SDGs永續行動網
SDG17
多元夥伴關係
NUK Hosts 3rd International Conference on Middle East and Africa: Dialogue on Crisis, Governance, and Reconstruction Under a Shifting Global Order
【Text: Professor Shun-Wen Wang, Department of Government and Law; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion Series】2026-05-08 From conflicts in the Middle East and the Red Sea crisis to Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, global supply chains, and semiconductor diplomacy, the current international landscape is shifting rapidly, with the impacts of regional conflicts long transcending geographical boundaries. On May 8, 2026, the Department of Government and Law at the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) hosted the 3rd International Conference on Middle East and Africa. Centered around the theme "Embedded Crisis and Reconstruction: Governance in the Middle East and Africa within the Global Order," the conference gathered prominent domestic and international scholars at NUK to explore governance challenges and reconstruction issues through a global lens.NUK President Chi-Jen Chen noted in his opening remarks that regional conflicts and geopolitical competition in today's international arena are no longer confined to a single nation or territory. For instance, the situation in Iran and the maritime security of the Strait of Hormuz directly disrupt global energy supplies and international market stability. Similarly, from the reconstruction of Gaza and the conflict in Sudan to social governance across Africa, these issues demonstrate that global governance is facing highly complex and interconnected challenges. He emphasized that beyond conducting research and cultivating talent, universities must serve as platforms for public dialogue, responding to critical global issues through international academic exchange.Keynote Insights on the Global South and Shifting StructuresThe keynote speeches featured Dr. Chen-ShenYen, Adjunct Research Fellow at the Institute of International Relations, National Chengchi University (NCCU), and Dr. David Winter, Emeritus Professor at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. Dr. Yen analyzed the positions of the Middle East and Africa within global political and economic frameworks through the prisms of the Global South, post-colonial development, resource dependency, and the international order. Citing African debt, resource-based economies, the international financial system, and geopolitics, he illustrated how regional governance is steered by global structural dynamics, further highlighting the modern phenomenon of "embedded crises."Interdisciplinary Research: Technology, Security, and DiplomacyThe paper presentations encompassed a wide array of vital contemporary issues in the Middle East and Africa, including:Iran's strategic culture and political narratives.The geopolitics of the Red Sea and Somaliland.US-China competition and dependency dynamics in Africa.AI governance, digital authoritarianism, surveillance, and national security.Global South governance and the role of Taiwan's semiconductor diplomacy amidst situations in South Africa.These presentations demonstrated how Middle Eastern and African studies have increasingly intersected with interdisciplinary fields like technological governance, global supply chains, international security, and diplomatic strategy.Notably, Dr. Shun-Wen Wang, Professor of the NUK Department of Government and Law, presented his paper during the morning session: "Strategic Culture under Threat: Iran’s Use-of-Force Narratives and the Adjustment of Strategic Culture after the Gaza War." Utilizing strategic culture and narrative analysis, the study explores Iran's political responses and nationalistic shifts under external pressures following the Gaza War. The afternoon roundtable forum was moderated by Dr. Wen-Sheng Chen, Professor of the Department of Government and Law, who led a panel of local and foreign scholars in mapping out future challenges and research directions for Middle Eastern and African studies in a changing global order.Collaborative Network and Deepening Academic ExchangeThe closing ceremony was chaired by Dr. Wu-Lung Yang, Chair of the NUK Department of Government and Law, with Yong-Bo Chen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), joining the dialogue. Participating scholars engaged in continuous discussions on regional conflicts, reconstruction governance, the Global South, and international cooperation, showcasing the deepening academic energy and international exchange networks of Taiwan's Middle East and Africa research community.The conference was organized by the NUK Department of Government and Law in collaboration with the NUK College of Law, the College of International Affairs at NCCU, the Institute of Ethnology at Academia Sinica, and National Quemoy University. It was guided and supported by the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Department of West Asian and African Affairs of MOFA, and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, continuing to foster cross-institutional and interdisciplinary academic exchange.#SDG4 #SDG16 #SDG17 @Department of Government and Law &Activities
NUK Transfers Technology to Virbac: Research Achievements Enter the Global Animal Health Market
