In line with the government's semiconductor mega project focused on the Honam region, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are collaborating with Seoul National University (SNU) to establish a contract department for semiconductors at regional universities.
The Education Ministry confirmed on July 2 that it is reviewing the establishment of a joint contract department between SNU and regional universities, stating that specific plans are currently under discussion with relevant companies and institutions.
According to education and industry sources, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, SNU, and the Education Ministry are closely discussing the installation of a semiconductor contract department at regional universities and collaborative education and research initiatives. The plan centers on establishing a contract department at regional universities based on investments from semiconductor companies, while jointly operating SNU's semiconductor curriculum.
This initiative will allow students to enroll in regional universities while actively utilizing SNU's distinguished faculty, curriculum, and practical infrastructure. Collaborative research is expected to be conducted at a joint semiconductor research center operated by SNU and regional universities, with plans for joint practical programs utilizing SNU's cleanroom facilities also being seriously considered.
The universities likely to participate include Chonnam National University and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), both located in the Honam region. The investment from participating companies is reported to be around 100 billion won each over the next five years, totaling approximately 200 billion won.
This collaboration was initiated when SK Hynix proposed the idea to SNU earlier this year, and Samsung Electronics later joined, evolving into the current mega project concept. This partnership aligns with the urgent need for semiconductor talent in regional areas and SNU's efforts to contribute to local development.
As a result, there is growing optimism that this industry-academia collaboration will significantly address the talent gap identified as a major challenge in the government's semiconductor investment plan for the Honam region.
The Education Ministry explained that the establishment of the joint contract department between regional universities and SNU aligns with its policy to nurture local talent. The ministry stated, "This initiative aims to practically realize the goal of creating ten SNU-like institutions and to ensure the success of the mega project by developing regional universities as centers for talent cultivation in their respective areas, while supporting the establishment of educational and research collaboration systems with companies, research institutes, and other universities and science and technology institutes."
The Education Ministry confirmed on July 2 that it is reviewing the establishment of a joint contract department between SNU and regional universities, stating that specific plans are currently under discussion with relevant companies and institutions.
According to education and industry sources, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, SNU, and the Education Ministry are closely discussing the installation of a semiconductor contract department at regional universities and collaborative education and research initiatives. The plan centers on establishing a contract department at regional universities based on investments from semiconductor companies, while jointly operating SNU's semiconductor curriculum.
This initiative will allow students to enroll in regional universities while actively utilizing SNU's distinguished faculty, curriculum, and practical infrastructure. Collaborative research is expected to be conducted at a joint semiconductor research center operated by SNU and regional universities, with plans for joint practical programs utilizing SNU's cleanroom facilities also being seriously considered.
The universities likely to participate include Chonnam National University and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), both located in the Honam region. The investment from participating companies is reported to be around 100 billion won each over the next five years, totaling approximately 200 billion won.
This collaboration was initiated when SK Hynix proposed the idea to SNU earlier this year, and Samsung Electronics later joined, evolving into the current mega project concept. This partnership aligns with the urgent need for semiconductor talent in regional areas and SNU's efforts to contribute to local development.
As a result, there is growing optimism that this industry-academia collaboration will significantly address the talent gap identified as a major challenge in the government's semiconductor investment plan for the Honam region.
The Education Ministry explained that the establishment of the joint contract department between regional universities and SNU aligns with its policy to nurture local talent. The ministry stated, "This initiative aims to practically realize the goal of creating ten SNU-like institutions and to ensure the success of the mega project by developing regional universities as centers for talent cultivation in their respective areas, while supporting the establishment of educational and research collaboration systems with companies, research institutes, and other universities and science and technology institutes."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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