Tokyo Electron Korea gives children in Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek a taste of semiconductor engineering

Tokyo Electron Korea invited 50 children from community child centers in Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek to KidZania Seoul in Songpa-gu, Seoul, for a career-exploration event called the "TEL Dream Camp," the company announced Monday.

Participants explored semiconductor manufacturing processes at the TEL Dream Lab, learning the principles behind four core chip processes — photolithography, etching, cleaning and deposition — through interactive games, and gaining a hands-on understanding of what semiconductor engineers do.

After the career activities, the children reflected on their day by writing "the dream I discovered on Monday" on wafer-shaped cards. The cards were then assembled into a "DREAM" placard, giving each child a way to express their aspirations.

The TEL Dream Camp was designed to let children from the region explore advanced technology and a range of careers, helping them discover their areas of interest and envision their futures.

Earlier this year, Tokyo Electron Korea opened the TEL Semiconductor Dream Lab — a semiconductor engineer career-experience space — at KidZania Seoul in July.

Starting this year, the company has been running the "Dreams Grow" scholarship program in partnership with ChildFund Korea to help children and teenagers in Gyeonggi Province who face financial barriers to pursuing their dreams in the arts, music and physical education develop their talents.

"We hope this was a chance for the children to directly experience various careers and semiconductor technology, and to discover their areas of interest and new possibilities," said Roh Tae-woo, chief executive of Tokyo Electron Korea. "We will continue to support and encourage the diverse dreams of the next generation."