【Text: Yu-Chien Li, Industry-Academia Collaboration and Incubation Center; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2026-04-30 The National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) and Virbac, the world's sixth-largest animal health company headquartered in France, held a formal ceremony to sign a technology transfer agreement. The collaboration focuses on the "ASK-K1 Cell Line" developed by the research team led by Professor Chiu-Ming Wen from the Department of Life Sciences. This signing marks the transition of academic research from the laboratory to industrial application, expanding its reach into the global animal health market.NUK and Virbac have maintained a collaborative relationship since 2018. Over the past seven years, the partnership has yielded six successful industry-academia projects, steadily deepening the research energy and application links in the field of animal biotechnology. The completion of this technology transfer represents a significant milestone, showcasing NUK's concrete achievements in promoting the industrialization of academic results and fostering international connections.Dr. Chin-Fu Kuo, Director of the Industry-Academia Collaboration and Incubation Center, stated that long-term cooperation with international enterprises not only enhances the practical value of research but also ensures that academic work remains closely aligned with industry needs. This synergy further cultivates talent with interdisciplinary and international perspectives. He emphasized that this transfer is not merely the realization of a single research project but a testament to the university's ongoing commitment to deepening industry-academia and international cooperation.The core technology of this transfer, the "ASK-K1 Cell Line," is the result of Professor Chiu-Ming Wen’s extensive research in animal cell culture and fish diseases. The cell line enables the highly efficient production of cold-water fish viruses, holding immense potential for the development of aquatic animal vaccines and disease prevention.Jules Minke, Biological R&D Director of the Virbac Group, noted that the years of cooperation have built a solid foundation of trust. He remarked that NUK’s research capabilities in animal biotechnology are highly competitive on an international scale. Looking ahead, Virbac will continue to drive the commercial application of this technology and further strengthen its R&D partnership with NUK to advance the animal vaccine industry together.#SDG9 #SDG14 #SDG17 @Industry-Academia Collaboration and Incubation Center @ Department of Life Sciences #Event
NUK College of Management Signs Dual Degree Agreement with Loughborough Business School to Launch 1+1 and 4+1 Programs
【Text: Associate Professor I-Hui Cheng, Department of Applied Economics; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】On April 15, 2026, the College of Management at the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) officially signed a dual degree cooperation agreement with the Loughborough Business School (LBS) at Loughborough University, UK. The partnership introduces "1+1 Dual Master’s" and "4+1 Bachelor-to-Master" degree tracks. The agreement was signed by Dr. I-Hsiang Huang, Dean of the NUK College of Management, with Dr. Ali Choudhary, Head of the Economics Group at LBS, attending the ceremony as the representative of the LBS Dean. This collaboration opens diverse pathways for advanced studies and international development, marking a significant step forward in academic cooperation between the two institutions.Dr. I-Hsiang Huang, Dean of the NUK College of Management, noted that Dr. Ali Choudhary’s visit to Taiwan underscores the high level of importance both parties place on this partnership. "Loughborough University is a benchmark research-oriented institution in the UK. Its Business School holds the prestigious 'Triple Crown' accreditation—AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA—affirming its excellence in teaching and research," Dean Huang stated. He emphasized that this collaboration will not only enhance students' international mobility but also deepen exchange in business management education, providing a vital engine for the college's international development.Founded in 1909, Loughborough University consistently performs exceptionally in both UK and international rankings. It is world-renowned for its sports-related subjects; notably, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, its students and alumni secured 35 medals for Great Britain (11 gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze). The Business School ranks among the top 10 in the UK in fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management, emphasizing a balance between theory and practice to cultivate globally competitive talent.The partnership was facilitated by Associate Professor I-Hui Cheng from the NUK Department of Applied Economics. The collaboration offers two primary models:"1+1" Dual Master’s Degree: Students complete part of their curriculum at NUK before transitioning to Loughborough to finish their Master’s studies."4+1" Bachelor-to-Master Program: This pathway is also open to students from other departments, offering more opportunities to pivot into advanced business and management tracks.The agreement between NUK and LBS features a flexible structural design and offers generous scholarships through the dual degree mechanism. This allows students to efficiently bridge their international learning journey according to their personal career goals, significantly enhancing their employment competitiveness in the global market.Registration and consultations for this program are now open for the current academic year. For details regarding application timelines, eligibility, program information, and scholarships, please contact Associate Professor I-Hui Cheng (Email: icheng@nuk.edu.tw). Further updates will be announced as the cooperation mechanism evolves.#SDG4 #SDG8 #SDG17 @College of Management &Event
