대학신문방송국

Semiconductor Specialized University Support Project

By Jeong Eui-seok Editor-in-chief, Junior of Information and          

Communication Engineering

There are essential things that humans need to live: water, air, family, love, and friendship. Today, we can also say that ‘semiconductors’ are just as essential. Some people might wonder, “Are semiconductors really that important?” To answer this question, let’s take a moment to look back on your day. Think about the smartphone you always hold, the public transportation that uses NFC readers to scan your card, or the classroom where you study under LED lights using an electronic board. All these everyday moments involve semiconductors. Consequently, semiconductors have become an indispensable part of our lives. 

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global semiconductor market is expected to soar from $611.35 billion in 2023 to $2.63 trillion by 2032. This incredible growth shows that semiconductors are essential in our daily lives and play a crucial role in the global economy. 

To keep up with this trend, the Korean government launched the ‘Semiconductor Specialized University Support Project’ to train skilled semiconductor professionals. This project provides financial support to designated universities for four years. In 2024, HBNU was chosen to participate in the program. Working with Ajou University, HBNU was selected as a ‘Co-Growth Specialized University’ and will receive a total budget of 24 billion KRW (about 240 million USD) by 2028. The participating departments include Semiconductor System, Information and Communication, Electronic, Electrical, Creative Convergence, Mobile Convergence, and Advanced Materials Engineering. 

The author has been participating in this program for more than six months. Over the past six months, I have participated in various lectures, programs, and courses. Now, I would like to share my experiences and answer some questions that students might have about the program.

Benefits for Students

What benefits does this project offer to students? This project provides two main benefits: financial support and experiential opportunities. In terms of financial support, the program offers various scholarships. These scholarships are mainly divided into general scholarships, TA support scholarships, and education support scholarships. 

1. General Scholarships

General scholarships refer to various types of financial aid that students can receive through both on and off-campus activities. For example, students who complete designated semiconductor specialization courses can receive major completion scholarships. Those with outstanding academic performance can receive merit-based scholarships. Additionally, participation scholarships are given to students who actively participate in program activities, and internship scholarships are available for those who engage in corporate field training. 

2. TA Support Scholarships

Students who are selected as teaching assistants (TAs) for semiconductor-related courses can receive TA support scholarships. A TA not only receives financial support but also deepens their knowledge of semiconductor studies. 

3. Education Support Scholarships

When students participate in external semiconductor education programs, a certain amount of financial support is provided. Additionally, during vacation periods, around 10 students are selected to study abroad for 1-2 weeks in countries like the United States or Switzerland.

The program also provides numerous experiential benefits. Students can participate in various activities such as lectures by industry professionals, educational exchanges with Ajou University, networking programs with other specialized universities, and corporate field training. Throughout the six-month program, the author gained valuable and in-depth exposure to the semiconductor field. Let’s share some of these experiences along with photos.

1. Specialized Uni-Week

Specialized Uni-Week is an event where students from all semiconductor-specialized universities gather. In 2024, it was held at BEXCO, Busan, for two days from December 26 to 27. The event offered various programs, including hands-on booths where students could experience new technologies utilizing semiconductors. HR managers from semiconductor companies were also present to promote their companies and offer one-on-one mentoring sessions. Moreover, there were lectures from prominent figures in the Korean science and technology field. 

2. Lectures with Industry Experts

HBNU regularly invites guest speakers during both the semester and vacation periods to hold seminars on semiconductor-related topics. The speakers included industry professionals and professors from other universities, covering a wide range of semiconductor fields. For example, although the author is majoring in semiconductor circuit design, I attended courses on new semiconductor processing methods and satellite semiconductors, which helped me broaden my perspective on the entire semiconductor industry.

3. Special Practical Classes

During the regular semester, most major courses focus on theory due to time constraints and credit requirements. Thus, special practical classes during vacations are crucial for students. During the winter semester of 2024, Prof. Kim Min-hoe from the Creative Convergence Engineering Department offered a class on ‘Memory-Semiconductor.’ The course provided hands-on experience with actual semiconductor equipment. Additionally, Prof. Kim invited professionals to share additional knowledge about semiconductors with the students. 

