US initiatives encourage students to study tech in Taiwan

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene announced two initiatives Monday to encourage more US students to study technology in Taiwan, CNA reported.

Speaking at the Freedom 250 Workforce First Summit, Greene said closer education ties would help train workers for future investments and technology cooperation. He announced a US$20 million donation supporting University of Arizona students pursuing study-abroad opportunities, including in Taiwan, and two Fulbright semiconductor scholarships for master’s students at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in 2027.

Greene said Taiwan-US ties are stronger than ever, especially in high technology and advanced manufacturing. Taiwan's direct investment in the US reached a record high last year and is supporting US industrial development, he said.

Strong economic ties also depend on having enough skilled workers, Greene said. Taiwan and the US therefore need more education programs that prepare students for careers in semiconductors and other critical technology industries.

Greene said the initiatives could encourage other universities and organizations to create similar scholarships and academic programs. Such programs could help develop future workers and leaders in important technology fields.

Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) said Taiwan-US cooperation in semiconductors and microelectronics is expanding beyond industry into education and workforce development. US students studying in Taiwan can learn directly from local universities, researchers, engineers, and semiconductor companies, per Economic Daily News.

Cheng said the exchanges would also give Taiwanese students greater international exposure. Stronger education links could help connect talent, knowledge, experience, and ideas across the Pacific, he said.

The summit followed discussions held during the NAFSA international education conference in the US in May. Greene said the Taipei meeting brought together government, university, and industry representatives to turn earlier discussions into practical cooperation.

The SEMI Foundation and Taiwan's Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education also signed a letter of intent on workforce development during the summit. Greene and Cheng attended the signing ceremony.