From Left: Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) Professor Yong-Chao Su, PEZA consultant Glenn Quiro, Chairman Shawn Lin of the Global Semiconductor Talent Accelerator, UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano, KMU VP of the Office of Global Affairs Dr. Chia-Lin Kai, and Benzene Co., Ltd. representative Mr. Brian Lin
As part of the Borderless Semiconductor x AI x Medicine Human Capital Development EXPO, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) participated in the Borderless Human Capital Forum on 22 May 2026 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The forum gathered academic leaders, industry representatives, government agencies, and institutional partners from Taiwan and the Philippines to discuss strategies for developing globally competitive talent in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, medicine, and advanced technologies.
Chancellor Joan Serrano delivers her presentation at the forum.
Among the featured speakers was UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, who delivered a presentation titled “Future-Ready Learning: UPOU Microcredentials for Global Industry Collaboration.” She emphasized the role of digital and flexible learning in advancing semiconductor education and global workforce development.
Chancellor Serrano highlighted UPOU’s commitment to open and distance e-learning, lifelong learning, and inclusive education through initiatives such as MOOCs, Continuing Education Programs, and microcredentials. She explained that microcredentials are short, competency-based courses designed to provide recognized skills and flexible learning pathways for learners from different backgrounds and career stages.
A key focus of her presentation was the importance of international collaboration in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing education. She noted that while the Philippines offers strong human capital potential, Taiwan provides mature industrial ecosystems and standards that can support workforce development through strategic partnerships.
Chancellor Serrano also introduced the Semiconductor Microcredentials initiative’s four-stage pathway: online pre-training and selection, short-cycle hands-on training, 6 – 12 month corporate internships, and talent circulation. She explained that the framework aims to strengthen industry readiness and support long-term collaboration between Philippine and Taiwanese institutions and industries.
The presentation likewise introduced UPOU’s Semiconductor Microcredential courses, which include Introduction to Semiconductor Manufacturing, AI and Smart Manufacturing, Global Career, Entrepreneurship and Cross-Cultural Communication, Semiconductor Materials Physics, and Industrial Electronics.
The forum also featured presentations from Kaohsiung Medical University and Taiwanese industry representatives, including KINPO Group, reflecting strong industry participation in talent development and international workforce collaboration.
The event underscored the growing importance of collaboration among universities, industries, and governments in addressing talent shortages and widening skills gaps in highly technical sectors while strengthening Philippines – Taiwan cooperation in education, innovation, and workforce development.
Written by Jessa Perez | Edited by Joane V. Serrano | Photos by Jessa Perez
