On July 16, 2025, Samco welcomed a group of students from Ajou University (아주대학교) to its Kyoto headquarters as part of a short-term academic exchange focused on the semiconductor industry. The visit was one of several company and university site visits organized during the group’s academic training program in Japan’s Kansai region.
The group included approximately 25 participants, including Professor Sungjun Park from the Department of Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering, University staff, and around 20 undergraduate students majoring in semiconductor-related fields.
At Samco, the visitors began with a brief orientation before taking part in a special session with Samco’s founder and CEO, Mr. Osamu Tsuji. After introducing the company’s history and operations, Mr. Tsuji spoke candidly with the students about his own experiences as an engineer and entrepreneur.
When asked about his personal philosophy of “not copying others,” Mr. Tsuji shared that his approach came from an early desire to think independently.
“I never wanted to do things the same way as everyone else,” he said. “Even as a child, I wasn’t especially serious—I liked to think for myself and didn’t always follow what my teachers told me,” he added with a laugh. “You shouldn’t focus on copying others. Instead, try something new. And if it doesn’t work out, you can always apologize later.”
Professor Park also asked Mr. Tsuji what qualities he looks for when hiring new employees, and what kind of students should aim to become. Mr. Tsuji emphasized that appearance and style are not important at Samco.
“We don’t hire people based on whether they have long hair or wear fashionable clothes,” he said. “What matters is attitude and spirit. A person’s approach to work is much more important than how they look.”
The visit concluded with a commemorative group photo and a guided tour of Samco’s production building, including a stop at the in-house museum that highlights the company’s origins and milestones. Students had the opportunity to observe semiconductor equipment manufacturing up close and gain a better understanding of how Samco’s systems are developed and used globally.
Samco is proud to support hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of engineers and researchers. We thank the Ajou University team for visiting and hope the experience offered useful insights into the Japanese semiconductor industry and working culture.
About Samco Inc.
Samco Inc. (TSE: 6387) stands for Semiconductor And Materials Company, is a leading manufacturer of processing equipment for the semiconductor and related industries founded by Mr. Osamu Tsuji in Kyoto, Japan in 1979. Over the past forty-six years, more than 4,700 Samco systems have been installed and used in 35 different countries. Its equipment and thin film technology are widely adopted in the fabrication of semiconductor devices, including SiC/GaN power/RF devices, GaAs VCSELs, InP Laser Diodes, MEMS, BAW/SAW Filters, TSVs, advanced packaging, and more.
Learn more at https://www.samcointl.com/about/
About AJOU University
Ajou University is a leading research university located in Suwon, South Korea. Established in 1973, the university is known for its strong programs in engineering, information technology, and medical sciences. Its Department of Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering is dedicated to cultivating skilled professionals and researchers in semiconductor design, processing, and system integration, supporting Korea’s growing role in the global semiconductor industry. The university actively promotes international exchange and industry-academia collaboration.
Company Contacts:
TSUCHIHASHI, Atsushi
Public Relations
Phone: 81-75-621-7841
E-mail: tsuchihashi@samco.co.jp
DUNCAN, Megan
Public Relations
E-mail: megan.duncan@samco.co.jp