Kumamoto University hosted the 2025 Japan-Taiwan University Presidents’ Forum
On July 16, the 2025 Japan-Taiwan University Presidents’ Forum was held at Hotel Nikko Kumamoto in Kumamoto City. This biannual forum, rotating between Japan and Taiwan, seeks to strengthen academic collaboration among universities. This year’s forum was hosted by Kumamoto University, gathered 158 university presidents, vice presidents, and representatives, with 97 participants from 48 institutions in Japan and 61 participants from 34 institutions in Taiwan.The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from two key representatives: Professor Kyosuke Nagata, Chairperson of Japan Committee of Universities for International Exchange (JACUIE) and President of the University of Tsukuba, and Professor Tsai-Yen Li, Chairperson of Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) and President of National Chengchi University. The ceremony also included congratulatory addresses by Dr. Yu-Jiuan Lee, Director General, Department of International and Cross-Strait Education, Ministry of Education, Taiwan, and Mr. Daigo Imamura, Deputy Director of the General Affairs Department of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.
Representing the host university, Kumamoto University President Hisao Ogawa expressed his commitment to the forum, stating, “I declare Kumamoto University's further acceleration of globalization. We are dedicated to strengthening the vital relationship between Japan and Taiwan.”
Then the participants were absorbed in an inspiring keynote speech on the semi-conductor industry delivered by Professor Hideki Wakabayashi, Distinguished Professor of Kumamoto University.
During the main sessions of the forum, four key topics were discussed: " Student and Young Researcher Exchanges" " Industry-Academia Collaboration for Local Development" " The Role of Universities for Natural Disasters" and " Digital Transformations in Higher Education". Presentations on initiatives in education and research were followed by lively discussions among participants.
Following the forum, a reception was held where Kumamoto University's official cultural clubs performed fascinating traditional Japanese music and cheering group’s routines, creating a vibrant and friendly atmosphere for networking. The participants expressed their intention to reunite at the next forum, scheduled to be held in Taiwan in 2027, bringing the event to a successful close.
The day after the forum, a cultural tour was organized to deepen participants' understanding of Kumamoto's natural environment and its recovery efforts following past disasters. The tour offered a rich and engaging experience, allowing participants to fully appreciate the abundant charms of Kumamoto.
Commemorative Photo of 2025 Japan-Taiwan University Presidents’ Forum
Welcome & Opening Remarks by Professor Kyosuke Nagata, Chairperson of JACUIE and President of University of Tsukuba
Welcome & Opening Remarks by Professor Tsai-Yen Li, Chairperson of FICHET and President of National Chengchi University.
Welcome & Opening Remarks by Dr. Yu-Jiuan Lee, Director General, Department of International and Cross-Strait Education, Ministry of Education.
Welcome & Opening Remarks by Dr. Hisao Ogawa, President of Kumamoto University
Keynote Speech by Professor Hideki Wakabayashi, Distinguished Professor of Kumamoto University
Panel Discussion on " Industry-Academia Collaboration for Local Development"
Panel Discussion on "The Role of Universities for Natural Disasters"
Greetings from Mr. Takashi Kimura, Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture
Closing Remarks by Professor Ichiro Tanioka, Vice Chairperson, JACUIE and President of Osaka University of Commerce
Closing Remarks by Professor Tzu-Bin Lin, Executive Director of FICHET
Group Photo with Kumamon (center), Kumamoto’s PR Character Wearing the Uniform of the Fifth High School
Exhibition of Campus Museum Showcasing the History and Campus Views of Kumamoto University held at the Venue Lobby During the Forum
Traditional Instrument Performance by Kumamoto University Students from the Japanese Traditional Music Club
Performance by Kumamoto University Athletic Association Cheer Group
In Front of Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School
A Tour to the Remains of the Old Aso Bridge, Destroyed by the Kumamoto Earthquake.
A Tour to the Kumamoto Earthquake Museum-KIOKU
Group Photo at Minami-Aso, Surrounded by Nature's Beauty