Advantest Introduces New Managerial Candidate Training & Manager Assignment System

TOKYO, Japan—Nov. 10, 2023—Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation (TSE: 6857) announced the launch of MP-1 (Management Program 1), a new managerial candidate training and manager assignment system.

Advantest’s overseas sales ratio is well above 90%, and approximately 60% of the Group’s employees work overseas. In the present environment of volatility and uncertainty, Advantest has identified a need for global human capital development that enhances organizational strength by nurturing individual strengths, with the goal of increased corporate agility and sustainable growth, in line with Advantest’s Purpose and Mission of “enabling leading-edge technologies”. To accomplish these goals, Advantest is transitioning to a new personnel system that connects individual strengths with organizational strengths by implementing an internal open requisition system (already introduced) and a job-based position grade, compensation, and performance appraisal system for managers (in transition).

The new system addresses issues such as the rising average age of new managers and the difficulty of early promotion by being open to all motivated participants, while expanding the training opportunities for managerial candidates, and facilitating the development of global human capital. It provides capable employees, regardless of age or gender, with opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, self-direct their careers, and become active and productive managers, contributing to Advantest’s sustainable growth.

Participants who successfully complete all 12 units of the training program, including leadership, management, coaching, language, composition, group training, and executive interviews, will be considered MP-1 graduates, and will be assigned to managerial positions through internal open requisition or personnel transfers when suitable positions become available. New graduate employees can apply to MP-1 from their fourth year with the company, meaning that managerial positions are now open to employees in their 20s.

We start MP-1 in October 2023. Beginning in 2025, the appointment of MP-1 graduates to managerial positions is scheduled. In the future, new managers at Advantest Corporation will be required to complete MP-1. As a first step, MP-1 will only apply to Advantest in Japan region and will not include Group companies, for the time being. We are aiming to enhance the comprehensive strength of Advantest’s human capital.

About Advantest Corporation

Advantest (TSE: 6857) is the leading manufacturer of automatic test and measurement equipment used in the design and production of semiconductors for applications including 5G communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, high-performance computing (HPC), including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and more. Its leading-edge systems and products are integrated into the most advanced semiconductor production lines in the world. The company also conducts R&D to address emerging testing challenges and applications; develops advanced test-interface solutions for wafer sort and final test; produces scanning electron microscopes essential to photomask manufacturing; and offers system-level test solutions and other test-related accessories. Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest is a global company with facilities around the world and an international commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility. More information is available at www.advantest.com.

Note: All information supplied in this release is correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to change.