Thunderbird Hosts Inaugural Taiwan Symposium

The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University organized the inaugural Taiwan Symposium to unite business leaders, government representatives, students, and international partners at a worldwide event focused on global business and sustainability.

The "Digital Innovation and Sustainability" event brought together TSMC's (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) American initiatives under the organization of ASU's Office of Global Academic Initiatives to showcase the expanding Taiwan-Arizona partnership.

The symposium attracted attention to TSMC's environmental strategies, focusing on their worldwide water conservation methods at manufacturing sites. During the symposium, Greg Jackson demonstrated TSMC's sustainability initiatives by presenting their goal to reach 60% water recycling at all their manufacturing plants including their North Phoenix location.

According to Jackson, the plants implement water reclamation systems, rainwater collection systems, and air-conditioning condensate recovery to maintain operational functions. The TSMC Phoenix plant will reach its innovative 350% water utilization goal through triple water recycling, while donating treated water to regional aquifers for sustainable urban growth.

The solar-shaded parking spaces at the Phoenix facility reach 4,000 units while producing electricity sufficient to supply power to 2,000 households.

TSMC has established a future development plan to create a self-contained urban area within their Arizona operations.

TSMC has established a presence in Arizona that goes past manufacturing facilities. According to Jackson, the company aims to create a high-tech city within 2,500 acres of land through employee residences, supply chain facilities, and business partnerships. The development of three facilities in Arizona will transform the area into an innovation hub which will draw skilled workers and create economic expansion through its "city within a city" concept.

The Arizona business environment provides a favorable environment that draws diverse high-tech industries into the state, including semiconductors, clean technology, quantum optics, and life sciences.

According to Fogarty, Arizona represents more than a semiconductor manufacturing base. The region establishes itself as a solution center for global challenges that include climate and health problems.

The panel discussion "Breaking into Semiconductors: Career Opportunities in a High-Growth Industry" included Kent Hopkins, Vice President for Academic Enterprise Enrollment at ASU, who spoke directly to students about the regional job market.

According to him, the industry will experience rapid career path transformations. "Your career path will shift numerous times during your professional life in this dynamic field."

ASM Global representative Michelle Kurth advised students to pursue careers in the industry because success requires more than just engineering expertise. She emphasized the need for diverse thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and global perspectives.

According to Timothy Tang from WITS, modern employees need flexibility, effective teamwork, and cultural understanding, together with international business conduct to succeed in a global setting.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego presented initiatives that support Taiwanese community growth by expanding healthcare services with local language support and increasing nonstop Asian flight operations. The 46-year Taipei-Phoenix sister city relationship remains strong due to continuous mutual economic development.

Gallego emphasized that the friendship continues to grow in all areas, including business, cultural, and innovative initiatives.

The symposium finished with "Taiwan Night at Thunderbird", which featured traditional Taiwanese entertainment, music, and food, presented by the Taipei Committee of Phoenix Sister Cities. The celebration marked the end of a meaningful day focused on technology, sustainability, global trade, and future partnerships.