NUK Sustainability Report

2026-07-07

With a history spanning more than 350 years, the German science and technology company Merck has become a key materials partner in the global semiconductor supply chain. Led by Academic Vice President Hsiu-Hui Chuang, faculty members and students from the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) recently visited Merck Taiwan's newly inaugurated Semiconductor Technology Mega Site in Kaohsiung. Through corporate presentations, facility tours, and interactive discussions, participants gained first-hand insight into the company's global operations, innovation culture, and talent development strategies.

The visit enabled students to observe the operation of the semiconductor materials supply chain up close while exploring future career opportunities from the perspective of a leading international enterprise, broadening both their industrial knowledge and global outlook.

The visit was organized by NUK's Office of Research and Development (ORD). On June 16, Vice President Chuang led faculty and students to the Kaohsiung Semiconductor Technology Mega Site.

Chuang emphasized that university education should not only provide professional knowledge but also help students understand industry trends and future workforce needs. In recent years, NUK has actively invested in cultivating semiconductor and high-tech talent through industry visits, university–industry collaboration, and practical learning opportunities that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

She expressed appreciation to Merck for providing students with the opportunity to experience an international workplace firsthand, deepening their understanding of the semiconductor industry and preparing them for future career development.

During the visit, Chi-Yung Lin, Site Head of Merck Taiwan's Kaohsiung Semiconductor Technology Mega Site, introduced the company's history and global operations. Merck has operated in Taiwan for more than 37 years, evolving from its early pharmaceutical and liquid crystal materials businesses into an important partner within the semiconductor supply chain.

Drawing on his own career experience, Lin encouraged students to explore diverse fields, embrace lifelong learning, and cultivate interdisciplinary capabilities. He emphasized that, in today's rapidly evolving technology industry, communication skills, teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are valued just as highly as technical expertise.

During the facility tour, participants closely observed the site's large-scale liquid nitrogen storage systems, specialty gas storage and delivery infrastructure, and comprehensive safety management practices. The park's advanced utilities, digital management systems, and stringent safety standards gave students a deeper appreciation of the sophisticated support systems that underpin semiconductor manufacturing.

Merck representatives also introduced the company's workplace culture, highlighting values such as respect for individuals, open communication, flexible management, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous talent development—demonstrating the management philosophy of a global technology leader.

The technical sessions further covered key semiconductor manufacturing processes, including Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), together with their associated materials and equipment applications.

These topics closely complemented courses offered at NUK, including Introduction to Semiconductors, Thin-Film Processing Technology, and Process Control and Design, taught within the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering and the Department of Applied Chemistry. The visit enabled students to connect theoretical knowledge with industrial practice, further strengthening the university's commitment to integrating academic learning with real-world applications.

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@Department of Applied Chemistry · Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering · Department of Electrical Engineering | Courses & Activities