“Just like ASML started out from a small container box, ASML Korea hopes for our upcoming tech talk to become a stepping stone for the Korean lithography businesses to help them grow and prosper.”
These were the words from Kim Young-son, CEO of ASML Korea, who sat down with The Elec ahead of the 2019 ASML Korea Tech Talk, which will be held on Aug. 23 at Conventia of Songdo, Incheon.
ASML Korea has held the annual convention since 2016 where related parties come to talk about the present and the future of lithography technology.
The first year, there was a little over 100 people. Last year, the figure jumped to over 500.
ASML Korea’s primary cause is to expand the base of the sector and nurture more experts. Since it has begun holding these talks, young researchers have been writing more theses on semiconductor lithography and related fields.
“Through rigorous R&D, ASML Korea has been realizing what were once dreams,” said Kim. “Now that we have achieved the successful mass production of EUV technology, what’s important is to promote mutual growth and cooperation in the face of fast-changing external conditions.”
He added that ASML is all for “open innovation” and that it hopes for the Korean tech sector to continue growing based on such ideas.
He also said that semiconductor technology can go a step further only through cooperation within the sector. “We hope the related discussions can take place at the upcoming Tech Talk,” said Kim.
This year’s keynote speech will be delivered by Ron Kool, head of ASML's deep ultraviolet business. Hanyang University’s Prof. Jang Jun-hyuk will give a lecture on AI, which forms an important pillar in the fourth industrial revolution. Speakers from Samsung Electronics and SK hynix will also be present.
The Elec is South Korea’s No.1 tech news platform.