Taiwan Seeks 10,000 Engineers Annually To Strengthen Its Semiconductor Sector

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Taiwan is seeking 10,000 semiconductor and related industry engineers each year to support its role as a main hub for the semiconductor industry, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) being a key player.

Kaohsiung deputy mayor Charles Lin said from 2024 until 2027, TSMC will establish five advanced semiconductor foundries in Kaohsiung, which is why there is a significant need for engineers.

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“The foundries are still under construction, but the first foundry is set to begin operations by the end of this year, with a total of five foundries expected to be in operation by the end of 2027, creating a comprehensive ecosystem.

“According to a study, each engineer at TSMC will require support from eight engineers in the supply chain, leading to a huge ecosystem. 

“We also need to focus on the upper levels, including integrated circuit (IC) design, chip manufacturing, testing, and packaging, creating a vertical industrial ecosystem,” he told Bernama when met at the Selangor Smart City & Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) 2024. 

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Lin said the most significant point is that Taiwan has developed a robust framework over the last 40 years, covering IC design to testing and global market initiatives, resulting in a 65 per cent market share.

“Taiwan needs talent from Malaysia, so we have prepared educational programmes to welcome Malaysian students to Taiwan,” he said. 

According to Lin, Kaohsiung aims to create a platform that goes beyond domestic needs, with the key goal is to scale up by inviting foreign talent to Taiwan.

“Once they complete their master’s degree, they can remain in Taiwan for a few years before returning to their home countries, where they can contribute to exports. This approach is central to our talent policy,” he said.

Lin said a delegation from Kaohsiung’s government and Taiwanese technology companies are participating in SDEC to engage with businesses in Selangor and Malaysia, focusing on potential partnerships in smart healthcare and mobility platforms.

He added that many Taiwanese companies are interested in establishing startups in Selangor.

“The aim is to foster business growth while also training local talent in Malaysia. We seek deeper collaboration that extends beyond healthcare to encompass a more comprehensive approach.

“A smart city must adopt a holistic strategy; it cannot focus on just one aspect. Most importantly, it should be people-centric,” he said. 

Under Taiwan’s Cross International Academia programme, Malaysian semiconductor engineers will receive a competitive annual salary of up to RM120,000 after completing their studies and working in Kaohsiung.

As a major harbour city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung has built its economic foundation on traditional industries, including steel manufacturing, petrochemicals, agriculture, and fisheries, over the past five decades.

Currently, more than half of the city’s gross domestic product is generated from metal industries, electronic components manufacturing, and chemical industries.

Kaohsiung has successfully attracted substantial investments from Taiwan’s private sector, particularly from information and communications technology and high-tech industries, including industry leaders such as TSMC, Foxconn, ASE, and Nvidia. 

Recognised for its leadership in low-carbon development and smart city innovation, Kaohsiung has received accolades from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the IDC Asia-Pacific Smart City Awards.

Global organisations like the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation (WeGO) and the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) have praised the city’s digital advancements in agriculture and healthcare.

-- BERNAMA