Facing the rapid global environmental changes and continuous technological advancements, Taiwan must respond quickly by cultivating innovative and entrepreneurial talents with forward-thinking skills in technology and international business development. These talents can enter local industries and help companies achieve a global leadership position.
The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) launched the "LEAP PhD Innovation Star" program, which offers passionate, high-level professionals who are committed to accelerating Taiwan's industrial innovation the opportunity to study at overseas companies. Since its implementation in 2017, the program has partnered with over 500 international companies, providing thousands of research and innovation-related positions. A total of 187 forward-thinking tech talents have been sent abroad for further training.
In recent years, these selected talents have demonstrated outstanding performance in their overseas training programs. After completing their studies and returning to Taiwan, most of them have taken positions at domestic leading enterprises and research institutions, often in mid-to-senior management roles or as liaisons connecting with international markets. This success has attracted international companies like Taboola, the world's largest content recommendation platform, and Biolegend, a global leader in antibody supply, to establish R&D centers and branches in Taiwan, recognizing the potential of Taiwanese talent.
In response to the challenges posed by the US-China trade war, post-pandemic industrial transformation, and the emergence of new industries, the NSTC has decided to extend the LEAP program's vision by upgrading it to the "X Talent: Industry Innovation Talent Overseas Training Program." This initiative aims to continue sending Taiwan's academic and industrial innovation seeds abroad for training. In alignment with the government's promotion of the "Six Core Strategic Industries" (including Information and Digital Technology, Advanced Materials, Precision Health, Green Energy and Renewable Energy, Defense and Strategic Industries, and Civil and Emergency Preparedness), the upgraded program seeks to foster talents who, upon returning to Taiwan, will contribute to industrial innovation and help Taiwan secure a leadership position in the global tech market, ultimately becoming a key force in the future global economic growth.
To help more people understand the experiences, achievements, and current status of LEAP participants during their overseas training, the NSTC hosted a "Resilience through Proactive Adaptation – LEAP x X Talent Achievement Sharing and Exchange Forum." The event invited four outstanding participants from the LEAP program to share their personal journeys and how they leveraged their training experiences to accelerate their career development:
- Wu Menglun, Department Manager, Taboola Taiwan R&D Center
- Hsu Xiang'en, Project Manager, Cancer Moonshot Program, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica
- Li Shengdian, Senior Researcher, Yuhua Pharmaceuticals
- Lin Xiuzhao, Senior Engineer, 3D IC Packaging R&D, TSMC
They shared their insights from their overseas training experiences and how they applied their newfound knowledge to boost their careers.
Overseas Enterprise Training: Enhancing Career Competitiveness
Training at leading international enterprises abroad can enhance one's ability to innovate with cutting-edge technologies, increase competitiveness in the global job market, and broaden one's perspective on international business opportunities.
Wu Menglun, who holds a PhD in Information Engineering and works in an IT company, believes that continuous professional development is essential for long-term success in the information services industry. Overseas training provides an excellent opportunity for learning and growth. Similarly, Lin Xiuzhao, a chemical engineer with expertise in immunology and polymer materials, has always sought opportunities to train abroad to enhance his research capabilities and apply his knowledge to the industry.
In the pharmaceutical field, Western countries have a long history of drug research and development, giving them a clear advantage. Li Shengdian, a medical engineering PhD, trained in the U.S., focusing on antibody-cell research, which brought him closer to the pharmaceutical market's needs. Likewise, Hsu Xiang'en, a life sciences PhD committed to finding cancer treatments, trained at a leading U.S. pharmaceutical laboratory, honing his skills with advanced mass spectrometry equipment.
These four professionals, each with their specialized fields, received support from the LEAP program and embarked on a new phase of their careers by training at U.S. companies. During their one-year overseas training, they learned new technologies, gathered the latest industry insights, and built valuable professional networks. After completing the program, they brought their innovative energy and technologies back to Taiwan, contributing to the upgrading of Taiwan's industries.
Taking the Leap: Delivering Peak Performance
However, working and studying abroad requires exceptional courage and perseverance to solve problems, overcome challenges, and seize these rare opportunities.
When Wu Menglun joined Taboola, the world's largest content recommendation platform, he initially struggled with language barriers and felt uncertain in the all-English communication environment. Nevertheless, he didn't give up. By dedicating his commuting time to improving his English, he successfully adapted to the work environment within three months and enhanced his professional skills.
Hsu Xiang'en, after a failed first attempt, successfully applied for the LEAP program the second time. During his training at AstraZeneca, he encountered challenges in language and cultural adaptation but was determined to quickly learn and improve. His commitment earned him recognition from his supervisor.
Li Shengdian focused on building a platform for antibody screening during his training and dedicated himself entirely to the work. His excellent performance was highly praised by his supervisor, who recommended him to continue his pharmaceutical research work in Taiwan.
Lin Xiuzhao shared his experience working at a U.S. company, noting that American employers have higher expectations for employees. They require not only active performance but also effective communication with colleagues and supervisors. This realization constantly reminded him to be more careful with his work arrangements and to improve his communication skills.