Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between conductors, like metals, and insulators, such as rubber.

They have the unique ability to control and regulate the flow of electrical current, making them essential components in everyday products like smartphones, laptops, automobiles, and medical devices.

The history of semiconductor technology dates back to the late 19th century, with pioneers like Michael Faraday and Thomas Edison making early observations on material behavior in electric fields.

However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that semiconductors truly emerged.

Silicon is the main component of semiconductors, doped with specific impurities to alter their electrical properties. Controlled impurities create negative- and positive-type (n- and p-type) semiconductors, enabling the formation of diodes, transistors, and other essential components that are used in our daily lives.

Today, major semiconductor manufacturers include the United States of America, South Korea, China, Taiwan, the EU, and Japan.

Many lessons can be learned from South Korea’s experiences in R&D, manufacturing, and infrastructure development for economic prosperity and technological advancement.

Leader semiconductor companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, TSMC, SMIC, Toshiba, and Renesas Electronics not only supply components for consumer electronics but also play a crucial role in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and other communication networks.

Semiconductors occupy a huge global market. In 2021, Semiconductor Devices ranked as the 20th most traded product globally, with a total trade value of $126 billion.

As of 2022, South Korea holds a global semiconductor market share of 17.7%, ranking No. 2 in the world. South Korea dominates the global memory semiconductor market, while the USA leads in the system semiconductor market.

In the context of Nepal, however, we still lag far behind in the research and development (R&D) sector compared to these countries.

In 2021, Nepal ranked as the 175th major global exporter of Semiconductor Devices. Similarly, Semiconductor Devices held the 468th position among the most exported products from Nepal.

On the other hand, in 2021 $7.32 million value of semiconductors were imported into Nepal, becoming the 122nd largest importer.

Semiconductor was the 292nd most imported product in Nepal, mainly from China. These statistics show Nepal needs to invest more in IT, especially in this scientific world.

Semiconductors have played a transformative role in shaping modern technology and are vital for AI applications like Chat GPT, contributing to the rapid growth of the semiconductor market.

Recognizing the importance of R&D, the government must invest more in this sector to foster innovation and prevent brain drain.

On December 21st, G50 K-Academy in collaboration with Naeil Newspaper, conducted a program in Seoul themed on the Information and Communication Technology of South Korea. Over 50 international students from around 50 countries, including Nepal, participated in the program.

The program included a visit to the Samsung Innovation Museum (SIM). This visit helped to understand the breakthroughs, relentless innovation, and formation of the modern world.

Many lessons can be learned from South Korea’s experiences in R&D, manufacturing, and infrastructure development for economic prosperity and technological advancement.

The transition from a poor country to a developed nation wasn’t without challenges, but South Korea’s resilience and forward-thinking policies paved the way for its current status.

As we stand on the edge of the future, the journey of semiconductors continues for generations. In the age of AI and smart manufacturing, the dependency on advanced semiconductors for cost-effective computing power remains crucial.

Semiconductors have played a transformative role in shaping modern technology and are vital for AI applications like Chat GPT, contributing to the rapid growth of the semiconductor market.