NUK and Yokohama City University Deepen Taiwan-Japan Academic Cooperation through Sakura Science Program
【Text: Associate Professor Yi-JaoChen, Department of Architecture; Photo: Yokohama City University】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2026-03-11Under the support of the Sakura Science Program promoted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), a delegation of faculty and students from the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) recently traveled to Yokohama City University (YCU) in Japan to participate in an eight-day, seven-night international urban learning workshop. Led by NUK President Chi-Jen CHEN and Associate Professor Yi-Jao Chen from the Department of Architecture, the delegation included students specializing in fields such as architecture and law. Through academic lectures, field observations, and international exchange, the participants gained deep insights into the historical development, urban governance, and sustainability policies of Japanese port cities.During the visit, President Chi-Jen CHEN also held a formal meeting with YCU President Yoshihiro Ishikawa to discuss future academic research, student exchanges, and international collaborative curricula. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation between Taiwanese and Japanese higher education institutions, specifically expanding opportunities in urban studies and interdisciplinary education.The workshop commenced at YCU’s Minato Mirai Campus, with the participation and assistance of Professor Shinji Suzuki and Associate Professor Eri Aoki. In the opening session, Professor Suzuki presented on the "Urban Development History of Yokohama," outlining the city’s evolution since the opening of its port. The curriculum then extended to the Minato Mirai 21 district, where students learned about the historical context of urban redevelopment and the role of regional energy systems in low-carbon transitions. The group conducted on-site visits to local district heating and cooling facilities, while officials from the Yokohama Municipal Government shared the city’s net-zero emission policies and the "GREEN×EXPO" development strategy.For courses on urban planning and community regeneration, the delegation visited the Koganecho area. YCU Professor Masahiko Nakanishi introduced Japan's urban planning systems and practical cases in Yokohama, while Professor Suzuki discussed "Art and Community Regeneration," explaining how culture serves as a catalyst for urban renewal. By visiting local art spaces and community sites, students observed how a once-declining neighborhood has gradually rebuilt its vitality through artistic and cultural initiatives.Regarding port city governance, the Yokohama Port and Harbor Bureau introduced development strategies for the Yokohama waterfront within the framework of environmental policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students conducted walking surveys through Motomachi, Yamate, and Yamashita Park, and visited the Yokohama Archives of History to understand the city's transformation from a traditional port town into an international maritime hub. Furthermore, the group traveled to the Marunouchi district in Tokyo. Through a specialized seminar and guided tour by Mitsubishi Estate, they learned about Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in large-scale Japanese urban renewal projects and long-term spatial strategies for central business districts.To observe historical urban environments, the delegation also conducted a field survey in the ancient capital of Kamakura, visiting the Great Buddha and the bamboo grove at Hokokuji Temple. Upon returning to campus, student groups presented their findings, re-evaluating the relationships between environmental policy, urban governance, and cultural preservation from the perspective of historical urban spaces. Notably, this workshop continued a collaboration established in September 2025, when a team from YCU visited NUK to study Kaohsiung’s own port city development.President Chi-Jen CHEN stated that the Sakura Science Program provides an international platform where students can observe urban development and public policy in a real-world setting. He noted that such immersive learning not only expands students' international horizons but also provides new inspirations from different governance and cultural contexts. Moving forward, NUK will continue to deepen its partnership with international peers like YCU to cultivate talent with global perspectives and interdisciplinary skills. This international mobility experience has established a robust foundation for future cooperation in teaching, research, and student exchange between the two universities.#SDG4 #SDG7 #SDG11 #SDG17 @Department of Architecture&Events
NUK and Sister School Kyung Hee University Deepen Exchange Through Taiwan Cultural Study Program
