The global semiconductor industry is undergoing profound transformation-not only in process technologies and transistor density, but also in the composition of its workforce. Taiwan, the undisputed center of advanced semiconductor manufacturing, is increasingly attracting a new generation of technical talent: female engineers. By choosing Taiwan as the starting point of their professional journeys, these women are bridging the gap between academic training and industrial practice, while bringing fresh perspectives to a field that depends on precision, resilience, and collaboration.The Industrial Development Administration under the Ministry of Economic Affairs is committed to building a comprehensive support and training ecosystem for international talents in Taiwan. The program covers key semiconductor technologies, cross-cultural communication, and local integration, while also leveraging online learning resources that connect talent across regions.Designed to help outstanding international students and professionals transition smoothly into Taiwan's semiconductor industry, the initiative provides early exposure to the local industrial ecosystem and offers diverse mentorship and support services to strengthen long-term adaptation and career development in Taiwan. Through these efforts, Taiwan aims to foster a more inclusive environment for global talent while enhancing the international competitiveness of its semiconductor industry.Through the stories of Phan Thi Kim Ngan from Vietnam and Alyana Denise Ramirez from the Philippines, a broader narrative emerges-one defined by perseverance, cross-cultural adaptation, and a shared ambition to shape the future of technology.A Strategic Choice: Why Taiwan?For many aspiring engineers across Southeast Asia, Taiwan represents the pinnacle of the global semiconductor industry-a place where innovation is not only developed, but realized at scale.Alyana Denise Ramirez, an A3 EE Assistant Engineer at ASE and a student at I-Shou University, says she came to Taiwan driven by both purpose and opportunity. For her, working in Taiwan provides a critical pathway to career growth, allowing her to directly apply academic knowledge in real industrial settings.Phan Thi Kim Ngan, who recently completed her Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), shares a similar perspective. Coming from Vietnam-a rapidly developing economy with strong momentum in manufacturing and services-she found Taiwan' highly specialized ecosystem in semiconductors, AI, and computer science to be a decisive attraction.  "Taiwan is the leader in semiconductor manufacturing in the world, and there is no better place to learn the most advanced technology in semiconductor than here," said Ngan.This close proximity to the "real industry" is one of the strongest motivations for international students who want to see their ideas move beyond the classroom and into production lines that power the global technology supply chain.The Female Edge in EngineeringWhen asked what unique perspectives female engineers bring to the industry, both women point to structured thinking, adaptability, and diversity in problem-solving.Alyana observes that female engineers often bring stronger attention to detail and greater creativity when addressing technical challenges. This helps prevent solutions from becoming one-dimensional and ensures that multiple perspectives are considered before final decisions are made.For Kim Ngan, building influence within a team - especially in multinational environments - is less about speaking the most and more about building reliability over time.By consistently following through on commitments and communicating clearly, she found that trust and influence develop naturally.The Philosophy of Consistent Small ImprovementsEntering the high-pressure world of semiconductor manufacturing and AI development can be intimidating. Kim Ngan recalls her early experiences in team discussions, where she often felt uncertain and hesitant to speak up.Rather than trying to solve every challenge at once, she adopted a philosophy of steady, incremental growth."Growth does not come from sudden breakthroughs, but from consistent small improvements," Kim Ngan says.This methodical mindset often meant spending nearly an hour preparing a single question for her supervisor-ensuring both clarity and confidence before speaking. Such discipline reflects the essence of engineering: breaking down complex challenges into manageable, solvable steps.Bridging Cultural and Communication GapsWhile technical challenges are significant, cultural adaptation can be equally demanding. For Alyana, the greatest challenge was not engineering itself, but language. "Chinese is not my forte," she admits, noting that learning Mandarin has been one of the most difficult aspects of both studying and working in Taiwan. She hopes to pursue a master's degree abroad in the future after gaining more professional experience and further advancing her career.Language barriers remain one of the key challenges in retaining international talent. Recognizing this, ASE provides Mandarin classes to support foreign employees' workplace integration. Alyana believes language is essential-not only for work efficiency, but also for building friendships and stronger professional relationships.Kim Ngan also observed distinct workplace differences in Taiwan, particularly in how professionals think, communicate, and present ideas during meetings. During her internship at Micron, she learned that even seemingly small pieces of data can influence decisions across multiple teams.This experience taught her that engineering is not only about technical accuracy, but also about how ideas are communicated, applied, and shared across highly collaborative environments.Corporate Support and the Pursuit of StabilityTaiwan's semiconductor companies increasingly understand that attracting talent is only half the challenge-retention is the true long-term priority. As a result, many companies are building workplace environments that emphasize employee well-being, career development, and long-term stability.Specialized Healthcare: ASE provides female-focused healthcare services, including pap smears and pregnancy-related health checkups through its on-site clinics.Mentorship: Supervisors and team leaders offer constructive feedback and help international engineers prepare for major presentations, reducing anxiety and strengthening confidence.Financial & Career Growth: Competitive salaries and clearly defined career development paths are key reasons many foreign professionals choose to remain in Taiwan long-term.Daily Life Stability: Public safety, convenient transportation such as HSR and MRT systems, and accessible 24-hour public amenities create a stable and low-stress living environment.Integration Beyond the WorkplaceLife for these engineers extends far beyond laboratories and cleanrooms. Integration into local communities often happens through shared everyday experiences-playing tennis with Taiwanese colleagues, gathering during Lunar New Year celebrations, singing together, and sharing traditional foods from home.Kim Ngan finds comfort in the similarities between Taiwanese and Vietnamese cuisine, while also enjoying introducing her colleagues to Vietnamese spring rolls. These moments of cultural exchange help foster the trust and mutual understanding that she believes form the foundation of strong teams.A Message to the Next GenerationBoth women share a clear message for young female students in their home countries: the opportunity is real, and the door is open.Alyana encourages them not to fear continuous learning or change. Kim Ngan offers equally practical advice: "You do not need to be fully ready to begin-you only need to be willing to make mistakes and keep learning."Taiwan's semiconductor industry is more than a collection of factories; it is an ecosystem that offers a genuine stepping stone for ambition, growth, and long-term career development.As Kim Ngan prepares to begin her full-time career at Micron following graduation, her journey stands as proof that with curiosity, persistence, and the right support system, the future of engineering is becoming increasingly global-and increasingly female.By emphasizing consistency, reliability, and the connection between theory and practice, these women are not simply participating in the industry-they are helping lead its transformation toward a more inclusive and innovative future.   

