Deputy Minister of Education: "We Will Support Increasing Semiconductor Departments Based on Ability and Willingness, Regardless of Region"

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Park Soon-ae visited the Semiconductor Laboratory at Chungnam National University in Gung-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon on the morning of the 25th to observe the semiconductor talent development research site.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Park Soon-ae stated on the 25th, "The principle is to support the increase in enrollment for semiconductor-related departments at any university with capability and willingness, regardless of whether it is in the metropolitan area or non-metropolitan area."

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Park visited Chungnam National University to inspect the site and held a meeting with students, where she made these remarks. Earlier, the government's semiconductor talent cultivation plan announced on the 19th included plans to increase enrollment in semiconductor-related departments not only at non-metropolitan universities but also at metropolitan universities, which has sparked opposition from regional universities, claiming that the concentration in the metropolitan area will worsen.

Deputy Prime Minister Park said, "Some are worried that the increase in university enrollment will be concentrated in metropolitan universities, but the government’s principle is to actively support increases at any university with capability and willingness, regardless of metropolitan or non-metropolitan distinction."

She also emphasized support measures for regional universities. She said, "Regarding financial support, we will expand incentives for regional universities and support them to grow as the center of industry-academia-research cooperation ecosystems through regional semiconductor joint research institutes." She added, "We will promptly establish a 'Special Council for Regional University Development' and create a provisional 'Special Account for Higher and Lifelong Education Support' to significantly increase financial support for regional universities."

Regarding concerns about oversupply, a public-private cooperation system such as the 'Semiconductor Talent Cultivation Support Collaboration Center' will be established to flexibly respond to changing circumstances. During the meeting, suggestions were made emphasizing the importance of accurately identifying actual manpower demand since the required personnel fields and levels differ by semiconductor companies, and opinions were expressed on the urgency of training master's and doctoral level personnel.