【Photo Credit: Associate Professor Ching Tung, Wang, Department of East Asian Languages and Literature】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 A delegation of faculty and students from South Korea’s Kyung Hee University (KHU), a sister institution of the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK), has embarked on a two-week Taiwan cultural study and field exchange program. Associate Professor Wang Ching-tung, the program coordinator from the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature, stated that by combining classroom learning with field investigations, students gain a profound understanding of Taiwan's historical and cultural context while personally experiencing the warm and pleasant winter climate of Southern Taiwan.This "Winter Kyung Hee University Special Program" is held during the winter break, primarily for students from KHU's College of Humanities. The curriculum is diverse, covering themes such as "Decision-making Wisdom," "Applied Philosophy," "Philosophy and Art Appreciation," "Comparison of Western and Asian Cultures," "Modern History of Taiwan," and "Taiwan's Ethnic Groups and Languages." Through interdisciplinary perspectives, students are guided to systematically understand Taiwan's social development and cultural characteristics.In addition to academic studies, several cultural field trips were organized, including visits to the Anping Harborside Historical Scenic Area in Tainan, the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park in Pingtung, the Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung, and Eluanbi, the southernmost cape of Taiwan. Through these field tours, students experience the diverse fusion and historical evolution of Taiwanese culture within actual historical sites and natural landscapes.NUK's Department of East Asian Languages and Literature has long maintained close cooperative relationships with over 40 sister schools in South Korea and continues to promote bilateral exchanges. Such overseas study activities not only strengthen academic and cultural links between the two sides but also create practical participation opportunities for NUK's Korean-language majors, enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills and international competitiveness, while laying a foundation for future exchanges in Korea and career development.The program has been widely praised by Korean students since its founding in 2016. Compared to the severe cold of minus 10 degrees Celsius common during Korean winters, Kaohsiung's warm and comfortable winter environment has become a key factor in attracting students to enroll.Participating students Choi Eun-seo and Yoon Se-gyeong stated that recommendations from their seniors motivated them to actively seek this opportunity to visit Taiwan. They pointed out that South Korea and Taiwan share similar historical backgrounds and cultural interaction contexts. This trip has not only deepened their understanding of Taiwanese society but also allowed them to experience the warm hospitality of NUK's faculty and students. They hope to continue expanding bilateral exchange and cooperation in the future.#SDG4 #SDG17 @Department of East Asian Languages and Literature &Events
National University of Kaohsiung Initiates a New Chapter in Taiwan-Vietnam Multilateral Industry-Academia Strategic Partnership
【Text and Photo: Quang Hung Bui, Associate Professor of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature & Section Chief of the Office of International Affairs】【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 On December 30, 2025, Dr. Chi-Jen Chen, President of the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK), led a delegation including Vice President Hsing-Hao Wu, Dean of International Affairs Hsing-Ju Lin, Section Chief Quang Hung Bui, and Specialist Lam Hong Bui to visit their technology partner, CT Group, in Vietnam. The visit aimed to actively expand cross-border strategic partnerships with Vietnam’s high-tech industry. During the visit, a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between NUK, CT Group, Can Tho University (CTU), and the Chen-yung Memorial Foundation, focusing on talent cultivation and research collaboration in the fields of AI and semiconductors.CT Group is a leading technology conglomerate in Vietnam in the fields of artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. Can Tho University is one of Vietnam's 11 key national universities and the largest and most influential higher education institution in the Mekong Delta region. The NUK delegation was personally received by Mr. Kim Chung Tran, Chairman of CT Group. Dr. Van Lam Le, Vice President of Can Tho University, and Mr. Thai Nhan Hua, Director of the Department of External Affairs and International Training, along with several professors from the Department of Physics and the Department of Electrical Engineering, also accompanied the visit to CT Group’s high-tech exhibition area, which showcased R&D achievements in semiconductor technology, carbon-reducing green buildings, and drones.Simultaneously, NUK held multilateral talks with CT Group, Can Tho University, and the Chen-yung Memorial Foundation. President Chi-Jen Chen provided a detailed introduction to the characteristics of NUK’s colleges, outlining specific cooperation directions for semiconductor technology and AI. Professor Chih-Hung Wu, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Research