Explore Asia
WATTS study trip
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In July 2023, a group of 30 Electrical Engineering and Automotive Technology students will go on a study trip to the beautiful countries of South Korea and Taiwan. The name of the study trip is WATTS, which stands for wondrous Asian trip of technology and science. This reveals a bit of the nature of the study trip, as the trip will focus it’s excursions to companies and universities who have their field of interest in Electrical Engineering and Automotive Technology. South Korea and Taiwan lends itself great for that as it is a technologically advanced country. Of course, the countries are also very cultural and traditional. So next to that the students will visit some cultural activities to see all the beauties the countries have to offer.
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It shares a land border with North Korea and has coastlines along the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. The country has a population of around 51 million people, with Seoul as its capital and largest city.
South Korea has a highly developed mixed economy, ranking as the 10th largest in the world by nominal GDP. It is known for its rapid industrialization and technological advancement, transforming from a war-torn agrarian economy to a global economic powerhouse within a few decades. Key industries include electronics, automotive, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and steel.
The technology sector in South Korea is particularly notable. In electronics, South Korea is a global leader, especially in semiconductor manufacturing, with companies like Samsung and SK Hynix dominating the global market. Samsung Electronics is the world’s largest manufacturer of smartphones, memory chips, and display panels.
In telecommunications, South Korea boasts one of the fastest and most advanced infrastructures globally. It was the first country to launch a nationwide 5G network in April 2019. Companies like KT Corporation, SK Telecom, and LG U+ are at the forefront of this technological advancement, ensuring the country remains a leader in connectivity and innovation.
Taiwan is an island nation located off the southeastern coast of China, in the western Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by the East China Sea to the north, the Philippine Sea to the east, the Luzon Strait directly to the south, and the Taiwan Strait to the west, separating it from mainland China. The capital city is Taipei, and the island has a population of approximately 23 million people.
Taiwan has a highly developed economy, ranking as one of the largest in Asia. It is renowned for its rapid economic growth and industrialization, often referred to as the “Taiwan Miracle.” The economy is diversified, with significant contributions from manufacturing, services, and technology sectors. Key industries include electronics, machinery, petrochemicals, textiles, and information and communication technology (ICT).
The technology sector in Taiwan is particularly prominent. Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) being the world’s largest and most advanced contract chipmaker. TSMC plays a crucial role in the global supply chain, producing chips for major tech companies worldwide.
In addition to semiconductors, Taiwan is also a major player in the production of computer hardware, including motherboards, laptops, and other electronic components. Companies such as Acer, ASUS, and HTC are well-known Taiwanese brands that have made significant impacts on the global market.
Taiwan’s robust infrastructure and emphasis on innovation have made it a key player in the global technology landscape, ensuring its continued influence and leadership in the industry.
