為培育科技創新人才，國科會延續2017年開辦的「LEAP博士創新之星計畫」，推動「X Talent產業創新人才海外培訓計畫」，選派專業人才赴海外高科技企業、新創公司及知名學研機構進行為期一年的專案合作研習。
身為全球第一大藥廠，輝瑞深知台灣生技人才極具國際競爭力，於是積極與美國波士頓總部橋接LEAP / X Talent合作計劃。8年來從計劃培訓的輝瑞學員，不僅接力彌補學術研究與新藥研發及臨床試驗的斷層，也靈活鏈結海外社群資源，相繼開拓生技創業新契機。
愛台灣！跨海協助推動人才挑戰國際舞台
參與LEAP / X Talent計劃並推動台灣博士後研究員至美國總部培訓，輝瑞台灣花費不少心力橋接，也在合作後讓人驚艷專業人才的高度實力。輝瑞研發部亞洲非洲中東區臨床試驗中心暨研究營運管理執行總監李宜珊表示，LEAP計劃設計相當縝密，主辦的科技部(現為國科會)開辦前先至輝瑞波士頓總部拜訪，並舉辦媒合會讓博士生與企業互相了解。
傳承與創新，製造機會點擴展職涯舞台
當時輝瑞美國實驗室主持人與輝瑞台灣一致認同台灣人才潛能無限，台美兩地同仁除了自身繁忙的工作以外，還主動準備資料送呈總部主管並設計最適合的培訓方案，在不遺餘力、排除萬難爭取的背後，動員者全憑一顆最純粹的初心-愛台灣。
參與LEAP / X Talent計劃的學員表現都很出色，令人印象深刻。重視人才發展的輝瑞也因此積極參與LEAP / X Talent計畫，希望每年都能招募優秀台灣製藥人才來總部協助新藥研發。
2020年加入輝瑞，現任波士頓總部計畫主持人的鄭永志表示，LEAP / X Talent計畫促進台美產學界的雙贏合作。在甄選人才時，他會針對輝瑞藥物研發組合相關的專業能力，也會審視申請者的學習計劃，另外特別著重溝通與表達能力。身為LEAP / X Talent計畫主持人，同時也擔任學員導師(mentor)提供全方位協助。
新藥開發是一段漫長的旅程，不可能短短一年之內讓學員參與藥物開發所有階段，但是輝瑞仍致力於提供多元參與機會，讓學員盡量能跨部門、跨國界累積實習經驗、實現精實成長，同時培育多樣化人才，實踐永續經營的目標。
2024年底才到波士頓報到的吳畇芸分享，她在學期間就密切關注本計劃，對剛畢業的博士生而言，即使論文表現不俗，來到特別是像輝瑞這樣的大型藥廠歷練，仍然存在一道高牆，而X Talent提供了一條捷徑。她發現大藥廠分工精細，即使只負責某一小塊工作領域，也要參與各部門的討論，大家各司其職、更有效率地完成計劃。
輝瑞獨特的提案文化也讓她印象深刻，好比實驗設計不會鉅細靡遺地指示步驟，而是提供大方向，引導發想與碰撞思維。「譬如以爬玉山為目標，我會先列出十種交通方式，再跟我的leader提案，共同篩選出最適當的攻頂路徑。」她更銘記鄭永志的叮嚀：「在各領域累積的經驗，都要帶回台灣傳承。」
李宜珊提醒，生技產業的思維皆以全球為出發點，再加上擁抱創新、提倡醫療平權，所以輝瑞組織變動非常快速。她有感而發地說：「我永遠記得在我剛加入輝瑞的時候，一位主管告訴我『The beauty in Pfizer is people』，在輝瑞真的可以遇見各式各樣的貴人，也真的會改變我們的一生。」未來輝瑞台灣將持續培育頂尖生技人才，並號召國人佈局更多有吸引力的機會點，讓人才在對的契機，逐一站上能施展長才的舞台。
面對全球環境急遽改變、科技不斷進步，臺灣必須快速因應，培養具有前瞻技術與國際商業發展的創新創業人才，進入國內產業，協助企業取得全球領先地位。
國科會推出的「LEAP博士創新之星」計畫，為有熱忱加速臺灣產業創新發展的高階人才，提供前往海外企業進修的機會，自2017年執行迄今，與超過500家國際公司合作，提供上千個前瞻研發及新創相關職缺，選送187位前瞻科技人才出國研習。
近幾年，這些選送人才優異的海外研習表現，在研習結束返國後，大多任職於國內前瞻企業與研究機構，並擔任中高階主管或鏈結國際市場的合作窗口，並吸引了如全球最大廣告內容平台Taboola，與全球抗體供應商龍頭Biolegend等國際企業在臺設立研發中心與分公司，看中的就是台灣人才的潛力。
國科會為因應美中貿易戰、後疫情時代的產業轉型及新興產業發展需求，進一步延續LEAP計畫培育創新創業人才的精神，配合政府推動「六大核心戰略產業」（包含資訊及數位、資安卓越、臺灣精準健康、綠電及再生能源、國防及戰略、民生及戰備等六大領域），將LEAP升級為「 X Talent 產業創新人才海外培訓計畫」，繼續選送臺灣產學創新種子人才，赴海外研習；除希望透過種子人才學成後返國，能協助產業創新布局及發展，更希望讓臺灣在擴張全球科技市場版圖之際，能夠精準掌握先機，成為未來全球經濟成長的關鍵力量。
