Taipei, Aug. 10 (CNA) Taiwan is hoping to collaborate with countries such as Japan and the United States where Taiwanese semiconductor companies have a presence to set up a joint semiconductor talent pool, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) told Japanese media.
In an interview with Tokyo-based Bungei Shunju via video conference, Tsai covered several topics, including the development of Taiwan's semiconductor sector, COVID-19 prevention measures, Taiwan-U.S.-Japan relations, and cross-strait relations.
Tsai said talent is vital for the growth of the semiconductor industry, and indicated that Taiwan's government is focusing its talent development strategy on helping boost digital and language skills and broaden the international vision of its talent pool.
As Taiwan's semiconductor companies are branching out overseas, it is essential to set up a common talent pool with countries where they have operations, Tsai said, adding that she hoped through such a mechanism, professionals from these countries can be lured to Taiwan.
More generally, Tsai said Taiwan's semiconductor industry plays an indispensable role in the global supply chain and is highly competitive due to its mature industrial clusters and unique business model.
Japan and the United States are recruiting Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers to set up factories in their countries, and if Taiwanese companies make such moves, it will not only meet demand but be beneficial to Taiwan, Tsai said.
Japan's advantage in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials and the U.S.' strength in manufacturing technology will complement Taiwan's research and development skills and advancement of semiconductor production techniques, Tsai said.
The interview published Tuesday was the first one given by Tsai to a foreign media since a BBC interview in January 2020, according to Bungei Shunju.
In the interview, Tsai also indicated Taiwan absolutely rejects Beijing's "one country, two systems" proposal of reunification, saying that it will not be an option in the future.
Touching on Taiwan's domestic COVID-19 vaccines, Tsai said the immunobridging approach used by Taiwan to determine the efficacy of Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp.'s vaccine and avoid Phase 3 clinical trials to shorten the time before the vaccine can be used was similar to a practice adopted by Japan.
"We noticed Japan also used a similar method," she said.