4. Corporate Field Training

During the vacation period, the program also offered corporate field training. Considering the author’s major in Information and Communication Engineering, the author was matched with an IoT-related company. During the one-week training, the author learned a wide range of skills from basic to advanced tasks, gaining practical knowledge beyond theoretical studies at school. Additionally, since scholarships are provided for completing field training, it was an excellent opportunity to gain both experience and financial support.

Application and Completion

To apply for the Semiconductor Specialized University Support Project, students can find information through the department website announcements or by visiting the department office. Once the application period is announced, students need to complete the form and submit it. Then, the program management team reviews the applications and decides on participation.

To complete the program, students must earn at least 21 credits from semiconductor-related courses designated by the project. Additionally, students who earn 36 credits or more can receive a dual degree, a bachelor’s degree from both HBNU and Ajou University. The credits earned through the program also count as major credits for each department, meaning that students do not need to take extra courses separately. By choosing semiconductor-related courses within the primary major, students can easily fulfill the requirements.

Now, let’s have Prof. Ryoo, the Director of the Semiconductor Specialized University Support Program at HBNU, answer some questions.

Ryoo Kwang-ki, Head of the Department of Semiconductor Systems Engineering and Director of the Semiconductor Specialized University Support Program

Q. What motivated you to get involved in this project, and how did you come to take on the responsibility? Also, could you share the goal for this project and what you hope students will gain from it?

A. Our university has strategically promoted the specialization of education in the semiconductor field. Even before the Ministry of Education announced the Semiconductor Specialized University Support Project, we formed a Task Force Team (TFT) to prepare for government-led projects. We initiated the systematic drafting of a business plan for such opportunities. I was entrusted with the responsibility for this project when the university administration asked me to lead it as the program chair. I accepted the offer because of my belief that, if we successfully secured government support, our university could significantly contribute to training skilled professionals for the semiconductor industry. We proceeded with thorough preparations, and in the end, we pulled it off.

The goal of the Semiconductor Specialized University Support Project is to foster skilled professionals in the semiconductor field, which is a core industry in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a critical national security asset. We aim to expand the pipeline of undergraduate-level talent while also establishing a foundation for training master’s and doctoral-level experts. Through this program, I hope students recognize the vision of the semiconductor field, develop an interest in it, and build motivation to study related subjects. Ultimately, I want them to become competitive engineers with specialized expertise. Furthermore, I sincerely hope that, after graduation, they will join the semiconductor industry and contribute to the continued growth of Korea’s semiconductor sector.

Q. Through this program, I have attended various lectures and gained valuable experiences. I am also looking forward to the overseas education support program mentioned in the project plan. Could you share some of the upcoming plans for this program?

A. Our project team is prepared to implement any program that sparks students’ interest in semiconductors and enhances their expertise. Here are some examples of programs currently being offered:

The ‘Overseas Global Education Program’ allows students to receive training on semiconductor design and processing at international universities or institutions for 1-2 weeks. This program helps students gain a broader perspective and boost their confidence. In 2025, we plan to expand opportunities for students to participate in this program. 

The ‘Industry-Academia Joint Capstone Design Program’ involves selecting project topics in collaboration with industries and receiving mentorship from industry professionals. Additionally, students are provided with material costs and meeting expenses for the project.

The ‘Industry Expert Co-Teaching Program’ invites industry professionals to co-teach major courses with professors, offering specialized education from a practical standpoint.

If students have creative ideas for programs, we are always open to suggestions. We are ready to consider and execute feasible ideas, so please feel free to share your valuable opinions with us.

“Chance favors only the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur

As this quote suggests, opportunities favor those who are prepared. The Semiconductor Specialized University Support Program is more than just an academic experience. It is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry experts, participate in various practical training sessions, and gain a deeper understanding of the semiconductor field. Are you ready to seize this opportunity?

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/semiconductor-market-102365