August 23, 2024
Program: Discussion between Micron Leaders and Positive Peace Society Students, followed by a FAB15 Clean Room Tour
Title: Semiconductors: Pioneers of a Harmonious Future
Mosaic Hiroshima welcomed 11 students and a professor from IDEC Institute , Hiroshima University and a NERPS member to Micron, expressing gratitude for their visit to learn about Micron’s contributions to global harmony and peace. The speaker, Kazuhiro Nomura, Director of Advanced Technology Japan (ADTJ) , at first shared personal interests such and his 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry after completing his master’s degree in chemistry in 2004. Mr. Nomura began his career as a process engineer at another company before joining Micron around 2013. In 2017, he transitioned to a role in Advanced Technology Engineering, focusing on bridging technology development (TD) and manufacturing (MFG) to introduce new products. His career includes work in collaboration with US, Singapore, and Taiwan sites, which enriched his professional journey.
Upon showing a video of how Micron is at the heart of AI, Mr. Nomura highlighted that AI is already widely used, presenting complex challenges and opportunities for growth. Semiconductor memory and storage are fundamental components provided by Micron to support AI advancements. He mentioned Memory chips are created from pure silicon wafers in a highly clean fabrication area (Fab). The process involves:
- Initial functionality tests on each die.
- Coating wafers with photoresist material.
- Exposing circuit patterns and rinsing away excess material.
- Moving wafers through over a thousand processes using automated systems.
At Micron, the development of memory chips involves over 1,000 processes, taking about three months from start to finish. Each silicon wafer, processed in a highly clean fabrication area, can yield nearly 1000 chips. The production requires multiple unique technologies and expertise, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion (DEI) in fostering innovation. Micron’s commitment to DEI is reflected in its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which focus on shared identities and experiences, enhancing collaboration and innovation across the company.
Micron Hiroshima has six Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), with the Mosaic team leading DEI activities centered around cultural diversity. They also focus on volunteering, organizing the largest annual volunteer event “Star Light” across the Micron network, alongside many smaller initiatives. These efforts include community clean-ups, donations, and supporting children. The company emphasizes that innovation is driven by their DEI culture, as highlighted by CEO Sanjay. This commitment extends beyond technology to caring for people and society.
Message from the President, Vrajesh Rawal and Assoc. Prof. Dahlia Simangan, advisor of the Positive Peace Society
Hiroshima University Positive Peace Society President Vrajesh Rawal thanked everyone for the wonderful conversation and expressed gratitude to Micron’s staff for their hospitality. They mentioned their admiration for Micron and the desire for future collaborations between the Positive Peace Society and Micron.
Assoc. Prof. Dahlia Simangan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage and thanked Micron and Positive Peace Society for organizing the initiative. They appreciated the interdisciplinary gathering and found learning about the technology enlightening. As an international relations professor, they shared a quote from a former UN Secretary-General about technology’s potential to either promote peace or cause harm. They emphasized the value of collaboration for peace students and reflected on the historical impact of having peace researchers involved in technological projects. The speaker concluded by thanking everyone for the opportunity.
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