KAIST, Samsung Electronics Establish Semiconductor Systems Engineering Department with Guaranteed 'Employment'

Annual Enrollment of 500 Students Begins to Train Advanced Semiconductor Professionals

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is partnering with Samsung Electronics to cultivate specialized advanced talent in semiconductors.

On the afternoon of the 25th, KAIST signed an agreement with Samsung Electronics at Samsung Electronics' Hwaseong campus in Gyeonggi Province to establish a "Semiconductor Systems Engineering Department," a "hiring-conditional contract department." This is a follow-up measure to the memorandum of understanding signed in July with Pyeongtaek City for "semiconductor workforce development and industry-academia cooperation activation," which included plans for establishing the department, investing in educational operations, and building infrastructure.

The total enrollment quota is approximately 500 students from 2022 to 2027, with about 100 new students to be admitted annually starting in 2023. During the first two years after the department's establishment, freshmen undergraduate students can enter the Semiconductor Systems Engineering Department upon advancing to their sophomore year. All department students will receive special scholarships.

The curriculum consists of △ Semiconductor Systems Fundamentals △ Semiconductor Systems Advanced △ Field Experience and Practice. In particular, through activities such as Samsung Electronics tours, internships, and joint workshops, the program plans to cultivate field adaptability. A new type of class combining lectures, experiments, and interactive discussions by KAIST faculty and Samsung Electronics mentors will be conducted. Humanities and social education will be provided concurrently, focusing on nurturing next-generation convergence leaders.

Attendees at the event included KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung, Vice President for Academic Affairs Lee Seung-seop, Dean of Engineering Lee Dong-man, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering Kang Jun-hyuk, as well as key Samsung Electronics officials such as President Kang In-yeop, Vice President Choi Wan-woo, and Vice President Jung Ki-tae.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.