ChonnamNationalUniversity
Published on 3 February 2026
CNU and Amkor Technology Launch Joint Research Center to Advance Semiconductor Packaging Innovation
GWANGJU, South Korea – Chonnam National University (CNU), led by President Lee Keun-bae, and Amkor Technology Korea, headed by President & CEO Jin-an Lee, have officially inaugurated the CNU-Amkor Semiconductor Packaging Technology Joint Research Center. The opening ceremony, held on January 12 at CNU’s Advanced Campus in Buk-gu, Gwangju, marks a significant milestone in university-industry collaboration aimed at mastering critical back-end semiconductor processes.
The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including CNU President Lee Keun-bae, Amkor Technology Korea CEO Jin-an Lee (Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from CNU), National Assembly Member Min Hyung-bae, and Gwangju City Vice Mayor for Culture and Economy Kim Young-moon.
A Hub for Practical Innovation and Talent Cultivation
The new research center is designed as a strategic hub for empirical research and talent development in semiconductor packaging—a field increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of the high-performance, high-density semiconductor era. By integrating CNU’s academic excellence with Amkor’s global industrial expertise, the center ensures that research outcomes are directly applicable to the production floor.
The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art semiconductor packaging machinery, allowing students and researchers to work in an environment identical to actual industrial sites. Key research initiatives will focus on national strategic fields, including:
Advanced Packaging for Automotive and AI Semiconductors
AI-driven Intelligent Process Optimization
Fostering Regional Ecosystems and National Competitiveness
This partnership serves as a benchmark for South Korea’s balanced national development policy, demonstrating how regional flagship universities and global enterprises can collaborate to nurture strategic industries. It is expected to enhance the local talent pool, strengthen the regional industrial ecosystem, and ultimately bolster South Korea’s global standing in the semiconductor sector.
President Lee Keun-bae emphasized his commitment to student career paths, stating: "Since my inauguration last February, I have focused on creating practical opportunities for our students. Recognizing Amkor’s global presence in Gwangju, I personally reached out to CEO Jin-an Lee to establish this partnership, believing that industry-linked, empirical education is the key to enhancing our students' competitiveness."
CEO Jin-an Lee highlighted the synergistic nature of the center: "This center represents the convergence of Amkor’s global experience and CNU’s research capabilities. As advanced packaging becomes the heart of the semiconductor industry’s reorganization due to rising demand for AI and high-performance computing, we expect this facility to be a 'win-win cradle'—a living classroom for students and an innovation engine for the company."
Honoring Leadership and Vision
Following the opening ceremony, CNU conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering upon CEO Jin-an Lee in recognition of his contributions to the industry and academia. Dr. Lee then delivered a special lecture titled "The AI Era: Evolution of Semiconductor Packaging Technology," sharing insights on future industry trends and the vital role of university-industry synergy.
