Deputy Minister Kuo-Wei Liu poses for a group photo with the AASCU delegation.

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Kuo-Wei Liu received a 15-member delegation from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), led by its President and CEO Charles L. Welch II, at the Ministry of Education (MOE) September 3rd. The meeting focused on semiconductor talent development, university partnerships, and industry-academia collaboration. This in-person exchange also marked a significant milestone following the launch of the Taiwan–U.S. Semiconductor Education Alliance in May 2026.

On May 27th, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-Yao led a delegation to Orlando, Florida, for the 2026 Taiwan–U.S. Semiconductor Higher Education Forum. There, he witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) and AASCU, formally launching the Taiwan–U.S. Semiconductor Education Alliance. AASCU is a major national organization representing public higher education in the United States, with a membership of more than 500 state colleges, universities, and higher education systems. Members of the delegation visiting Taiwan represent several AASCU institutions and bring expertise in engineering, semiconductors, nanotechnology, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and international education.

AASCU organized this Taiwan visit to translate the commitments outlined in the Letter of Intent into concrete action. In addition to participating in a forum hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the delegation toured Minghsin University of Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, and National Cheng Kung University. Through discussions with university and industry partners, the delegation gained firsthand insight into how Taiwan’s universities integrate curriculum design, hands-on training, and industry resources to prepare semiconductor talent. The delegation also attended SEMICON Taiwan to learn more about the latest developments and trends in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

Building on these site visits, the delegation brought their observations to the meeting with Deputy Minister Liu at the MOE today. Dr. Liu noted that the United States is an important like-minded partner for Taiwan and that, under the framework of the U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative, Taiwan and the United States continue to deepen cooperation in higher education and talent development. As technological advances and industrial transformation accelerate worldwide, he emphasized that semiconductor education cooperation extends beyond technology, curricula, and research. Universities and industry must work together to create international learning and hands-on opportunities for students and prepare the next generation of talent with both a global perspective and practical skills.

President Welch expressed his appreciation to the MOE and FICHET for facilitating the signing of the Letter of Intent in May and for arranging the delegation’s visit to Taiwan. He noted that visits to Taiwan’s universities and industry sites had given the delegation a deeper understanding of the close connections between Taiwan’s higher education sector and its technology industry. He also expressed his hope that AASCU member institutions and universities in Taiwan will continue to expand institutional partnerships, faculty and student exchanges, and talent development programs.

Looking ahead, the MOE will continue to encourage universities in Taiwan and the United States to build on their respective strengths through short-term training programs, industry internships, and research collaboration. By connecting higher education with industry resources in Taiwan and the United States, the MOE aims to further strengthen the Taiwan–U.S. partnership in semiconductor talent development.