Ultraband Technologies, an emerging IC design startup, announced today the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NTT ADVANCED  TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (NTT-AT), a subsidiary of Japan's NTT Group. Focusing on III-V compound semiconductor technologies, the two companies plan to establish a supply chain partnership spanning upstream epitaxial development, midstream product design and development, and downstream market expansion.Initial Focus on Power Semiconductors with Parallel RF DevelopmentThis strategic collaboration is intended to leverage the complementary technological strengths of Ultraband Technologies and NTT-AT in addressing global market opportunities in electric vehicles (EVs), automotive electronics, green energy, AI servers, and high-frequency communications, including 5G-Advanced, 6G, and satellite communications.To support concrete business execution, both parties have established a structured communication mechanism and will progressively align their technology and product roadmaps across two primary domains:1.In the field of power semiconductors, which represents the initial focus of the collaboration, NTT-AT's epitaxial material technologies in III-V compound semiconductors, including GaN, will be integrated with Ultraband's expertise in power device and chip design. The objective is to develop high-performance and reliable power management solutions for applications in new energy, AI, and industrial markets.2.In parallel, collaboration in RF semiconductors will be advanced concurrently. By combining Ultraband's design capabilities in RF ICs and Antenna-in-Module (AiM) technology with NTT-AT's III-V compound semiconductor crystal growth expertise, the two companies plan to co-develop RF components for applications such as 5G-Advanced, 6G, satellite communications, drones, and robotics.Strengthening Supply Chain Integration Through Epitaxial Structure DesignThis partnership is intended to extend beyond individual projects, with both companies working toward a long-term collaboration framework covering the full product lifecycle. Within this framework, Ultraband will leverage its capabilities in epitaxial structure design as a key technical interface to facilitate integration between the two organizations.Semiconductor chip performance has traditionally been constrained by material specifications and epitaxial growth limitations. Ultraband applies its proprietary research in device material physics and epitaxial structure design to enable precise optimization at the material level, with the aim of overcoming technical bottlenecks and enhancing overall chip performance.By integrating Ultraband's epitaxial structure design capabilities with NTT-AT's epitaxial growth expertise, the collaboration is expected to improve performance from the material foundation while ensuring alignment with subsequent product design and development stages. Looking ahead, both parties intend to leverage their respective market channels to introduce these solutions into the global supply chain, targeting mutually beneficial outcomes.Seizing Market Opportunities in High-Computing AI, Green Energy, and Advanced CommunicationsAmid the continued growth of AI data centers, digital transformation, and global net-zero initiatives, high-performance III-V compound semiconductors for power and RF applications are becoming increasingly critical. The stringent requirements of AI servers for power efficiency and thermal management, the efficiency demands of energy storage systems, and the high-frequency performance standards of next-generation communication technologies all underscore the importance of advanced semiconductor solutions.Ultraband Technologies aims to contribute to the development of next-generation AI computing, green energy systems, and advanced communication ecosystems through its technological capabilities.Going forward, Ultraband Technologies and NTT-AT will utilize their joint working group to further align epitaxial specifications and product roadmaps, with the goal of delivering reliable technologies and solutions to global customers.Click here for more information.

