Press Release For Immediate Release
Governor Hobbs Attends MOU Signing between Arizona Science Center and National Taiwan Science Education Center To Advance STEM Workforce, Collaboration
Taipei, Taiwan – September 17, 2023 – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs attended a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between Arizona Science Center and the National Taiwan Science Education Center (NTSEC) at the NTSEC in Taipei City, Taiwan. The MOU will further collaborative opportunities related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), with a focus on technology, semiconductor and microelectronics workforce development.
The MOU was signed on September 17, 2023 by Guy Labine, The Hazel A. Hare President and CEO of Arizona Science Center and NTSEC Director General Huoo-Chin Liu. Ming-Yu Lin, Political Deputy Minister of Education, Ministry of Taiwan and the Arizona delegation led by Governor Hobbs including Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, were witnesses at the MOU signing.
“This signing represents a new opportunity for collaboration between Arizona and Taiwan, one focused on inspiring the next generation,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “With this MOU, the Arizona Science Center and National Taiwan Science Education Center will be able to exchange best practices and bolster the international exchange already taking place within the semiconductor and related industries. With a focus on workforce development and inspiring the next generation to fill the jobs of tomorrow, this partnership will benefit both Arizona and Taiwan for decades to come.”
The MOU’s collaboration initiatives include sharing existing programs and activities for use in Taiwan and Arizona, focused on education and training for semiconductor and related industries; opportunities for both parties to mutually invest in the creation of new programs focused on supporting the pipeline for STEM workforce development.
“Investing in STEM education is not just about preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers; it is a commitment to supporting the economic might of the semiconductor industry in the State of Arizona,” said Guy Labine, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO of Arizona Science Center. “We're excited to embark on this collaboration with NTSEC. Together, we will leverage our respective expertise and experiences to help build a prosperous and robust Arizona technology sector. We will help strengthen the economic engine propelling global semiconductor innovations.”
In addition, the MOU outlines visitor experience development collaboration, which could include new exhibits focused on semiconductors or STEM or other experience ideas, and professional development collaboration for staff to increase technology-based science education through staff training. Both parties also want to have their highly engaged students and teens (ages 13-17) involved in a friendship agreement to share ideas and experiences through virtual meetings and/or programs.
“Through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), we hope to facilitate future collaboration between the National Taiwan Science Education Center (NTSEC) and the Arizona Science Center (ASC) in the STEM field, including resource and information sharing, the joint development of exhibitions and learning activities,” said Ming-Yu Lin, Vice Minister of Education, Ministry of Taiwan. “It is believed that through this partnership will significantly contribute to the development and exchange of scientific literacy between two science centers, while benefiting students and the general public in both Taiwan and the State of Arizona.”
“Our partner, Arizona Science Center, is a well-known science center which is an important hub for science education,” said Huoo-Chin Liu, Executive Director, National Taiwan Science Education Center. “Our partner excelled in educational programs, events, exhibitions, and outreach. Based on this, the cooperation between Arizona Science Center and Taiwan Science Education Center could produce more interesting scientific programs and exhibitions. Based on the MOU, I am sure that there are many fantastic things will happen at Arizona Science Center and Taiwan Science Education Center. We can see the bright future on the way.”
Following the MOU signing, Governor Hobbs and the Arizona delegation participated in a tour of the NTSEC, including a semiconductor exhibit showcasing the world of semiconductors through interactive gaming.
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Media Contacts
Kristina Celik
Arizona Science Center
480.205.2581
celikk@azscience.org
