R&D Substitute Service Program

Transitioning from R&D Alternative Service to Full-Time: Pursuing Challenges at LITEON

Due to the pandemic and the long wait for military enlistment, Peter decided to start his career with the R&D Alternative Military Service rather than wasting months waiting for his draft notice. During the campus recruitment season, he interviewed for R&D Alternative Service positions at several companies and ultimately chose LITEON.

"CCC-VSW is a newly established department at LITEON, primarily focusing on automotive AI software development. For me, it offered more challenges and future potential, allowing me to continuously research and learn new technologies," Peter admitted. He also interviewed for a systems engineer role in the financial sector but reflected, "Since I had just graduated, accumulating experience was crucial. I wanted to continue in R&D and learn as much as possible."

After submitting his resume and completing the interviews, the process was no different from a regular job application, with the additional step of applying through the Ministry of the Interior's R&D Alternative Service Information Management System. Thus began Peter's career journey.

Interestingly, CCC-VSW was established around the same time Peter joined. Upon completing his service term, he decisively chose to convert to a full-time employee to continue pursuing challenges. "I wanted to witness the takeoff of a new business, especially at a time when AI is gradually influencing every aspect of life. This is the perfect moment."

What does CCC-VSW do?

Compared to LITEON's primary hardware business, this new department focuses on automotive AI software development. It develops AI applications based on automotive cameras, such as exterior object detection and tracking, and interior driver monitoring and alerts. Most of his colleagues are around Peter's age, creating a harmonious atmosphere where everyone has plenty to talk about.

Focusing on Fresh Graduate Training and Cultivating R&D Soft Skills

"What makes LITEON unique is its strong emphasis on training fresh graduates!" Peter shared. New hires participate in a 3-day NBA Camp (New Brave Adventurer Camp). Outstanding participants are then selected for the nearly six-month NBA A Young Talent Program.

The training encourages an adventurer's spirit, focusing on soft skills like workplace communication and teamwork. "The biggest difference between school and the workplace is 'communication skills.' In school, you communicate with a limited group, but at work, you collaborate with supervisors, clients, and colleagues from different departments," Peter explained. For an R&D engineer, learning to explain technical jargon in "plain language" is a vital skill.

Workshops with the Camera Module Business Unit are one arena where R&D engineers demonstrate their communication skills. "My manager often says he understands our presentations, but partners from other departments—even within the same company—might not understand a word." Explaining software technology and combining it with camera hardware to create higher product value became a unique part of Peter's career development at LITEON.

Dare to Speak Up: Managers Can Be Persuaded

Recalling his early days, Peter's biggest frustration was answering his manager's questions during weekly meetings. "After working for a while, I realized that if you bravely present your ideas, managers can be persuaded! After all, a manager's job is to question all possibilities to ensure the project runs smoothly."

Peter shared his communication strategy: when faced with a question he doesn't know how to answer, never ask the manager directly what to do. Instead, propose an idea and offer several feasible options. This approach makes the manager more willing to provide feedback on his line of thinking.

Similarly, in teamwork, as a group leader, Peter prides himself on asking questions and communicating effectively. He believes that trying to understand the other person's perspective and explaining things from their standpoint is far more efficient than merely expressing one's own viewpoint.

Pre-employment Internships and a Heart for Continuous Learning

Having gone through the R&D Alternative Service and converting to full-time, Peter advises students to participate in industry-academia collaborations or internships. "Schools focus on method development, while the workplace focuses on developing for client needs, which is never a solo effort. Internships allow you to familiarize yourself with practical experience beforehand."

Furthermore, maintaining the mindset that "I'm not ready yet" drives continuous learning and improvement, whether in technical skills or workplace life. "With this mindset, you won't fear challenges; just keep learning."

Peter's work attitude mirrors LITEON itself. He describes the company as established yet constantly innovating and full of vitality. "Taking on challenging work while young and broadening your international horizons at LITEON is a great thing," Peter advises, offering sincere suggestions like a seasoned professional.

Peter's R&D Work Philosophy

• Student Days: Participate in internships or clubs to cultivate skills beyond professional knowledge.
• In the Workplace: Maintain a passion for learning and train your communication skills.

R&D Engineer Eason recalls his experience shortly after graduating from the Department of Electrical Engineering at National Sun Yat-sen University: "I remember during the interview, they were very interested in my past project experience in electrical engineering and expressed a strong desire to give me more opportunities to apply what I had learned here."

Beyond professional skills, Eason was also impressed by LITEON Technology's emphasis on "personality traits" during the recruitment process. This reflects not only the company's requirement for professional talent but also takes into account team coordination and adaptability to the organizational culture. The goal is to ensure a "painless" integration process for newcomers joining the team.

Fresh graduates often struggle to find their footing due to maladjustment to the work pace and content, which can lead to a sense of being lost. LITEON understands that what new entrants to the workforce need most is clear direction to truly unlock their potential. Therefore, in the R&D Alternative Military Service Program, every member is included in a comprehensive training roadmap, demonstrating the high value placed on R&D talent.

Transforming Academia into Practice: The Real Growth Path of LITEON's R&D Alternative Service

When he first joined LITEON, Eason was initially confused about how to apply academic research to commercial product development. However, through in-depth collaboration with his team, he gradually mastered the key points of technological transformation and reignited his passion for professional knowledge. Eason believes that LITEON offers not just technical challenges, but an environment for continuous learning and growth.