To promote the introduction of technologies and educational experience from leading edge companies, the Intelligent Electronics Institute (IEI) of the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA IDB) announced on January 7 its strategic collaboration with Synopsys, a global leader in EDA (Electronic Design Automation) chip design and electronic system software. Secretary General Cheng-wei Yu represented the IDB, inviting Synopsys President & co-CEO Dr. Chi-foon Chan to co-host the signing ceremony of the IC Design Talent Training Program. Dr. Hao-chun Tai, Chief Information Officer of the Institute for Information Industry (III), also joined in signing of the collaboration agreement. Synopsys will grant the III free access to the Synopsys Worldwide University Program, which will provide training course offerings through the IEI’s service platform. The first stage of the project will seek the involvement of faculty members from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology to organize an IC Design Talent Training Program, and those students who are trained may fulfill IC industry demands for promoted design skills. In commending the continuous investments of Synopsys in Taiwan, the IDB presented the Enterprise Contribution Award to Dr. Chi-foon Chan for the remarkable contributions of Synopsys in facilitating the development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. The award was presented by Secretary General Cheng-wei Yu on behalf of the IDB.
The semiconductor industry is an important link in the development of Taiwan’s economy. To facilitate the education of key specialists required by the industry, the MOEA IDB has continued to invest in the IEI program, with an aim to systematically upgrade IC Design skills. The program has trained over 300 individuals to join the industry every year, and has assisted more than 3,000 employed engineers to improve their technological skills. The IDB also looks forward to incorporating innovative technologies and training resources worldwide, aiming to educate professionals who will be able to meet IC Industry expectations. As a bridge between government and industry, the III will utilize the IEI platform to aid more potential specialists in their training. It is anticipated that such a training model will also be promoted to other domestic science and technology universities, and continue to further support the needs of the IC Design talent pool in Taiwan.
The IC Design Talent Training Program, jointly conducted by the IDB Intelligent Electronics Institute and Synopsys, is aimed at course designs addressing both theory and practical experience. Through the facilitation of this innovative IC design training model, which will lead to an increase in the supply of design skills, as well as qualitative and quantitative improvements to human resources, it is hoped that the IC design industry will receive greater support in the process of positive development. By propelling industry developments with skilled talent, and solidifying the foundations of industry developments, the IDB looks forward to accelerating industrial transition and upgrade, as well as continuing to raise the competitiveness of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in the global environment.