【OIA】NCHU Strengthens Taiwan–Japan Academic Ties: Attends 2025 Presidents’ Forum and Visits Partner Universities

Translated by Christina Cheng, Office of International Affairs

National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) President Fuh-Jyh Jan and Senior Vice President for International Affairs Chi-Chung Chou attended the 2025 Taiwan–Japan University Presidents’ Forum on July 16, 2025. The forum was co-organized by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) and the Japan Committee of Universities for International Exchange (JACUIE). Additionally, upon invitation by National Sun Yat-Sen University, the NCHU delegation participated in the unveiling ceremony of the “Mandarin Language Center” jointly established by the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT) and the Kyushu-Okinawa Open University Alliance (KOOU) on July 15. During this visit, NCHU also arranged meetings with partner institutions—Saga University and Kumamoto University—demonstrating the university’s strong ties with Japanese partners and further enhancing the depth and scope of bilateral academic cooperation.

The UAAT–KOOU Mandarin Language Center was officially unveiled at Kumamoto University on July 15. UAAT promotes international collaboration among higher education alliances, and NCHU is one of the key members. The 2025 Taiwan-Japan University Presidents’ Forum was held on July 16 in Kumamoto, bringing together over 160 delegates from more than 80 universities and higher education institutions in Taiwan and Japan. President Jan engaged in fruitful discussions with representatives from over 15 Japanese partner universities, including Kyoto University, Nagasaki University, Kyushu University, Yamaguchi University, Saitama University, and Tohoku University, strengthening mutual ties and exploring future collaboration opportunities.

This year’s forum, themed “The Future of the Region: Challenges of Universities in Japan and Taiwan in the Innovative Era,” focused on critical issues including student and young scholar exchange, university-industry cooperation for regional development, the role of universities in disaster resilience, and the digital transformation of higher education. Attending delegates widely agreed that in the face of rapidly changing global trends, universities in Taiwan and Japan must take on more active roles in regional development and talent cultivation. The forum is expected to further promote practical bilateral collaboration in international talent development.

NCHU and Saga University have maintained a partnership since 2004, marking 21 years of close academic cooperation and exchange. The two universities maintain regular visits and strong academic mobility. During this visit, in addition to discussing the renewal of the academic agreement, both sides held in-depth discussions on short-term exchange programs (including the International Internship Pilot Program and the Taiwan Experience Education Program), semiconductor course collaboration, and dual-degree program possibilities. Through closer cooperation, the universities aim to expand international exchange opportunities for faculty and students while enhancing their global academic influence.

NCHU and Kumamoto University have already begun initial collaboration in semiconductor research, with Kumamoto University students participating in the semiconductor summer school organized by NCHU’s i-Center for Advanced Science and Technology (iCAST). Taking advantage of the university presidents’ forum, President Jan held a special meeting with President Hisao Ogawa to discuss the timeline for establishing a formal partnership, as well as cooperation on short-term exchange programs and semiconductor course development. These initiatives are intended to broaden students’ access to international learning and practical experience, laying the groundwork for future academic and industry collaborations.

NCHU continues to actively pursue internationalization. In response to the growing demand for semiconductor professionals driven by TSMC’s establishment in Kumamoto, the university plans to strengthen its partnerships with sister universities in the Kyushu region. These efforts aim to support talent cultivation, strengthen academic influence, and enhance NCHU’s international reputation.

NCHU President Fuh-Jyh Jan (front left) and Senior Vice President for International Affairs Chi-Chung Chou (back left) visit Saga University President Hiroaki Kodama (front right).

Group photo taken during the 2025 Taiwan–Japan University Presidents’ Forum

President Fuh-Jyh Jan (left) presents a commemorative gift to President Hisao Ogawa (right) of Kumamoto University.