February 26, 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th St
Troy, NY, 12180
Building: Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
Room: Howard P. Isermann (CBIS) Auditorium
Click here for map
The International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR), in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY), is pleased to host Innovation, Investment, and Global Collaboration - Semiconductors, AI, and Workforce Development in a Global Economy panel discussion on February 26, 2026, at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Held in conjunction with a regional visit by Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Director-General of TECO-NY, this panel will bring together leaders from academia, government, and industry. The discussion will explore opportunities for collaboration in advanced technologies, research partnerships, workforce development, and regional innovation. We invite stakeholders interested to join this timely and forward-looking conversation. The event is held in collaboration with Taiwanese American Association New York and the Taiwanese American Cultural Society of the Capital District.
PROGRAM:
9:00-10:00AM | Registration and Refreshments (coffee/tea/light refreshments)
10:00-10:10AM | Welcome, Opening Remarks
Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY)
10:10-11:30AM | Panel Discussion:
Innovation, Investment, and Global Collaboration
Semiconductors, AI, and Workforce Development in a Global Economy
David Rooney (moderator), Principal, DMR Group
confirmed spakers to date:
Dr. Michael Brophy, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) President
Dr. Robert Hull, Vice President for Research, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Paul C Kelly, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and New Ventures, Chief Operating Officer, NY Creates
Dr. Thenkurussi (Kesh) Kesavadas, Vice President of Research and Economic Development, University at Albany
Jennifer Waters, Vice President of Business Development, Governor's Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI)
Dr. Eric Wu, President of the Chinese Institute of Engineers (CIE) Greater New York Chapter, and a retired senior research scientist from IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
11:30-12:00PM | Questions and Closing Remarks
12:00-12:30PM | Campus Tour (Optional)
REGISTRATION:
The registration is open and free for all participants, registration is due 19 February, Thursday, 5:00pm.
About the International Center of the Capital Region ICCR fosters a welcoming environment for all cultures and ethnic groups, where everyone feels valued and respected for their unique background. ICCR empowers professional international exchange in the Greater Capital Region to cultivate global partnerships, drive economic growth, and foster understanding and belonging. ICCR connects the region globally, cultivates a unified, inclusive community, promotes the diversity, rich history, and unique assets of the Greater Capital Region, and honors the achievements of individuals who immigrated here and contribute to making the region a better place to work, live, and play. ICCR also educates and facilitates public dialogue on cultural diversity, economic development, human rights, and peace, and develops long-standing, mutually beneficial relationships among people from cities and regions worldwide. Read more.
WELCOME - OPENING REMARKS
Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY)
PANELISTS
Confirmed speakers to date:
Dr. Michael Brophy, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) President
Dr. Robert Hull, Vice President for Research, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Paul C Kelly, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and New Ventures, Chief Operating Officer, NY Creates
Dr. Thenkurussi (Kesh) Kesavadas, Vice President of Research and Economic Development, University at Albany
Jennifer Waters, Vice President of Business Development, Governor's Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI)
Dr. Eric Wu, President of the Chinese Institute of Engineers (CIE) Greater New York Chapter, and a retired senior research scientist from IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
By Air:
- Albany International Airport is only ~15–20 minutes from RPI.
- Taxi, rideshare, or rental car is the easiest option.
By Train:
- Amtrak from Penn Station to Albany-Rensselaer Station (~2.5–3 hours).
- From Albany-Rensselaer, take a taxi, rideshare, or local bus (~15 minutes) to RPI.
By Car:
- Take I-87 North to Troy, NY (~3–3.5 hours).
- Parking is available on campus, check parking instructions
Available RPI Campus Parking
All parking lots require a parking permit. Please indicate if you need one in the registration form. You will be contacted later for details and instructions.
Academy Hall Lot, on College Avenue,
Closest location to CBIS Howard P. Iserman Auditorium
North Lot, between Sage Avenue and Peoples Avenue (use the entrance on the Peoples Avenue),
Take the opportunity to walk on the campus, 8 min walking distance.
In addition, street parking is available on College Avenue and 15th Street.
Best Western Plus Franklin Square Inn
Troy/Albany, 1 4th St, Troy, NY 12180
Hilton Garden Inn Troy
235 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180
Courtyard Albany Troy/Waterfront
515 River St, Troy, NY 12180
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
Beth Wales - Executive Director, International Center of the Capital Region
Christine Guerin - Board President, International Center of the Capital Region
Lilly Miaw - Board Vice President, International Center of the Capital Region
Deniz Rende - Coordinating Research Director for Microelectronics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Darrilyn Di Nardo - NORDTECH Workforce Development Coordinator, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Jody Amundson - Administrative Coordinator, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute