1 September 2026 - Technical University of Munich (TUM) Asia and the City of Gongju have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop industry-relevant engineering education, strengthen workforce capabilities and support innovation in South Korea’s priority industries.
The agreement marks a further step in TUM Asia’s expansion into South Korea, establishing a platform for education, industry engagement and international knowledge exchange. The MOU was signed by Mr. Choi Won-Cheol, Mayor, City of Gongju and Dr Markus Wächter, Vice President TUM Asia, Technical University of Munich at the Gongju City Hall.
The partnership responds to a pressing need for industry-ready talent in the City of Gongju. The skills gap is particularly evident in specialist roles requiring multidisciplinary capabilities across semiconductor materials, chemical and process engineering, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, process safety and sustainability.
Through the partnership, TUM Asia and the City of Gongju will address these needs through applied education, professional upskilling and closer knowledge exchange between academia and industry.
The MOU establishes a strategic umbrella framework covering engineering education, talent cultivation, industrial innovation, workforce capability development, international knowledge exchange, industry–academia collaboration, aerospace education and socio-cultural cooperation.
One of the first initiatives to be explored is the development and implementation of the “Graduate Diploma in Semiconductor Materials Chemical Engineering” programme. The proposed programme will equip professionals and industry entrants with specialised capabilities relevant to semiconductor materials and chemical-processing operations, strengthening the pipeline of qualified talent available to employers.
“This partnership connects TUM’s engineering expertise with the talent and innovation priorities of Gongju City,” said Dr Markus Wächter, Vice President TUM Asia, Technical University of Munich. “Our aim is to develop practical learning pathways that help professionals deepen their expertise, support companies in building workforce capabilities and contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the city’s industries.”
The agreed scope also includes technical workshops, field training and immersion programmes that enable participants to apply knowledge in industrial settings.
“Gongju City expects to invite more attractive companies into the region by developing globally competitive talent tailored to industry needs, such as fine chemicals and semiconductor materials,” said Mr. Choi Won-Cheol, Mayor, City of Gongju. “Our cooperation with TUM Asia will further strengthen Gongju’s global education and industrial infrastructure.”
The collaboration will also support the City of Gongju in developing sister-city and friendly cooperation networks with global municipalities that share complementary industrial, urban-development and cultural interests. By drawing on TUM Asia’s international networks, the partnership will strengthen the city’s participation in relevant national policy initiatives, strategic projects and public development programmes.
About TUM Asia
TUM Asia, established in 2002 in Singapore, is the only overseas campus of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), ranked No. 1 in Germany and 25th globally in the QS World University Rankings® 2027. Serving as a gateway to Asia, TUM Asia provides students with strategic access to the region’s innovation, research, and industry ecosystem.
In collaboration with leading Singapore universities, including Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, and Singapore Institute of Technology, TUM Asia offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes in fields such as Sustainable Food, Urban Transport, Logistics, Aerospace, Chemistry, and Electronics.
Beyond education, TUM Asia manages the TUM Shenzhen Liaison Office and houses the Bavarian University and Innovation Center Asia-Pacific, supporting international academic collaboration and innovation partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.
About the City of Gongju
Gongju is a city located in the heart of the eastern part of Chungcheongnam-do Province. Sejong City, the administrative capital of South Korea, and Daejeon are located to its east.
Soulbrain, the biggest vendor of fine chemical materials used in semiconductor manufacturing to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, and many other specialty materials companies, such as DS Techopia and Indichem, operate in Gongju City.
Recently, Gongju City has aimed to be included in South Korea’s Defence Cluster by attracting defence and aerospace industries. It also plans to establish a global education and training centre for the defence and aerospace sectors in Korea.