Choo Mi-ae: "Will Maintain Semiconductor Gap While Creating Virtuous Cycle for Companies and Residents to Share Opportunities"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae visited the Innovation Manufacturing Center of global semiconductor equipment company ASM in Hwaseong on the 21st, heard about domestic investment conditions and challenges, and sought ways to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain ecosystem through continuous investment and cooperation.

Governor Choo emphasized the importance of on-site communication and coexistence with large enterprises, stating her commitment to continue these efforts.

Governor Choo said, "To maintain our global competitive gap, the entire semiconductor ecosystem must be constructed at a rapid pace. Seeing this site today, I felt firsthand that when the nation and the province make comprehensive efforts, companies can stand tall in such a short time," and added, "I believe we must set as our administrative goal creating an environment where a virtuous cycle is achieved where companies, residents, and all the people can share opportunities while maintaining the competitive gap."

Governor Choo continued, "Gyeonggi Province's values are set as fairness, innovation, and inclusion. Fair opportunities will be available to everyone, and we will provide unlimited support not only for administrative innovation but also for industrial innovation," and emphasized, "Gyeonggi Province's inclusion will aim toward large and small enterprises growing together and sharing opportunities equally."

At this meeting, held with Hwaseong Mayor Jung Myeong-geun and ASM Korea Representative Director Lee Young-seok in attendance, a discussion with small and medium-sized supply chain companies in the province was conducted where various challenges were raised including △transportation infrastructure to increase accessibility △improvement of perception toward small and medium enterprises △resolving power supply issues.

In response, Governor Choo said, "I realize I need to visit the field more frequently. Commonly, you raised securing workforce as a challenge, and I feel that allowing dreams during high school years is ultimately something we should be doing," and added, "I think we should start by visiting high schools and awakening the younger generation to changes in our society and what career paths are promising."

She continued, "Regarding semiconductor infrastructure, I promised from my campaign days to proceed at a rapid pace, and immediately upon taking office as governor, I made my first official approval to establish a committee under the direct authority of the provincial governor to maintain semiconductor competitive advantage," and stated, "We will continue to address power, water supply, and transportation issues to achieve mutual growth with supply chain companies."

This visit by Governor Choo Mi-ae follows investment support for Samsung in Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and Yongin, demonstrating the province's determination to have the governor directly oversee investment, technology development, and supply chain issues of global semiconductor equipment companies, according to the province's explanation.

Governor Choo previously approved 'K-Semiconductor Innovation Measures for Semiconductor Competitive Advantage' as the first official approval on July 1st, her first day in office. Subsequently, on the 15th, during the Second Semiconductor Competitive Advantage Strategy Meeting, she instructed swift support for Samsung Electronics' P5 campus construction in Pyeongtaek, expansion of the research line at Hwaseong General Industrial Complex, and early operation of Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex. Today's visit to ASM also marks the first field communication effort following the province's policy to strengthen on-site engagement with domestic and international supply chain companies in semiconductor industry fostering.

Gyeonggi Province, the "center" of Korea's semiconductor industry, is supporting stable continued investment in research and development and manufacturing by global semiconductor companies including ASM with the goal of "semiconductor competitive advantage." The province operates the Gyeonggi Semiconductor Technology Center to provide analysis and evaluation services based on certified testing institutions and provides research collaboration spaces for companies and institutions. Additionally, the province operates a Gyeonggi pavilion at the next-generation semiconductor packaging industry exhibition and supports companies in establishing technology and product roadmaps through the advanced semiconductor commercialization-linked mini-fab infrastructure establishment project.

ASM, a next-generation semiconductor device manufacturing technology development company, employs approximately 4,800 workers across 15 regions worldwide and holds more than 3,900 semiconductor-related patents. Last December, ASM newly completed an innovation manufacturing center in Hwaseong, further strengthening its position in Korea.