Government Announces Training of 150,000 Semiconductor Workers... Semiconductor Association "Welcomes"

Statement on the 19th... "Demand for Smooth Implementation"

SK Hynix Icheon factory production line view. (Photo by SK Hynix)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korea Semiconductor Industry Association expressed its welcome on the 19th after the government announced plans to ease regulations to increase semiconductor personnel by 150,000 compared to now in 10 years.

On the same day, the government reported the 'Semiconductor Talent Development Plan' jointly prepared by related ministries at the Cabinet meeting presided over by President Yoon Seok-yeol. The main point is to increase the workforce by 150,000 compared to now in 10 years. According to the association, the semiconductor industry workforce was 177,000 last year and is expected to increase to 304,000 by 2031.

The association stated in a press release, "Semiconductors are the backbone of the Korean economy, accounting for about 20% of the country's total exports and have maintained the top export position for nine consecutive years. Recently, major countries such as the United States, China, and Japan recognize the semiconductor industry, which is key to future developments like artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles, as a matter of national security, and are focusing all efforts on protecting and strengthening semiconductor strategic assets such as technology and personnel."

The association added, "At this time when competition to attract outstanding talent among countries is intensifying and domestic semiconductor companies are experiencing chronic labor shortages, the expansion of quotas and the education and research support system included in this plan will bring quantitative growth of excellent personnel and greatly contribute to enhancing the global competitiveness of our semiconductor industry."

It continued, "The semiconductor industry welcomes the announcement of this plan and hopes that the government will work hard to ensure that the measures are implemented without any setbacks. The semiconductor industry will also strengthen cooperation with universities to foster outstanding talent and make further efforts for the development of the Korean semiconductor industry."

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