為了讓更多人了解LEAP學員在海外的研習生活、收穫與他們的現況，國科會舉辦一場「主動應變的韌性──LEAP x X TALENT 成果分享暨交流會」，邀請4位曾經參加LEAP計畫的前瞻科技人才...
- Taboola台灣研發中心部門經理 - 巫孟倫
- 中研院化學研究所癌症登月計畫專案經理 - 徐祥恩
- 藥華醫藥資深研究員 - 李聖典
- 台積電3D IC封裝研發主任工程師 - 林修兆
他們分享了在海外的心路歷程，以及如何運用研習經驗，促進後續職涯發展。
海外企業研習 提升職涯競爭力
赴海外前瞻企業研習，可以提升前瞻技術創新的能力、累積國際職場的競爭力、開拓國際市場的視野。
擁有資訊工程博士學歷，在資訊科技公司任職的巫孟倫認為，若要長久在資訊服務業耕耘，就需要不斷精進專業能力，而海外研習就是一個很好的學習機會；而分別在免疫與高分子材料應用研究的化工博士林修兆，希冀自己所學，能為產業所用，一直尋找前往海外公司研習的機會，來提升自己的研究實力。
歐美國家藥物的研究發展因產業的規模與發展歷史較為悠久，是相對較具優勢的。因此，醫學工程博士李聖典赴美研習，在深入領先全球的抗體連結細胞研究後，拉近了自己與藥物市場需求的距離。矢志找出癌症治療方法的生命科學博士徐祥恩，則是到美國頂尖的藥廠實驗室，磨練高階質譜儀的操作等相關技術。
這4位各有專攻的人才受到LEAP計畫的協助，進入美國公司研習，開啟海外職涯新挑戰。他們在一年的時間內，學習新技術、取得最新資訊，以及認識、經營產業人脈，接著在結束計畫後，將創新能量與技術帶回台灣，以促進台灣產業升級。 背水一戰 一搏最佳表現
然而，前往異鄉工作研習需要過人的勇氣與毅力，解決問題、克服困難並抓住這難得的機會。
巫孟倫在進入全球最大內容推薦平台Taboola時，曾因語言障礙而感到困惑，但他不放棄，積極利用通勤時間提升英文能力，最終成功適應全英文的工作環境，並提高了專業能力。
徐祥恩則在第二次申請LEAP計畫後，成功赴美研習。他進入AstraZeneca公司，並在語言與文化適應的挑戰中，決心快速學習並提升自我，成功打破了語言隔閡，獲得主管的肯定。
李聖典在研習過程中，專注於建立抗體篩選平台，並全心全意地投入工作，獲得了主管的高度評價，並推薦他返回台灣後繼續藥物研究工作。
林修兆則分享了自己在美國企業的經驗，指出美國職場對員工的期許比較高，要求員工不僅要積極表現，還要學會適時與同事和主管溝通。這讓他時刻提醒自己謹慎安排工作並提高溝通技巧。
【上圖】科政中心同仁至洛杉磯南一中、南女中校友餐會推廣LEAP計畫
此次由科政中心莊裕澤主任偕同LEAP計畫辦公司同仁進行參訪，此行不僅訪視南、北加共12家研習機構，與訪談16人學員，更串聯洛杉磯商會、洛杉磯青商會、大洛杉磯商會總會、灣區台灣生物科技協會(BATBA)、華人生物科技協會(CBA)，參與當地鏈結活動4場，取得10多家潛在可能合作研習機構的資訊，相當有利於LEAP計畫招商，且此次參加洛杉磯南一中、南女中校友年度餐會推廣LEAP計畫，意外鏈結許多商會與公司，也讓在地華僑認識機會科技部LEAP計畫，並曝光於當地媒體，同時此行也協助科技部於柏克萊加速器SKYDECK組舉辦當地學員與業師、學者及投入新創人士座談，並拜訪史丹佛行為科學高等研究中心，以及美國洛杉磯波音公司、奇點大學等創新產業以及知名學研機構，討論未來各種創新創業人才培於合作項目的可能。
【上圖】科政中心莊裕澤主任(右)與SKYDECK執行長Caroline Winnett合影
此外，透過此次訪談也發現多數在研習機構中具有正面評價的學員，其心態是較積極的，無論是在遇到問題、遇到不清楚的工作任務或挑戰，會先主動溝通、提出解決方法，並友善同事，且因其友善獲得更多公司同事的支援與協助。對學員而言，具有正面評價之研習機構，大多數是直屬主管對於學員研習狀態有彈性的調整與主動回饋，以及公司內部對於學員的工作任務採開放性的溝通與整合。因此，對於LEAP學員研習之旅，無論是研習機構或是學員本身，無論在何種狀況下，主動積極溝通會是營造研習環境最好的方式之一。
【上圖】 科政中心莊裕澤主任(左二)偕同LEAP計畫辦公室同仁訪視Taboola 與公司主管和LEAP學員合照
In order to cultivate talent for technological innovation, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) continues the "LEAP Doctoral Innovation Star Program" initiated in 2017 and promotes the "X Talent Industry Innovation Talent Overseas Training Program." This program selects professionals to participate in a one-year collaborative project with high-tech companies, start-ups, and renowned research institutions abroad.
