Kumamoto University Delegation Visited Leading Universities in Taiwan to Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
From January 20 to 21, 2026, a delegation from Kumamoto University paid courtesy visits to three leading universities in Taiwan — National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) — to further strengthen academic and research collaboration.The delegation was led by Executive Vice President Jun Otani (Research and Global Strategy) and Professor Mitsuyo Kishida, accompanied by a Senior University Research Administrator and a University Research Administrator.
During the visits, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with university leaders and researchers, focusing on strategic collaboration in areas such as student exchange programs, double degree programs, and staff development through URA on-the-job training (OJT).
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)
At NCKU in Tainan, the delegation met with Professor Wei-Chou Hsu, Dean, Professor Yan-Kuin Su, Honorary Dean, and other senior leaders and faculty members of the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM) to discuss the strengthening of institutional collaboration.The delegation also visited the Office of International Affairs, where they were welcomed by Distinguished Professor Shyy-Woei Chang, Executive Vice President. In addition, Professor Sun-Yuan Hsieh, Vice President for International Affairs, presented an overview of NCKU, highlighting its strong research capacity and global competitiveness. Professor Liang-Ming Whang, Director General of the Innovation Headquarters (IHQ), and Professor Wen-Chi Lai, Deputy Director of the Disaster Prevention Research Center (DPRC), respectively introduced NCKU’s research support framework and the long-standing collaboration between DPRC and Kumamoto University. This followed by discussions on URA collaboration, student exchange, double degree programs, and joint appointments, marking a new phase of visible and concrete cooperation between the two universities.
The delegation also toured NCKU’s core research facilities and cleanroom, reaffirming the strong foundation of the partnership.
Group photo with AISSM leadership
Group photo with NCKU leadership
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU)
In Hsinchu, the delegation visited the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI) and toured large-scale cleanroom facilities, gaining insights into Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor research and human resource development ecosystem.During meetings with NYCU leadership, including Prof. Yuan-Chen Jack Sun, Senior Vice President, discussions explored long-term, win-win partnerships centered on talent development, expanded student mobility, and joint educational programs, including semiconductor-focused summer and short-term programs. Professor Hsiao-Wen Zan, Deputy Vice President for International Affairs, also introduced the university’s research support framework and proposed double degree and semiconductor-focused summer programs, making the visit a highly meaningful opportunity to explore new avenues for future collaboration.
Group photo with TSRI leadership
Group photo with NYCU leadership
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)
Also in Hsinchu, the delegation met with Professor Cheng-Yao Lo, Associate Vice President for Global Affairs, and other senior administrators to discuss the strengthening of collaboration under Kumamoto University’s J-PEAKS initiative, with a particular focus on semiconductors and sustainable industrial innovation.During the meeting, the delegation introduced Kumamoto University’s strategic initiatives, including university-level collaboration, URA on-the-job training, student exchange programs, and double degree schemes, while NTHU shared its experience in international programs such as bilateral symposiums, summer schools, and industry-linked education. These discussions confirmed the strong potential for expanding practical and sustainable cooperation between the two universities.
Professor Cheng-Yao Lo, Associate Vice President for Global Affairs (left), and Executive Vice President Jun Otani (right)
Toward "Visible" and Sustainable Collaboration
Across all three visits, the shared emphasis was on moving beyond formal agreements toward “visible” and sustainable collaboration — through regular student exchanges, staff development, and joint research activities closely linked to industry and regional innovation.These visits marked an important step in deepening Kumamoto University’s strategic partnerships in Taiwan and advancing concrete, people-centered international collaboration in education, research, and talent development.