Kumamoto University welcomed students from National Taiwan Normal University through the Sakura Science Exchange Program
From November 8 to 14, 2025, Kumamoto University hosted a group of eight visitors—seven students and one accompanying faculty member—from National Taiwan Normal University as part of the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (Sakura Science Exchange Program) implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).With the cooperation of Prefectural University of Kumamoto, the program provided valuable opportunities for interaction and exchange among students from all three universities.
Below is an overview of the group’s activities during the one-week program.
[Program Schedule]
November 8: Arrival and orientation
November 9: 1) Visit to the Aso region
November 10: 2) Participation in the first-year course “Presentation Practice”
3) Visit to the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School and Kumamoto Castle
November 11: 4) Participation in the second-year course “DS Seminar II,” semiconductor seminar, and research introduction
November 12: 5) Tour of the cleanroom facilities and exchange activities with research laboratories
6) Exchange activities and group work at Prefectural University of Kumamoto
November 13: 7) Visit to the Kumamoto Advanced Technology Business Exhibition Hall and a semiconductor company
November 14: 8) Closing session and departure
1) Visit to the Aso region
Together with students from Kumamoto University and Prefectural University of Kumamoto, the group visited the Aso region. At the Earthquake Memorial Museum KIOKU , they learned about the damage caused by the earthquake. For lunch, they made soba (buckwheat noodles) together and strengthened their friendships with one another. At Shirakawa Spring, they reaffirmed that water resources are essential for semiconductor manufacturing. At the Aso Volcano Museum, they deepened their understanding of the relationship between nature and semiconductor technology.
2) Participation in “Presentation Practice”
First-year students from the School of Informatics at Kumamoto University gave English presentations introducing Kumamoto’s semiconductor manufacturing industry, local cuisine, tourism, history, and university life. In turn, students from National Taiwan Normal University also presented their own research fields with an interactive Q&A session conducted entirely in English, resulting in a truly global exchange.
3) Visit to the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School and Kumamoto Castle
The group visited the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School, which highlights the long and distinguished history of Kumamoto University. At Kumamoto Castle, they learned about the recovery efforts following the Kumamoto Earthquake and were amazed by the spectacular view from the castle’s main keep.
The group visited the Memorial Museum of the Fifth High School, which highlights the long and distinguished history of Kumamoto University. At Kumamoto Castle, they learned about the recovery efforts following the Kumamoto Earthquake and were amazed by the spectacular view from the castle’s main keep.
4) Participation in “DS Seminar II,” semiconductor seminar, and research introduction
They conducted an exercise using AI cameras together with second-year students at Kumamoto University. In the afternoon, they attended an advanced semiconductor seminar, followed by research presentations from various laboratories. The session concluded with a lively and engaging Q&A.
They conducted an exercise using AI cameras together with second-year students at Kumamoto University. In the afternoon, they attended an advanced semiconductor seminar, followed by research presentations from various laboratories. The session concluded with a lively and engaging Q&A.
5) Tour of the cleanroom facilities and exchange activities with research laboratories
They visited facilities related to semiconductor manufacturing. Since National Taiwan Normal University does not have similar facilities, they asked many questions, which made the session very engaging. During the exchange with AI-related laboratories, they shared their research activities and deepened their mutual understanding.
They visited facilities related to semiconductor manufacturing. Since National Taiwan Normal University does not have similar facilities, they asked many questions, which made the session very engaging. During the exchange with AI-related laboratories, they shared their research activities and deepened their mutual understanding.
6) Exchange activities and group work at Prefectural University of KumamotoAn exchange program was held with students from three universities. After opening remarks by President Hiroaki Tsutsumi, students engaged in research presentations by graduate students and participated in hands-on exercises in drone programming and 3D data creation, deepening their collaborative learning.
7) Visit to the Kumamoto Advanced Technology Business Exhibition Hall and a semiconductor company
The group participated in a workshop at the exhibition hall located in Kumamoto Airport. The workshop provided an opportunity for them to experience the technologies from Japanese companies and reflect on their future career paths. In addition, during the visit to a semiconductor company, they received an explanation of the manufacturing process and learned about the diverse applications of semiconductors.
8) Closing session and departure
After reviewing the week’s activities, we awarded certificates of completion, and the students returned to Taiwan.
Looking Ahead
Although this program was short, it offered a very valuable opportunity for international exchange among the three universities. Kumamoto University looks forward to continuing such exchanges in the future.