
ASE, the world's largest semiconductor testing and packaging company, has joined forces with National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) to establish a collaborative research and development center. The inauguration ceremony took place on the 12th of January, presided over by Chun-Che Lee, General Manager of Research and Development at ASE, and NCKU President, Dr. Meng-Ru Shen. This partnership not only focuses on talent cultivation but also the joint exploration of foundational technologies such as heterogeneous integration and silicon photonics. Both parties are committed to proactive engagement in cutting-edge technology research, aiming to enhance ASE's international competitiveness through advanced packaging techniques while simultaneously bolstering NCKU's research and development capabilities, solidifying Taiwan's semiconductor leadership on a global scale.
ASE and NCKU are planning to embark on a three-year, NT$50 million collaboration project. The collaboration will expand from past case-by-case research topics to encompass progressive, futuristic, and comprehensive R&D breakthroughs. In addition to technical collaboration, both parties will also delve into teaching and talent cultivation, including initiatives like establishing scholarships, launching industry-oriented programs, and organizing technical seminars.
Chun-Che Lee (left), General Manager of R&D at ASE, and NCKU President, Dr. Meng-Ru Shen (right) co-hosted the inauguration ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was co-hosted by Chun-Che Lee, General Manager of R&D at ASE, and Dr. Meng-Ru Shen, President of NCKU. Distinguished guests in attendance included ASE's Senior Vice Presidents, Sung-Jing Hong, Jen-Kuang Fang, Chih-Bin Hong, Shu-Hsia Lee, Wen-Chi Cheng, Zong-Min Bai, as well as Dr. Woei-Jer Chuang, NCKU Executive Vice President, Dr. Liang-Ming Hwang, Director General of NCKU's Innovation Headquarters, Dr. Kwang-Lung Lin, Director of ASE-NCKU Joint R&D Center, Dr. Yen-Kuin Su, Dean of the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing, Associate Deans Dr. Wei-Chou Hsu, Dr. Yu-Lung Lo, Dr. Chyan-Deng Jan, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Dr. Hung-Yu Kao, Dean of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, respectively.
Chun-Che Lee stated that ASE has maintained a long-standing and close collaboration with NCKU, encompassing industry-academia projects and technical research collaboration. With the establishment of the joint R&D center, the collaborative efforts spanning across the College of Science, College of Engineering, College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing in addition to the research capabilities of these academic units, both ASE and NCKU can contribute greatly to the semiconductor field. The synergy of ASE's corporate capabilities and NCKU's significant academic influence on the international stage is anticipated to drive industrial development and establish a new paradigm for industry-academia collaborations.
ASE recognizes the significant contributions of NCKU in academia. The newly established joint R&D center aims to provide a progressive environment and culture that will stimulate unique and novel solutions from academic teaching, research, and industry talents. This collaborative effort is expected to facilitate industrial upgrades, talent development, and the establishment of collaborative relationships necessary for achieving innovative goals. The joint R&D center is envisioned to become a focal point for nurturing key talents in the industry, generating more achievements and contributions for both the industry and society.
The establishment of the joint R&D center between NCKU and ASE marks the beginning of a long-term and profound collaboration. President Meng-Ru Shen emphasized how academic research is the essence of a university and how research must respond to actual needs. NCKU is dedicated to fostering international, interdisciplinary links, extending from various colleges within the university to industries, foundations, and more. As ASE is situated in Kaohsiung, a neighboring city to Tainan, it serves as a crucial partner for NCKU to initiate interdisciplinary connections globally. The future development of the joint R&D center is highly anticipated by all.
ASE-NCKU have a long-standing relationship; the inauguration ceremony has gathered the research capabilities of the College of Science, College of Engineering, College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing
ASE and NCKU have enjoyed a longstanding and positive relationship marked by frequent exchanges. As early as 2012, both parties signed a MOU for industry-academia cooperation, embarking on collaborative research projects. In addition, ASE made a donation to establish the "ASE Technology Lecture Series", recognizing scholars who have made significant research contributions and their dedication to advancing the technology of the semiconductor packaging industry.
Over the past decade, the two parties have continued to achieve remarkable results in industry-academia collaboration. Collaborative projects have covered various domains, including packaging engineering, environmental protection, and smart manufacturing, establishing a close-knit partnership. In 2021, ASE formally joined NCKU's Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing, further deepening their engagement in collaborative research projects.
NCKU has joined hands with prominent domestic enterprises to establish joint R&D centers with dedicated offices on the university campus, specifically designed to plan projects related to industry-academia cooperation and talent development. Under this collaboration model, enterprises contribute an annual minimum of 10 million for a duration of at least three years, focusing on large-scale, medium to long-term industry-academia cooperation projects. NCKU is currently home to joint R&D centers with several major domestic companies, including TSMC, Delta Electronics, Yageo, Lite-On, AU Optronics, MediaTek, Quanta, China Steel, and ASE.
ASE is a globally leading semiconductor packaging and testing manufacturing services company. It offers complete turnkey solutions, covering front-end engineering tests, wafer probing, IC packaging and modules, materials, final tests, system and board level integration, and electronic design and manufacturing services (EMS). Furthermore, by integrating resources across its various business units, ASE can sustainably collaborate with upstream and downstream supply chain partners to strengthen technological innovation. This approach, aimed at effectively reducing operational risks and enhancing competitiveness for mutual benefits, ensures the continuous development of the industry chain.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2024-01-25