日本語

On June 4, 2025, Hiroshima University (HU) held a symposium entitled “Microchips Engineering & Security Alliance (MESA) - Global Semiconductor Human Resource Development Starting in Hiroshima” at its Higashi-Senda Campus, commemorating a new bachelor’s program in semiconductor engineering established in collaboration between Japan and the US.

This symposium was held in collaboration with the University of Idaho to commemorate its planned establishment of the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus at Hiroshima University. The symposium was attended by top stakeholders in semiconductor industry, education, and research, such as Mr. Hideto Matsumoto (Director, Technical Education Division, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), Mr. Fumihiro Takano (Director-General for Regional Economic Affairs, Chugoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), Ms. Vu Chi Mai (Consul-General of Vietnam in Fukuoka), Prof. Hideo Ohno (Special Advisor to the President, Tohoku University), and Mr. Yoshiyuki Fujishiro (President & CEO, RORZE Corporation). About 40 in-person participants gathered at the venue, including stakeholders in the semiconductor industry and faculty and staff from high schools and technical schools in Hiroshima Prefecture, while around 50 participants attended online.

The symposium began with opening remarks by HU President Ochi, who said, “Our university is actively engaged in initiatives for recruiting outstanding students, such as working with governments of various countries to establish scholarships and disseminating information on HU to high school students. We will continue to collaborate with corporations and local governments as we aim to form a hub for international human resource development. I hope that today’s symposium will be a fruitful opportunity for dialogue which can connect education with industry, and local areas to the broader world.”

Afterwards, President C. Scott Green of the University of Idaho delivered his remarks, expressing his expectations for the great potential of the program and emphasizing that this collaboration aims to pave the way for cross-border learning and discovery and bring lasting benefits to local communities in both countries, saying that he looks forward to “the tremendous ripple effects the program will have on both universities and local communities in the months and years to come.”

Following these remarks, Hideto Matsumoto, Director of the Technical Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), gave a congratulatory address on behalf of the guests in attendance. In his address, he stated, “This bachelor’s program between Hiroshima University and the University of Idaho is a new endeavor which will lay down new rails for the development of highly skilled human resources through international collaboration between Japan and the United States. I also feel that it is an achievement resulting from Hiroshima University’s long-standing reform efforts made towards its goal to be a world-class research university.”

After all opening remarks were given, representatives from the University of Idaho presented an overview of their university and an explanation of the newly established MESA program, speaking on the partnership between HU and the University of Idaho and the key characteristics and innovative qualities of the program.

After the presentation, special guests in attendance voiced their hopes for the MESA program. Prof. Hideo Ohno, Special Advisor to the President, Tohoku University, expressed his high expectations for the program, saying, “A shortage of human resources in the field of semiconductors has become an issue in both Japan and the United States. Taking into consideration the program’s value in promoting the internationalization of research universities as well, it is truly significant that Hiroshima University and the University of Idaho have jointly established an opportunity for the development of high-level human resources.” Fumihiro Takano, Director-General for  Regional Economic Affairs , Chugoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, gave his warm support for the program and stated, “It holds great significance that these two universities in two countries are jointly engaged in the development of high-level human resources.” Vu Chi Mai, Consul-General of Vietnam in Fukuoka expressed her support by stating, "The Vietnamese side welcomes the launch of this program and looks forward to providing cooperation and support in the future." Furthermore, Yoshiyuki Fujishiro, President & CEO of RORZE Corporation, stated that, “Human resource development is also a major issue for businesses. We are very grateful that some of the world’s brightest minds can study at universities in these two regions, which are famous in the field of semiconductors,” extending his praise for the program from a corporate perspective.

The symposium concluded with a Q&A session to respond to questions put forward by participants. Many questions were asked by both in-person and online attendees, showcasing the high level of interest in this program not only from high school faculty and staff, but also from the general public.

Currently, the University of Idaho is applying for its Hiroshima Campus to be officially recognized as a Location in Japan of a Foreign University by MEXT. The program aims to recruit students widely from the United States, both Japan and abroad, with plans to officially accept students from August 2026 onward. Through joint operation of the campus, both universities will contribute to the development of global talent in the semiconductor field, which is experiencing an urgent shortage of human resources. This program is also expected to further develop the internationalization of national universities and promote collaboration and cooperation in the field of higher education between Japan and the US.