j5create, a global leader in 3C peripherals and smart workspace solutions, is showcasing a comprehensive lineup of new smart connectivity products at COMPUTEX 2026. Focusing on cross-device collaboration, wireless audio/video (AV), smart desktops, and AI-integrated applications, the exhibition demonstrates how j5create is expanding beyond traditional connectivity hardware to deliver a more intuitive, unconstrained digital experience.The year 2026 marks the 16th anniversary of the j5create brand. Originating from foundational 3C peripherals and adapters, j5create has consistently leveraged its core expertise in USB and video transmission technologies to expand product applications and user scenarios. Moving from "device connectivity" to "smart connectivity," the company is redefining how humans and devices interact within the modern digital experience.As hybrid work, mobile content creation, remote collaboration, and multi-device setups become the norm, users face challenges that go beyond a simple "lack of ports." The true demand lies in making the transition between different devices and spaces natural and seamless.At this year's exhibition, j5create centers its showcase on the core philosophy of  "Enabling Freedom of Flow in Digital Work and Life".  By introducing diverse solutions across smart desktops, cross-device collaboration, wireless AV, content creation, and AI applications, the company re-imagines how modern users interact with technology.JCD3195 — 4K144 Dashboard DockNext-Gen Dashboard Dock Redefines the Desktop Interaction ExperienceThe JCD3195 transcends traditional docking stations by integrating desktop connectivity, real-time information, and personalized interaction into a single device.As modern desks simultaneously host work, entertainment, creation, and communication, the dock is no longer just a hub hidden behind a monitor. Featuring a built-in interactive dashboard, the JCD3195 seamlessly integrates device status, world clocks, personalized imagery, and real-time data directly into the workspace—transforming the desk from a mere workstation into an intuitive digital interaction center.The product supports 4K @ 144Hz, 2K @ 240Hz, and 140W Power Delivery, catering to the demanding needs of high-performance workstations, content creators, and high-refresh-rate gamers, while signaling a new direction for smart workspaces and high-efficiency connectivity.JUAW22 — CrossLink Wireless Dongle AdapterAeroDrop Cross-Device Solution Makes Collaboration IntuitiveAs laptops, tablets, and smartphones become increasingly slim, physical ports on modern devices continue to disappear. This trend—especially prominent within mobile ecosystems and Apple environments—has turned cross-device data transfer and workflow switching into a widespread user pain point.As j5create's cross-device connectivity product incorporating its proprietary  "AERO DROP"  concept, the JUAW22 is more than a file transfer tool; it symbolizes a freer, more intuitive way for devices to interact.The adapter supports second-screen extension between Windows and iPad, mouse and keyboard sharing, clipboard synchronization, and AirDrop-like file transfers. This ensures files, displays, and workflows flow naturally across different operating systems.By delivering a seamless cross-platform experience, the JUAW22 liberates multi-device users from ecosystem and hardware constraints, re-linking disparate device scenarios in modern digital life.JVAW87 — ScreenCast 4K60 Wireless Display ExtenderThe New Flagship Wireless Display Solution for Premium AV ExperiencesAs the next-generation flagship of the j5create ScreenCast series, the JVAW87 packs high-definition, low-latency, and high-refresh-rate wireless transmission into a compact form factor. It enhances the practicality of wireless AV for entertainment, gaming, and cross-space scenarios, standing as the world's smallest 4K60 wireless display transmitter.Unlike conventional wireless display adapters that focus primarily on business presentations, the JVAW87 prioritizes premium, real-time AV experiences, supporting 4K @ 60Hz wireless transmission, 2K @ 144Hz / 1080p @ 240Hz high refresh rates, and ultra-low latency of under 30ms.These specifications ensure high-resolution media remains smooth and stable in a wireless environment. Additionally, the device supports DRM and HDCP technologies, allowing direct streaming of copyright-protected content from platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, thereby offering a complete solution for home entertainment and mobile media sharing.Furthermore, the JVAW86 and JVAW87 utilize a shared receiver architecture. Users can expand their setup with different transmitter (TX) versions based on their needs, creating a highly flexible wireless AV ecosystem and expanding j5create's overall footprint in the Wireless AV market.Simultaneous Expansion into Creator and AI ApplicationsIn addition to its flagship offerings, j5create is debuting several new products tailored for content creators and professional collaboration. The JCA3625 USB-C 4K Dual Display HDMI Video Capture Mini Dock integrates multi-monitor display, HDMI capture, and Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality to help creators and multitaskers build a more flexible content creation workspace. The JVK202 4K USB KVM with ALT Mode offers a software-free, browser-operated KVM control solution that simplifies multi-device collaborative demands. The JCDP4140 Dual 4K Powerbase Docking Station features a built-in power supply and integrated cable management to help users achieve a clean, clutter-free desktop. And the JSS830 3-in-1 Recording Speakerphone combines a speakerphone, voice recorder, and AI summarization capabilities, allowing meetings, interviews, and learning sessions to be transcribed and shared efficiently.Redefining the Modern Digital Experience Through Smart ConnectivityFrom its origins in baseline 3C peripherals to its current breakthroughs in smart desktops, wireless AV, cross-device collaboration, and AI integration, j5create continues to push the boundaries of digital life and work through smart connectivity technologies.From desktops to mobile devices, and from content creation to AI-driven collaboration tools, j5create is redefining the role of "connectivity" in modern life across its diverse product lines, moving steadily toward a freer and more intuitive digital experience.COMPUTEX 2026 Exhibition Informationj5create is exhibiting at COMPUTEX 2026 from June 2 to June 5 at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), Exhibition Hall 1, Booth A333b.For more information, please visit the official j5create website.