Scheduled to Open in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
"Determined to Raise Semiconductor Awareness"
Free Lectures from Elementary Students to Job Seekers
"Want to Change Parents' Perspectives...
Also to Promote the Need for Advanced Technology and Talent"
Yang Hyang-ja, a self-proclaimed 'semiconductor expert' and former member of the Reform New Party, is opening a 'Semiconductor Academy' bearing her name in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do.
On the 4th, Yang said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "The opening is imminent," adding, "Although the exact opening date has not been set, the signboard will be completed soon, so we will open as soon as preparations are ready."
Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, is where former lawmaker Yang first worked as a research assistant in the semiconductor memory design department at Samsung Electronics in 1985 when she was 18 years old. It is also the place she declared as her electoral district for the 22nd National Assembly election in February this year. It will be a hub for Korea’s semiconductor industry. As a designated semiconductor cluster area, a semiconductor high school is scheduled to open there in March 2027, making it a key base for Korea’s semiconductor sector.
Yang said, "Yongin is expected to become a semiconductor hub city, but I have felt on the ground that many of our citizens still lack awareness about semiconductors." It is reported that both Yongin city and the industry expect the academy to help raise awareness and expand the base. Yang added, "There was a significant demand. As someone who has lived as a semiconductor expert all my life, I want to clearly explain why our country needs to focus on advanced technologies like semiconductors."
An interior view of the 'Yang Hyang-ja Semiconductor Academy' posted on former Reform New Party lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja's Facebook account. Photo by former lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja's Facebook capture
A draft design of the signboard for the 'Yang Hyang-ja Semiconductor Academy' posted on former Reform New Party lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja's Facebook account. Photo by Yang Hyang-ja, former lawmaker's Facebook
Yang especially emphasized, "Not only students but above all, I want to change the interest of parents." She expressed regret over the recent trend of university entrance exams being heavily concentrated on medical schools and students flocking to the academy district in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu accordingly. She said, "If we can change parents' mindset, I believe a foundation can be laid for students to dream of semiconductors and nurture talent."
Yang has decided to broaden the academy’s educational targets to include elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as job seekers preparing for employment. Classes for elementary students will be conducted in the form of science workshops, and job seekers will be given opportunities to experience semiconductor practical work in advance. Yang said, "When I gave external lectures at middle schools, I often thought it would be good to have semiconductor classes even for young students," adding, "For job seekers, just knowing the concept of the eight major semiconductor processes is very helpful when they join companies."
All classes will be free of charge, and experts who have worked in the semiconductor industry, including Yang herself, will be invited as instructors. Yang said, "The academy will be operated strictly on a non-profit basis," emphasizing, "That commitment has not changed from the beginning until now." Yang also used her own private funds for the initial capital to establish the academy. However, to ensure the academy can be continuously operated and establish itself as a 'talent training center' for Korea’s semiconductor industry, investment support is needed. Yang stated, "I believe many people will help. We are also discussing support with the K-Diaspora Global Alliance."
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