University of the Philippines delegation together with representatives from academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners in Taiwan
As the global demand for semiconductor talent continues to rise, the University of the Philippines (UP), through the UP Open University (UPOU), together with its partners, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), and Global Semiconductor Talent Accelerator (GSTA), officially launched the Semiconductor Microcredentials Program during the Borderless Human Capital Development: Kaohsiung x UPOU Microcredential Program Launching Banquet held on 22 May 2026 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Chancellor Joane Serrano and Vice President for Research and Innovation Joel Marciano during the introductions of guests.
The evening launch gathered leaders from higher education, government agencies, diplomatic institutions, and representatives from 21 companies to strengthen cross-border collaboration in semiconductor education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. Representing the University of the Philippines were UP President Angelo Jimenez, Vice President for Research and Innovation Joel Marciano, UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano, and UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies Dean Roberto Figueroa Jr..
UP President Angelo Jimenez delivers his keynote message
Delivering one of the evening’s keynote messages, UP President Angelo Jimenez emphasized the importance of borderless education, global cooperation, and human-centered innovation in preparing learners for rapidly evolving industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
“Tonight, we celebrate more than a program. We celebrate a shared vision for the future,” President Jimenez said. “A future where education transcends borders. Where learning continues throughout life. Where nations do not merely compete in the global economy, but collaborate to uplift people, communities, and futures.”
In his speech, President Jimenez highlighted how technological transformation and industry shifts require education systems to become more agile, inclusive, and globally connected. He stressed that while innovation continues to accelerate, “human talent is the foundation of every innovation.”
Central to his message was the role of UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA), a flagship initiative that expands the University’s global and open learning efforts through flexible, accessible, and borderless education opportunities. According to President Jimenez, UP VINTA was founded on “a simple but profound conviction: that knowledge should know no borders.”
Through the UP Open University (UPOU) and the UP System’s broader Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) flagship program, the program seeks to provide flexible pathways for learners through degree programs, microcredentials, stackable certifications, and non-formal learning opportunities that respond directly to industry needs and workforce realities.
President Jimenez also emphasized the human dimension of global talent development, stressing that education should empower individuals to shape their own futures.
“We are not simply producing workers for industries. We are empowering people to shape their own destinies in a world undergoing rapid technological transformation,” he stated.
The evening program also featured opening remarks from leaders representing industries and organizations in Taiwan, including President Hsu Zheng-Yun of the Manufacturers United General Association of Industrial Park and Chairman Hsu Tain-Tsair of the Commerce Development Research Institute, who underscored the importance of innovation-driven workforce development and international partnerships in strengthening Asia’s semiconductor ecosystem.
CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar-Ong delivers her message
CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar-Ong likewise delivered a message emphasizing the role of international academic cooperation and industry-aligned education in preparing Filipino learners to participate in globally competitive and highly technical industries. Also delivering remarks during the program were Sam Goffman, Deputy Branch Chief of the American Institute in Taiwan-Kaohsiung Branch; Director Yvonne Shen of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education International Student Retention Program; and Hon. President Yung Ching-Yu of Edu-connect Southeast Asia, all of whom highlighted the value of international partnerships, talent mobility, and cross-border education initiatives in advancing regional innovation and human capital development.
Following the address of President Angelo Azura Jimenez, an audio-visual presentation (AVP) featuring the Semiconductor Microcredentials courses was presented, highlighting the initiative’s four-stage talent development pathway, industry-aligned learning opportunities, and enrollment details for prospective learners. The presentation showcased how the program integrates online pre-training, hands-on technical training, corporate internships, and talent circulation to help prepare globally competitive and industry-ready professionals for the semiconductor sector.
>
From left: UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, Chairman Hsu Tain-Tsair of the Commerce Development Research Institute, Deputy Branch Chief Sam Goffman of the American Institute in Taiwan-Kaohsiung Branch, Chairman Eric K. Chen of Kaohsiung Medical University, Chairman Peter Lai of Linhai Industrial Park Association, UP President Angelo Azura Jimenez, Chairman Shawn Lin of the Global Semiconductor Talent Accelerator, and CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar-Ong
The formal launch ceremony featured a symbolic holographic light activation, bringing together representatives from the University of the Philippines, CHED, Taiwanese academic institutions, and industry partners in a shared commitment to advancing semiconductor education, workforce development, and cross-border collaboration between the Philippines and Taiwan.
Written by Jessa Perez | Edited by Joane V. Serrano | Photos from Chairman Peter Lai of Linhai Industrial Park Association