As the world's largest pharmaceutical company, Pfizer recognizes Taiwan’s biotech talent as highly competitive on the international stage. As a result, Pfizer has actively bridged the LEAP / X Talent program with its headquarters in Boston. Over the past eight years, trainees from the program have not only helped bridge the gap between academic research, new drug development, and clinical trials but have also leveraged global resources to create new opportunities for biotech entrepreneurship.
Loving Taiwan! Helping Talent Challenge the International Stage
By participating in the LEAP / X Talent program and facilitating the training of Taiwanese post-doctoral researchers at Pfizer’s US headquarters, Pfizer Taiwan has dedicated considerable effort to make this connection. The impressive expertise of the professionals involved has also been remarkable. Li Yishan, Executive Director of the Clinical Trial Center and Research Operations Management in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East at Pfizer, shared that the design of the LEAP program was meticulous. Before launching the program, the Ministry of Science and Technology (now NSTC) visited Pfizer’s Boston headquarters and hosted a matchmaking event where doctoral students and companies could better understand each other.
Legacy and Innovation: Creating Opportunities to Expand Career Horizons
At the time, Pfizer's lab leaders in the US and Taiwan unanimously agreed on the immense potential of Taiwanese talent. Beyond their already busy schedules, colleagues from both the US and Taiwan proactively prepared materials and presented them to senior management, designing the most suitable training program. All these efforts were made with the purest of intentions – a deep love for Taiwan.
