In a significant step towards strengthening international collaboration in higher education, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, and the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech), Taiwan, have signed a cooperation agreement to launch a dual-degree Master’s programme in semiconductors.
The partnership was formalised through reciprocal visits. In February, Taipei Tech President Dr Sea-Fue Wang led a delegation to meet with AIT President Prof Pai-Chi Li in Bangkok. The following month, Prof Li visited Taipei Tech, where both institutions officially agreed to establish the new programme. Jointly led by Taipei Tech’s Innovation Frontier Institute of Research for Science and Technology (iFirst) and AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology (SET), the initiative represents a new chapter in semiconductor education and research.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to transformative engineering and supports Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy—enabling joint talent development in semiconductors, AI, and beyond to help drive sustainable prosperity across Asia,” said Prof Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT. “Over the decades, AIT has trained top engineers from Taiwan, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.”
The partnership aligns with Prof Li’s broader “transformative engineering” initiative, launched at the start of his presidency, which seeks to accelerate talent development in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to support the region’s long-term growth.
Dr Wang highlighted the shared mission of both institutions to cultivate globally impactful engineering talent. He expressed confidence that the dual-degree programme would not only advance semiconductor education and research but also contribute to the development of strategic technologies. He also noted his interest in expanding cooperation into additional fields such as artificial intelligence, EMBA programmes, and other innovation-driven disciplines.
Taipei Tech, a practice-oriented research university, is renowned for its industry-academia collaborations and has partnered with leading global institutions including MIT, Penn State, and Tohoku University. It was also the first university in Taiwan to offer a master’s programme in semiconductor technology.
AIT is a leading international postgraduate institute focused on engineering, environment, and management studies. With strong academic ties across Asia, it works with global partners to advance innovation and sustainable development. This new alliance further strengthens AIT’s role in nurturing talent and supporting next-generation technologies in the region.