NCKU and Kumamoto University Deepen Collaboration in Semiconductor Research, Disaster Prevention, and Medicine

Written＆Image credit to NCKU Office of Internation Affairs.
 
Tainan, Taiwan – On August 27, 2024, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) welcomed Vice President Jun Otani from Kumamoto University (KU) for a significant meeting. Led by NCKU’s Vice President for International Affairs, Chair Professor Sun-Yuan Hsieh, the discussions focused on strengthening the partnership between the two universities, with particular emphasis on student exchanges, talent cultivation, and collaborative research in semiconductors and disaster prevention.
 
大合照
Group photo of the significant meeting.
 
Strengthening Semiconductor Collaboration
 
During the meeting, Distinguished Professor Wei-Chou Hsu, Associate Dean of NCKU’s Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing (AISSM), provided an in-depth overview of the ongoing collaboration between NCKU and KU, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing semiconductor research. He also highlighted the success of the 2024 NCKU-AISSM Summer School, held from July 17 to August 3, which attracted 78 students from 14 countries, including one student from KU. In response to this, Vice President Otani expressed strong interest in further expanding this collaboration and proposed the development of a “joint degree” program to more closely integrate the academic and research efforts of both universities.
 
Expanding Student Exchange and Faculty Collaboration
 
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to expand student exchange programs. Vice President Hsieh extended an invitation to KU students to participate in NCKU’s Summer School, particularly in semiconductor courses, and Vice President Otani committed to increasing the number of KU students participating in these programs. Both universities further discussed the possibility of “joint degree” programs, student exchange, and faculty collaboration, and extended to potential research topics on natural disasters, building on their shared challenges in Taiwan and Japan.
 
Joint Research in Disaster Prevention and Medicine
 
In addition to semiconductor research, the meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in disaster prevention and medicine. Following the MOU signed in April between NCKU’s Disaster Prevention Research Center and KU, both universities are keen to develop joint research projects focused on natural disasters such as earthquakes and heavy rains, which are common challenges in both Taiwan and Japan. Vice President Otani emphasized the importance of integrating real-world applications into academic programs, particularly in disaster prevention.
 
Furthermore, the meeting touched on potential collaborations in the fields of aging and healthcare, two areas of growing global importance. With existing partnerships in medicine and computer science, NCKU and KU are well-positioned to extend their cooperation into health care, especially in applying artificial intelligence to elderly care.
 
Looking Ahead
 
This meeting marks a significant step forward in the partnership between NCKU and Kumamoto University. It not only paves the way for groundbreaking innovations in semiconductor research and disaster prevention but also enhances educational and research opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions. This collaboration will be expected to produce significant outcomes and strengthen the relationship between the two universities.
 
 
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2024-09-03