National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) was strategically selected as the inaugural stop for a high-level Philippine delegation participating in the 2025 Taiwan–Philippines Annual Education Forum and Academic Visit. Organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and supported by the Taiwan Education Center in the Philippines, the visit on November 4th, marked a significant step toward enriching bilateral educational cooperation. The delegation featured administrative leaders, professors, and educational specialists from eight of the Philippines’ premier higher education institutions and elite high schools, highlighting a joint focus on nurturing the next generation of academic talent. 

Delegation members and NCKU representatives during the welcome session.

The delegation consisted of representatives from eight institutions, including partner universities De La Salle University, Mapúa University, and University of the Philippines Diliman; alongside Ateneo de Davao University, University of the East, University of the Philippines Baguio, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, and the Philippine Science High School System.
 

NCKU Executive Vice President Dr. Yuh-Neu Chen delivering opening remarks.

NCKU Executive Vice President Dr. Yuh-Neu Chen warmly opened the session by mentioning the university’s long-standing collaborations, noting that “many of our Philippine partners have been long-term friends of NCKU, working closely with us in joint research.” She emphasized NCKU’s commitment to further strengthening these academic ties. In response, University of the East President Dr. Zosimo Montemayor Battad expressed a similar sentiment, saying that they hope “to build a friendship with NCKU—not just a connection,” and that a sustainable partnership is one that enables both sides “to share knowledge and help shape the next generation.”
 

University of the East President Dr. Zosimo Battad speaking on strengthening Taiwan–Philippines cooperation.

After the opening session, Director of Division of International Relations Dr. Tsunglin Liu provided the delegation with an introduction of NCKU. This was followed by discussions chaired by NCKU Vice President for International Affairs Dr. Sun-Yuan Hsieh, where both sides explored opportunities for expanded academic cooperation. Delegates exchanged ideas on science- and technology-focused short-term exchanges and online programs, with potential participation not only from university students but also from high school students interested in STEM fields. 
Further proposals included developing Campus-in-Campus models, forming a recruitment alliance, and opening new institutional partnerships. Representatives also expressed interest in encouraging Filipino students to join short-term Chinese language programs as an additional channel for cultural and academic immersion.
 

NCKU Vice President for International Affairs Dr. Sun-Yuan Hsieh facilitating the dialogue session.

The visit concluded with a tour of NCKU’s Core Facility Center, home to state-of-the-art scientific instruments supporting interdisciplinary research and collaboration with global partners. Delegates were introduced to the center’s key research capabilities and enjoyed a lighter moment learning about Taiwan’s unique “lucky snack” culture—spotting a 乖乖 snack placed on a machine to “keep it well-behaved,” a tradition to ward off technical glitches that drew curiosity and laughter from the group.
 

Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffractometer, one of the advanced instruments present at the Core Facility Center.

This day-long event reinforced NCKU’s position as a regional hub for academic excellence and collaboration. It successfully expanded pathways for both high school and university-level exchanges, solidifying a strong foundation for long-term Taiwan–Philippines academic partnership and student mobility. 

Philippine delegation at NCKU’s iconic century-old Banyan Tree.