Center at NUK, also presented the center’s current development and a future blueprint for Taiwan-Vietnam collaboration in AI application research.During the meeting, a strategic consensus was reached on talent cultivation and research cooperation in AI and semiconductors, leading to the signing of the four-party MOU. Beyond industry-academia cooperation in key technology sectors, CT Group, Can Tho University, and the Chen-yung Memorial Foundation will work with NUK to actively encourage outstanding Vietnamese students to study at NUK, cultivating high-level talent for the regional high-tech industry. The Chen-yung Memorial Foundation upholds the mission of "promoting long-term exchange in economy, education, and technology between Taiwan and Vietnam." Its CEO, Mr. Wen-Chu Hsien, who has been deeply involved in Taiwan-Vietnam relations for many years, played a key role in bridging elite enterprises and academic institutions, facilitating this multilateral international collaboration.President Chi-Jen Chen stated that this visit not only marks a new development in the multilateral and diverse cooperation between higher education and the technology industry in Taiwan and Vietnam but also highlights NUK's pivotal role as a regional hub for high-tech research and talent cultivation. The exchange and cooperation between NUK, top Vietnamese universities, and tech enterprises have entered a more pragmatic, diverse, and sustainable new era.#SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG17 @ Office of International Affairs & Activities
NUK Hosts "Asia Virtual Academy International Conference": Bridging Sustainable Technology and Social Sciences with New Interdisciplinary Perspectives
【Text: Hsu Yuan-Ju, Office of International Affairs; Edited: Public Affairs Section】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) held the "2025 Asia Virtual Academy (AVA) International Conference" on the 8th. Themed "STEM & the Social Sciences: Bridging Diverse Disciplines for a Sustainable Future," the conference brought together scholars from partner universities in South Korea, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, alongside industry representatives from ASE Technology Holding. The discussions spanned semiconductors, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and agricultural net-zero emissions, demonstrating NUK’s continuous deepening of interdisciplinary education and international cooperation.NUK President Chen Chi-Jen stated in his opening remarks that the "Asia Virtual Academy (AVA)," driven by the Office of International Affairs (OIA), has connected numerous partner universities in India, Vietnam, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan since its establishment in 2021. Through lectures and seminars, it has gradually evolved into a vital international exchange platform in the Asia-Pacific region. This year's forum invited speakers from various countries to share research results in technology and social sciences, highlighting the criticality of interdisciplinary knowledge in sustainability issues. He expressed gratitude to ASE Technology Holding and all speakers for their participation, affirming the value of industry-academia collaboration, and thanked the OIA team for their coordination.Dean of International Affairs Lin Hsing-Ju noted that the AVA aims to establish a cross-border learning network for knowledge flow through joint courses, international lectures, and research collaboration. With sustainability and interdisciplinary integration at its core, this forum allowed scholars and industry representatives to provide diverse perspectives from technology, social sciences, and industrial practice. She pointed out that the OIA will continue to deepen connections with partner universities and promote transnational curricula and joint research to expand NUK’s influence in internationalization and sustainable education.Furthermore, Vice President Wu Hsing-Hao served as the moderator for the panel discussions. As a key promoter and founding planner of the Asia Virtual Academy during his tenure as Dean of International Affairs, Vice President Wu helped build the transnational network that laid the foundation for the AVA platform. His moderation facilitated interdisciplinary exchange among speakers on topics ranging from technology to sustainable governance, making the forum discussions more focused and comprehensive.This year's AVA gathered partner institutions including Hanbat National University (Korea), Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (India), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and Nong Lam University – Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), as well as representatives from ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd.During the keynote sessions, NUK Dean of Research and Development Wu Song-Mao used Taiwan's semiconductor industry as an example to analyze how a complete supply chain—from wafer fabrication and packaging/testing to system integration—shapes Taiwan's key position in the global industry. He noted that advanced processes will integrate more deeply with AI and smart systems, making interdisciplinary capability an essential foundation for promoting sustainable technology. Director Tsay Gwo-Tsong and Manager Lin Meng-Hui from the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer at ASE Technology Holding shared corporate practices in sustainable semiconductor manufacturing and ESG initiatives, demonstrating the industry's crucial role in integrating sustainability with technology.Speakers from partner universities also shared interdisciplinary research from various perspectives:Dr. Ki-Seok Kwon (Vice President, Hanbat National University, Korea) discussed technology governance and the University-Industry-Government (U-I-G) collaboration model.Dr. B. Padmaja (Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, India) spoke on the social applications and ethics of Artificial Intelligence.Director Fernando F. Estingor (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) focused on smart cities and public services.Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Thuy (Nong Lam University – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) shared insights on agricultural net-zero emissions and climate adaptation technologies.These diverse contributions showcased the forum's transnational and interdisciplinary outlook on sustainability issues.#SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG13 #SDG17 @Office of International Affairs & Activities
NUK President Chi-Jen Chen Visits South Korea to Expand Academic Ties and Speak at Global Education Innovation Symposium
【Text and Photos by: Yuan-Ju Hsu , Office of International Affairs】【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 President Chi-Jen Chen of National University of Kaohsiung (NUK), accompanied by Director of International Affairs Hsing Ju Lin, led a delegation to South Korea from December 14 to 18, 2025. The delegation attended the 3rd Global Education Innovation Symposium, hosted by NUK’s sister university, Hanbat National University, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international academic collaboration.Invited as a keynote speaker, President Chen delivered a featured address entitled “Building a Semiconductor Talent Ecosystem in Southern Taiwan: How Universities Can Lead Innovation and Industry Collaboration.” In his speech, he shared Kaohsiung City’s strategic approach and NUK’s practical experience in supporting the development of the semiconductor industry, with a particular focus on higher education’s role in cultivating industry-ready talent.President Chen emphasized that universities play a pivotal role within the high-tech industrial ecosystem—not only by educating skilled professionals, but also by serving as critical platforms that connect government policy, academic research, and industrial innovation.During the visit, the NUK delegation also held meetings with the president and senior administrators of Hanbat National University. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on future collaboration and reached a preliminary consensus on co-hosting “Twin City Forums,” an international symposium series. The forums are expected to focus on semiconductor-driven and high-tech-led urban transformation, linking the governance and industrial development experiences of Daejeon and Kaohsiung, with the goal of fostering long-term collaboration between Taiwanese and Korean cities and academic institutions.In addition, the delegation visited Ewha Womans University, where Director Hsing Ju Lin formally invited the university to join the Asia Virtual Academy (AVA). The initiative aims to jointly promote diverse international academic exchange and cooperation programs. The two institutions also arranged meetings with the Department of Architecture at Ewha Womans University to discuss potential collaborations, including joint international workshops, faculty and student exchanges, and cross-institutional teaching models. Through practice-oriented teaching and research activities, both sides hope to deepen cooperation on architectural and urban studies.President Chen noted that the visit not only strengthened substantive partnerships with Korean sister and partner universities, but also demonstrated NUK’s proactive engagement in semiconductor talent development, industry–academia collaboration, and global networking. Looking ahead, NUK will continue to advance cross-border academic exchanges and city-level cooperation, further enhancing Kaohsiung’s visibility within global networks of high-tech innovation and education.#SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG17 @ Office of International Affairs & Activities
Southern Culture Carnival Never Absent! National University of Kaohsiung Faculty and Students Make Friends Through Indonesian and Vietnamese Cuisine, Showcasing International Education Achievements
【Text and Photos: Section Chief Mei-Dai Hou, Office of International Affairs; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) is actively promoting multicultural education and sustainable urban exchange. Last Saturday (the 1st), the Office of International Affairs led international students from Indonesia and Vietnam to participate in the "2025 Southern Culture Carnival". They connected with the local community through hometown cuisine and cultural displays, showcasing the practical results of international education and the charm of diverse cultures, which attracted an enthusiastic response from the public.Since the inaugural "Southern Culture Carnival" in 2022, NUK faculty and students have actively participated every year without fail. They continuously showcase the campus's diverse energy through creative booths and cultural performances, becoming