To achieve success it is extremely important to love the profession you have chosen
During her trip to Beijing, Synopsys Armenia PR Manager Gayane Markosyan interviewed the director of Microelectronics Institute of Chinese Academy of Science, doctor, professor Lan Chen. Professor Lan Chen also serves as a Org. Committee member of International Microelectronics Olympiad of Armenia.
– Professor Lan Chen, it’s our great pleasure that you have accepted the invitation for the interview. My first question is the following, can you please share your impressions from the Annual International Microelectronics Olympiad of Armenia.
– In 2012 I had a pleasure to attend the final stage of the Seventh International Microelectronics Olympiad of Armenia in Yerevan. I was very impressed with the Olympiad and that so many talented students from 14 countries were competing with each other. In 2012 for the first time China participated in the Olympiad, and our participant won the first prize. We have many talented students here in China, so we decided to participate in 2013 too.
– Professor Lan Chen, in 2012 the winner of the Olympiad, the Chinese student Tianyu Ma was from the Institute of Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Science. Were you surprised that he was the best among 418 participants from 14 countries competing in such a big and challenging contest?
– (Smiling) Not at all, actually, Tianyu Ma is my PhD student, so I was very happy for him when he won the first place but I was not surprised at all because he is one of my most talented students. Our institute cooperates with Synopsys and due to that cooperation we have built very advanced electronic design automation (EDA) environment for PhD students. To solve the tasks and problems included in the Olympiad, participants need practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge. I think Tianyu Ma’s background and experience is very relevant to this competition. I believe this to be the main reason he won the Olympiad.
– In 2013, Chinese Academy of Science has decided to follow the example of Armenia and establish Chinese Olympiad of Microelectronics. And so the first Chinese Olympiad of Microelectronics took place in May 2013. How many universities and organizations did participate in the first Chinese Olympiad of Microelectronics?
– We have more than 80 students from 24 universities and an Institute of Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Science. So, it’s a bigger competition this year. Some of the participants arrived from neighboring cities. We have hired buses to organize their transportation to Beijing.
– What role do such competitions play in your opinion? Where do you see the cooperation going in the future?
– I think it’s a very good opportunity for the Olympiad participants to exchange ideas and experience especially because they have come from different universities and different countries. The competition itself is secondary. Most importantly, the participants get to talk and share knowledge, ideas and learn from each other. We want to make sure more people know about this competition and more students participate, as it will open a window to other countries.
– Can you tell us a little about Chinese Academy of Science and what is its role in educating young specialists? What do you think about the cooperation between CAS and Synopsys?
– One of the most important roles of Chinese Academy of Science is educating graduate students. It is a wonderful platform for research and academic work because students have a chance to work on various research and real industry projects. I think it’s a very successful cooperation, and I also think it’s a win-win. We already have more than 10 years of cooperation between CAS and Synopsys. Synopsys has introduced advanced technology and comprehensive educational resources to students and professors at CAS. On the other hand, as a result more and more students learn about Synopsys software tools. Two students of mine are currently employed at Synopsys R&D center.
– Microelectronics area is a technological area, how did you fall in love with it and chose this specialty?
– I have liked mathematics from childhood. When I was growing up, the microelectronics became a big industry with a huge potential. It is important to follow your heart here and chose a career that you love. To achieve success, it is extremely important to love the profession you have chosen.
– In 2012 you visited Armenia and Synopsys Armenia R&D site and Educational department. Can you share your impressions?
– I have so many impressions. First, Armenia is a very beautiful country and people are so friendly and hospitable. Second, I was very impressed that students from 14 countries were participating at the second stage of the competition. For me personally, it was very interesting to talk to these students about their educational programs and universities. The Olympiad was very well organized. Synopsys Armenia has so many wonderful initiatives. I wish we had them in China too.
P.S. Last October the final stage of the Eight Annual International Microelectronics Olympiad of Armenia was held in Yerevan. The Olympiad was attended by 613 students and young specialists from 22 countries. The first prize winner Meng Shiguang is again a student at Chinese Academy of Sciences. The main organizer of Olympiad is Synopsys Armenia; the main sponsor is VivaCell-MTS.
