ASU’s Semiconductor Ecosystem Master Class Trains Emerging Leaders Across the Globe

Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering recently completed its latest Semiconductor Ecosystem Master Class, a six-week program designed to equip rising global leaders with a deep understanding of how semiconductor industries are built, scaled, and sustained. The cohort included faculty and government officials from Panama, Mexico, Thailand, and the United States, reflecting the growing international demand for talent prepared to shape national semiconductor strategies. 

Through live expert-led sessions, participants explored chip design and fabrication, packaging and assembly, supply chain structures, and the policy and infrastructure choices that drive successful semiconductor hubs. The experience also featured the “Arizona Semiconductor Story,” a multimedia case study illustrating how Arizona became one of the fastest-growing semiconductor ecosystems in the world. The module earned perfect scores from every respondent for clarity, usefulness, and relevance. 

Survey feedback underscored both the need for programs like this and the immediate impact on participants’ work. One attendee noted, “I know better now all the components of the semiconductor ecosystem” , while another highlighted the value of understanding quality and instrumentation in the context of national metrology efforts: “Our duty is to understand the whole process to see how metrology could help guarantee quality.” 

Participants also shared concrete plans to apply what they learned. Leaders in Panama plan to integrate insights into the country’s Semiconductor National Plan, while representatives from Mexico described pushing a broader semiconductor agenda across engineering programs and preparing proposals to attract advanced manufacturing activity in Coahuila. 

Overall satisfaction was strong. All respondents strongly agreed they learned new information, and the average likelihood to recommend the program was 9.4 out of 10, with 60 percent rating it a perfect 10. 

As global competition for semiconductor leadership accelerates, ASU’s Semiconductor Ecosystem Master Class is carving out a unique role: preparing the next generation of educators, policymakers, and technical leaders to build resilient, capable, and future-ready ecosystems in their own regions. Participants leave not only with a sharper understanding of the industry, but with action plans tailored to their institutions and national priorities.