an important bridge connecting the campus and urban culture. The event is jointly hosted by the Kaohsiung City Government, the Kaohsiung Friends of Indonesia Association, and the Kaohsiung Little Southeast Asia Community, and has become a major annual cultural event in the South.Hsing-Ju Lin, Dean of the Office of International Affairs at the NUK, stated that the carnival allows international students to step out of the campus and integrate into the local community. This not only enables them to showcase their own culture but also provides a highly practical experience in international education by letting them learn about activity planning and cross-cultural communication. She thanked the student clubs and the faculty and staff team for their commitment, which helped the university's multicultural spirit be seen and affirmed by more people.This year, the Office of International Affairs led two student associations from Indonesia and Vietnam to set up two major booths. They offered authentic local food such as Vietnamese spring rolls, Indonesian fried noodles, and fried corn fritters, which were extremely popular and fragrant. Students expressed that despite the busy preparation process, personally cooking hometown food and introducing their culture to citizens was both challenging and full of accomplishment. The venue saw a continuous stream of people, and all the food was sold out before closing, demonstrating the enthusiasm and teamwork spirit of the international students.The participation of NUK faculty and students this time not only deepens the connection between international students and the community but also embodies the university's educational philosophy of promoting "co-prosperity with the local area". In the future, the university will continue to promote multicultural experiences and international exchange, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone, actively connect with the local community, and become a cultural bridge between Taiwan and the world. This action simultaneously implements the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating the drive to promote sustainable international education.#SDG4 #SDG11 #SDG17 @Office of International Affairs &Event
NUK Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures Partners with University of Aberdeen LLMVC to Sign Dual Degree Agreement
【Text and Photos: Ou Hsin-Yun, Chair of the Department of WesternLanguages and Literature; Edited: Public Affairs Section】【Translated with the assistance of Google Gemini】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2025-11-28 The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures (DFLL) at National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) today announced the formal signing of a dual degree cooperation agreement with the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture (LLMVC) at the University of Aberdeen, UK. Applications will open starting in the 114th academic year. The cooperation scheme encompasses the "3+1," "3.5+1," and "4+1" models, allowing DFLL students, upon completing their undergraduate studies, to pursue advanced studies in the UK and obtain a Master’s degree from Aberdeen within one year. This collaboration forges a cross-national learning pathway that combines an international perspective with professional depth.Established in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest and most research-intensive academic institutions in the UK. The areas of cooperation cover courses related to linguistics, literature, intercultural communication, and business. Students can select diverse courses according to their personal aspirations and career plans, thereby strengthening their English application abilities and enhancing their competitiveness in the international workplace.Chair of the DFLL, Ou Hsin-Yun, stated that the signing of this dual degree agreement is a significant step in the department's internationalization efforts. The DFLL is long dedicated to cultivating professionals with foreign language proficiency, humanistic literacy, and cultural understanding. The partnership with the University of Aberdeen will not only expand opportunities for students' overseas advanced studies and academic exploration but will also deepen research exchange and faculty/student interaction between the two institutions, continuously strengthening the depth and breadth of cross-national cooperation.This cooperation project was primarily promoted by Associate Professor Wang Sung-Lan of the DFLL. To encourage outstanding students to pursue advanced studies in the UK, the University of Aberdeen offers scholarships with up to a 23% tuition fee reduction or a £8,000 grant, effectively reducing the financial burden of studying abroad. Through the dual degree model, it is hoped that students will be supported to step onto the international stage with a broader perspective, embodying NUK's educational philosophy of "Rooted Locally, Global in View."The DFLL stated that the application timeline, eligibility requirements, curriculum information, and scholarship details for the dual degree program will be announced on the department's website and will be dynamically adjusted according to the cooperation progress between the two parties. For related questions, please contact the department office (E-mail: dowell@nuk.edu.tw).#SDG4 #SDG17 @Department of WesternLanguages and Literature&Event
