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Bridging Theory and Practice at Okayama University

On July 24, 2025, Okayama University, through its Semiconductor Research and Education Promotion Committee, hosted a guest lecture as part of the 'Management Strategy I' course led by Professor Yosuke Nishida. This initiative aims to cultivate future talents for Japan's manufacturing sector, focusing particularly on the semiconductor industry. The event was well-attended, attracting over 90 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Economics and the Global Discovery Program (GDP).

The guest speaker for this session was Hiroaki Akiyama, former factory manager at Elpida Memory and an influential figure at Micron Memory Japan. He shared invaluable insights drawn from his extensive 42-year career in the semiconductor and memory sectors. Akiyama's presentation effectively combined theoretical concepts with practical experiences, providing students with a first-hand account of the real-world challenges and strategies in technology management.

The lecture commenced with a comprehensive overview of the semiconductor landscape, illustrating the sector's complexities and opportunities. Akiyama's candid storytelling allowed the students to deepen their understanding of the semiconductor industry while also experiencing the nuances of management in a highly competitive environment.

During the Q&A session, a student inquired about Japan's declining market share in the semiconductor industry, referencing concerns about excessive quality standards. Akiyama responded by emphasizing the need for a balance between cost and application-specific requirements, a core principle of effective management. Another question raised by the students touched on the importance of design capabilities. Akiyama acknowledged this but highlighted that generating innovative ideas for production and swiftly responding to emerging markets is crucial for future success.

Akiyama also talked about the importance of diversity and maintaining a global perspective, substantiating his points with real-life examples from his career. His engaging narrative and insight resonated with the students, sparking an animated discussion and allowing them to reflect on their futures within the semiconductor sector.

Professor Nishida remarked, 'This lecture provided a fresh learning experience for our students. By listening to the voices from the manufacturing frontlines, they are gaining practical knowledge and perspectives that will be invaluable in their careers. We look forward to continuing such collaborative initiatives.'

The Semiconductor Research and Education Promotion Committee at Okayama University collaborates with various educational institutions, government agencies, and semiconductor-related enterprises to promote research and education in this essential field. This initiative also includes partnerships with Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama University of Science, and the Chugoku Economic and Industry Bureau to encourage synergy between academia and industry.

In particular, the committee is set to introduce two innovative courses aimed at university students: 'Introduction to Advanced Semiconductor Technology' and 'Advanced Semiconductor Technology Course' aimed at graduate students. These courses will be open for community members to enroll as public lectures, expanding access to semiconductor education.

Moving forward, Okayama University is committed to bolstering its semiconductor education and research programs, contributing significantly to the development of the next generation of professionals. The university anticipates continued progress as a central, distinctive research institution, embodying a commitment to collaborative innovation within the region.

The enthusiasm among students during Akiyama's lecture and their proactive engagement reflects a hopeful future as they prepare to enter the workforce equipped with robust knowledge and skills pertinent to the semiconductor industry. Expect ongoing advancements from Okayama University as it continues to nurture talent aligned with the needs of the evolving technological landscape.