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The Idaho Technology Council announced the statewide delegation in a Feb. 5 news release. The four-day mission, organized by the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho–Asia Trade Office, marked the 40th anniversary of the Idaho–Taiwan Sister State relationship. Delegates studied Taiwan’s integrated approach to semiconductor education, manufacturing and industry alignment.

ISU was represented by Dr. Jim Widmann, dean of the College of Science and Engineering; Gerald “Jerry” Anhorn, dean of the College of Technology; and Dr. Steve C. Chiu, professor and chair of computer science and electrical and computer engineering.

During the visit, the delegation toured Micron’s semiconductor manufacturing operations in Taichung and met with university leaders, research institutes and government officials. Discussions centered on building scalable talent pipelines, aligning curriculum with industry needs and exploring science park models that integrate education, research and manufacturing.

“This mission reinforced how important it is for Idaho’s universities and technical colleges to stay closely aligned with industry as semiconductor manufacturing expands in our state,” Anhorn said. “For ISU, that means continuing to strengthen applied, hands-on programs that prepare students for high-demand technical and engineering careers.”

Widmann said the visit provided valuable insight into how global semiconductor leaders connect research universities, workforce training programs and manufacturers.

“We saw firsthand how Taiwan integrates research, education and production at scale,” Widmann said. “Those lessons will help inform how ISU continues to support Idaho’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.”

The mission comes as Idaho increases its role in domestic semiconductor production and workforce development. ISU’s College of Technology and College of Science and Engineering play a key role in preparing technicians, engineers and applied technology professionals to meet that demand.

University leaders said partnerships formed during the mission will help strengthen curriculum development, expand research collaboration and create additional pathways for ISU students into semiconductor careers.