German Institute Taipei and Saxon Science Liaison Office Visit NCKU to Ex-plore Semiconductor Talent Development Cooperation
Written by NCKU Office of Internation Affairs. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
Representatives from the German Institute Taipei and The Saxon Science Liaison Office Taiwan visited NCKU to actively explore collaborative programs for semiconductor talent cultivation.
On the morning of July 25, 2025, Ms. Katrin Buchholz, Interim Director General of the German Institute Taipei, led a delegation to visit National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). The delegation included representatives from the German Institute Taipei and the Saxon Science Liaison Office Taiwan. The visit aimed to deepen bilateral academic and research collaboration, with a particular focus on talent development in the semiconductor field.
In his opening remarks, Executive Vice President Professor Yung-Chun Lee warmly welcomed the visiting delegation, emphasizing the longstanding cooperation between NCKU and German institutions, and highlighting the increasingly deepening academic ties between both sides. Ms. Katrin Buchholz also expressed her appreciation for the thoughtful arrangements and shared her hope that the meeting would further advance the Taiwan-Germany initiative on semiconductor talent cultivation.
Ms. Katrin Buchholz, Interim Director General of the German Institute Taipei, presented a bottle of fine German wine to Vice President Yung-Chun Lee in appreciation of NCKU’s warm hospitality.
Dr. Josef Goldberger noted that 4 students from the German state of Saxony—participants in the 2024 "Semiconductor Talent Incubation Program Taiwan (STIPT)"—returned to Taiwan this summer to attend NCKU’s Semiconductor Summer School. He emphasized that the purpose of this visit was not only to celebrate the STIPT’s current success, but also to explore deeper and broader collaboration. By 2026, the program is expected to expand, with Taiwanese universities like NCKU identified as key strategic partners.
During the presentation session, Chair Professor Ming-Chi Chou, Vice Dean of AISSM, provided a brief introduction to the academy and its Semiconductor Short-term Training Program. He emphasized AISSM’s strong industry ties and noted that the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute is also based at NCKU—underscoring the university’s role as a major hub within Southern Taiwan’s High-Tech Corridor.
Dr. Josef Goldberger from Saxon Science Liaison Office Taiwan presented a gift to Executive Vice President Yung-Chun Lee.
Professor Liang-Ming Whang, Director General of the Innovation Headquarters, introduced the center’s role in supporting technology transfer and innovation. He highlighted how the center helps scholars “turn papers into patents,” and pointed out that NCKU’s patent licensing rate stands at 18%—significantly higher than the average among research universities in the United States.
During the discussion, Vice Dean Chou responded to Ms. Katrin Buchholz, emphasizing how AISSM stands out among other institutions in Taiwan. In addition to providing semiconductor technical training, AISSM also integrates education in management and marketing to help promote and apply new technologies more effectively. Executive Vice President Lee also mentioned to Dr. Goldberger that maintaining active bilateral student exchanges depends on both parties’ proactive and frequent interactions.
During the discussion session, all participants actively engaged in a pragmatic and collaborative exchange based on the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM) and the Innovation Headquarters (IHQ), thoroughly exploring concrete cooperation opportunities to foster deeper future collaboration.
The meeting concluded in a warm and engaging atmosphere. Later in the afternoon, Dr. Josef Goldberger visited AISSM at NCKU for further discussions on strengthening future collaboration.
Introduction of German Institute Taipei & The Saxon Science Liaison Office Taiwan
The German Institute Taipei, established in 2000, is the representative office of Germany in Taiwan.
The Saxon Science Liaison Office Taiwan, established in September 2023, aims to support and promote academic exchange and cultural interests of the Free State of Saxony in Taiwan. Located within the German Trade Office Taipei, the office represents all higher education institutions and research organizations in Saxony and is funded by the government of the Free State of Saxony.
Distinguished Guests Included:Ms. Katrin Buchholz, Interim Director General, German Institute Taipei、Mr. Julian Goldmann, Head of Science & Technology, German Institute Taipei、Dr. Josef Goldberger, Liaison Officer, Saxon Science Liaison Office Taiwan.NCKU Representatives Included:Chair Prof. Yung-Chun Lee, Executive Vice President of NCKU、Chair Prof. Ming-Chi Chou, Vice Dean, Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM)、Prof. Liang-Ming Whang, Director General, Innovation Headquarters、Ms. Weili Teng, Director, Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM)、Ms. Phoebe Lu, Executive Officer, Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM)、Ms. Kacie Liu, Executive Officer, Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM)、Ms. Sophie Cheng, Manager, International Relations Division, Office of International Affairs (OIA)、Mr. Kevin Chiu, Manager, International Relations Division, Office of International Affairs (OIA).
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2025-07-28
