On September 12, 2025, the Republic of China’s representative to the UK, Yao Jinxiang, and the UK’s representative office in Taiwan, Ruth Bradley-Jones, signed the “Memorandum of Understanding on the Taiwan-UK Semiconductor Joint Skills Project” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deepen bilateral technology talent cultivation and exchange.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issued a press release stating that representatives Yao Jinxiang and Ruth Bradley-Jones signed the memorandum in the presence of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Zhizhong and Dr. Dave Smith, the National Technology Advisor at the UK Department for Innovation and Technology, via video and physical means respectively on the 11th.
In his address, Wu Zhizhong mentioned that the UK Department for Innovation and Technology has visited Taiwan for the third time this year to attend the Taiwan International Semiconductor Exhibition, highlighting the close interaction between the two sides in relevant fields. The signing of this memorandum marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, further enhancing government cooperation in the exchange and cultivation of technology talents.
Yao Jinxiang pointed out that following the signing of the “Enhancing Trade Partnership” (ETP) agreement in June this year, the continuous elevation of existing cooperation momentum through the signed memorandum will establish mechanisms for reciprocal visits and exchanges among students in the semiconductor field of both Taiwan and the UK, contributing to the enhancement of bilateral economic, democratic, and semiconductor supply chain resilience.
Dr. Dave Smith, the UK National Technology Advisor, expressed pleasure in seeing the deepening talent connections and creation of shared value between Taiwan and the UK as the world faces a shortage of technology talents. Taiwan’s strong technological manufacturing capabilities complement the UK’s advantages in innovation and research, leading to continuous cooperation in forward-looking areas such as compound semiconductors, silicon photonics, and quantum technologies.
Ruth Bradley-Jones, the UK’s representative office in Taiwan, emphasized that this project is the first memorandum signed between Taiwan and European countries on semiconductor talent cultivation, benefiting students and industries in both nations. Emphasizing the proverb, “It takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred years to cultivate people,” she expressed hope for Taiwan and the UK to work together to shape the technological future.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that they are committed to President Lai Ching-te’s “Global Democratic Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership Initiative.” Through this memorandum, they aim to promote substantial technological cooperation between Taiwan and the UK, jointly constructing a value-based technological resilience supply chain and actively implementing the concept of “comprehensive diplomacy.”
The signing ceremony saw representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the National Science and Technology Commission, the National Applied Research Laboratories, SEMI (International Semiconductor Industry Association), National Taiwan University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Cheng Kung University, National Sun Yat-sen University, Innovate UK, and the UK’s National Physical Laboratory among others in attendance, witnessing this significant event.