National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and National University of Tainan (NUTN) signed agreements devoted to academic exchange and talent development on January 15, 2026, broadening NCKU’s cross-university alliance in Taiwan. The partnership integrates teaching and research resources to create pathways for advanced training and nurture globally competitive talent to further propel Taiwan’s higher education internationalization. The signing ceremony was held in Yunping Administration Building on NCKU’s Kuang-Fu Campus, attended by senior administrators and faculty members from both universities.

 
NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen (right) and NUTN President Hui-Ping Chen (left) sign the Academic Exchange and Talent Development Agreement.

In his remarks, NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen stressed the strategic importance of international students amid Taiwan’s declining birth rates and noted that cross-institutional collaboration enables the universities to complement each other’s strengths, enhance academic offerings, and encourage students to pursue further study and professional development in Taiwan. He looked forward to the collaboration between NCKU and NUTN in nurturing talents that facilitate Taiwan’s national development. 

 
Presidents of NCKU and NUTN address attendees on their universities’ vision for the alliance.

Meanwhile, NUTN President Hui-Ping Chen highlighted the complementary nature of the two universities, citing opportunities for collaboration in student exchange and academic progression mechanisms. She used the performing arts as an example, noting NUTN’s strong faculty expertise and international performance experience as a unique learning opportunity for exchange students, while NCKU provides resources in other academic fields, enabling students to benefit from the strengths of both institutions.

 
NCKU Vice President for International Affairs Sun-Yuan Hsieh (left) presents the university alliance framework.

Following the signing, NCKU Vice President for International Affairs Sun-Yuan Hsieh presented on the university alliance framework, outlining features such as overseas senior high school partnerships, scholarship programs, and flexible credit recognition for exchange students. 

 
A group photo of NCKU and NUTN participants in the signing ceremony.

This partnership builds upon NCKU’s southern university alliance, launched in 2025, which previously welcomed I-Shou University and Cheng Shiu University as its first members. NUTN’s inclusion marks the first participation of a national university, expanding the alliance’s reach across public and private institutions. Moving forward, international students at NUTN will have opportunities to take courses at NCKU through the exchange program and then pursue further degree studies at NCKU, creating a comprehensive and interconnected learning pathway.