Epistar Signs MOU with SU’s Physics Dept., Donates Photonics Devices

With a cooperation agreement inked with Epistar Corp., a global leading supplier of LEDs, on December 1^st, Soochow’s Department of Physics will provide its students with the know-how and a better opportunity into the semiconductor industry, facilitated by pricey equipment donated by Epistar, and chances to compete for a monthly scholarship of NT$10,000 and job positions in the company.

SU President Wei-Ta Pan indicated that the semiconductor industry has enjoyed a great advantage compared to other sectors in Taiwan. With Epistar’s backing, he believed Soochow students will be able to master the new skills and enter this highly-envied industry earlier than others.

President of Epistar Jin-Yang Fan, an outstanding alumnus (Class of 1988, Dept. of Physics), stressed the importance of solving problems on one’s own, which he used to do in his college years. Through donating equipment for training, he encouraged students to learn more hands-on experiences, and promised to continue providing more resources.

Epistar not only provides the chance for students to compete for the 10K monthly grant and job openings in the company with other college students in Taiwan, but also plans on a photonics course module and an internship program. Those who finish seven related courses with excellent grades can even earn a lucrative signing bonus when being hired by the company in the future.

The donation from Epistar is undoubtedly a key support to SU’s Micro Integrated Circuit Center, which will be founded soon in 2023. Chang-Sheng Mei, Chair of the Department of Physics, pointed out that generally and traditionally, at the undergraduate level, most students only learn theoretical knowledge about semiconductors, while practical applications and training belong to the graduate school level. That’s why the Department of Physics decided to establish the Center that would familiarize students with the entire manufacturing process of semiconductors earlier.