The performance of participants in the LEAP / X Talent program has been outstanding, leaving a deep impression. Pfizer, which values talent development, has actively engaged in the program, hoping to recruit exceptional Taiwanese pharmaceutical talents each year to assist in new drug development at its headquarters.
Zheng Yong-Zhi, who joined Pfizer in 2020 and currently serves as the Program Lead at Pfizer’s Boston headquarters, mentioned that the LEAP / X Talent program fosters a win-win collaboration between Taiwan and the US in academia and industry. When selecting talent, he evaluates both the professional expertise relevant to Pfizer’s drug development portfolio and the applicants' learning plans, with particular emphasis on communication and presentation skills. As the program lead, he also serves as a mentor, providing comprehensive support to participants.
New drug development is a long journey. It is not feasible for participants to be involved in all stages of drug development within just one year. However, Pfizer strives to provide diverse opportunities for participants to gain cross-departmental and cross-border experience, achieving efficient growth while nurturing a diverse talent pool, and working towards the goal of sustainable development.
Wu Yun-Yun, who reported to Boston at the end of 2024, shared that she had closely followed the program during her studies. For freshly graduated doctoral students, even with excellent dissertation performance, it is still challenging to gain experience in a large pharmaceutical company like Pfizer. The X Talent program offers a shortcut. She found that big pharmaceutical companies have a fine division of labor, and even if one is only responsible for a small part of the work, they are still involved in discussions across departments, making the process more efficient as everyone performs their respective roles.
Pfizer’s unique proposal culture also left a strong impression on her. For example, experiment designs do not provide step-by-step instructions but offer general guidance, encouraging creative thinking and brainstorming. "For instance, if the goal is to climb Yushan Mountain, I would first list ten possible ways to get there, then propose them to my leader and collaborate to select the best route to the summit." She also cherishes the advice from Zheng Yongzhi: "All the experiences you gain in different fields should be brought back to Taiwan and passed on."
Li Yi-Shan reminded that the biotech industry operates on a global mindset, embracing innovation and advocating for healthcare equality. Therefore, Pfizer’s organizational changes are rapid. She fondly recalls a supervisor telling her when she first joined Pfizer, "The beauty in Pfizer is people." At Pfizer, one can meet a wide variety of mentors who truly change lives. In the future, Pfizer Taiwan will continue to nurture top biotech talent and encourage the Taiwanese people to create more attractive opportunities, enabling talent to stand on the right stage at the right time and fully showcase their abilities.
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.
The group met with the alumni of National Tainan First Senior High School and National Tainan Girl's Senior High School in LA to promote the LEAP Program
Dr. Yuh-Jzer Joung, the Director-General of STPI, led a group of LEAP Program staff to visit 12 training institutions in California and interviewed 16 trainees. The group met with the Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles, the Bay Area Taiwanese Biotech Association, and the Chinese Bioscience Association, as well as participated in four local partnering events, where they approached more than ten institutions which might be joining the program in the future. Besides, the LEAP Program met with the alumni of National Tainan First Senior High School and National Tainan Girl's Senior High School in LA and increased the visibility of the LEAP Program in the overseas Chinese community.
Dr. Yuh-Jzer Joung of STPI (right) and Caroline Winnett, the CEO of SkyDeck
During the trip, the group co-organized a forum with the Ministry of Science and Technology targeting those who joined UC Berkeley’s SkyDeck Accelerator Program. In order to explore further cooperation opportunities, the group also visited the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences of Stanford University, the Boeing Company in LA, and Singularity University.
During the interview, trainees with positive feedback from their training institutions were found to be proactive and friendly. They were keen to communicate and seek solutions whenever they encounter problems or difficulties. The training institutions which were highly recognized by the trainees are open-minded and flexible in adjusting their training according to the needs of the trainees. These institutions are willing to offer feedback and communicate with the trainees. For both the training institutions and the trainees in the program, direct communication is undoubtedly the most effective way of building an ideal environment for researching and learning.
The group led by Dr. Joung visited the trainees at Taboola