To encourage interdisciplinary learning and cultivate talent for the semiconductor industry, National Chung Cheng University held the “TSMC Talent Development Program Dual Degree Scholarship Award Ceremony” on May 14. Mandy, TSMC's Campus Recruitment Project Manager, was invited to present the award and recognize students for their dedication to interdisciplinary studies.

The scholarship is part of the TSMC Talent Development Program, a joint initiative by the university and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The program aims to encourage more non-STEM students to pursue science- and technology-related studies through double majors and minors, helping them develop interdisciplinary skills and strengthen their competitiveness in the tech industry. This event marked the inaugural presentation of the scholarship.

This year's recipient is a student majoring in Psychology, while concurrently pursuing studies in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and minoring in Computer Science and Information Engineering. Demonstrating outstanding interdisciplinary learning and integration abilities, the student received a scholarship of NT$100,000.

The university stated that as technology industries continue to evolve rapidly, companies are increasingly seeking talent with diverse backgrounds and interdisciplinary capabilities. Beyond technical expertise, industries highly value communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Consequently, the university has actively encouraged students to develop secondary specialties and broaden their academic horizons through interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

During the ceremony, Mandy shared TSMC’s expectations for future talent, noting that the semiconductor industry requires not only technical professionals but also individuals with diverse perspectives, strong teamwork skills, and high learning capabilities. She encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, explore different fields, and build diverse skill sets for their future careers.

The recipient also shared that despite originally focusing on Psychology, exposure to programming and science-related courses inspired a deeper understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary integration. While balancing multiple fields of study proved challenging, the experience strengthened both critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Receiving the scholarship was described as not only an honor but also a powerful motivation to continue pursuing interdisciplinary growth.

National Chung Cheng University expressed its commitment to further strengthening collaboration with TSMC through scholarships, academic partnerships, and industry exchange opportunities, aiming to create a more comprehensive talent cultivation environment and encourage more students to engage in interdisciplinary learning.