President Hweiming Hsu of National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) led a delegation to visit the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, from July 18 to 19, 2025. The delegation included Dr. Ming-Chien Su, Director of the Office of International Affairs; Dr. Yi-Cheng Chang, Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering; and Ms. Mei-Sung Chiang, Program Assistant at the Office of International Affairs. The visit aimed to deepen academic and talent development collaboration between the two institutions and further promote international academic exchange.

As Japan’s first national graduate university focusing exclusively on master’s and doctoral education, JAIST enjoys a global reputation for its research excellence in fields such as information science, materials science, knowledge science, and integrated science. The university is dedicated to interdisciplinary research and the development of innovative technologies, contributing significantly to scientific and technological advancement in Asia and beyond.

During the visit, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Research Collaboration Agreement, formally establishing a partnership between NDHU and JAIST. In-depth discussions were held regarding the upcoming JUMP Program (JAIST Partner University Master Connection Program), which aims to provide NDHU undergraduates with valuable overseas research and internship experiences.

Through the JUMP Program, NDHU students will have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research internships at JAIST during their undergraduate studies and directly transition into JAIST’s master’s programs upon graduation. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance students’ research capabilities, global outlook, and competitiveness in international academia and industry. Furthermore, faculty members from both institutions will engage in exchange programs and joint research projects, fostering knowledge sharing and technological innovation through cross-border collaboration.

This visit marks a significant milestone in NDHU’s pursuit of excellence in international higher education. By partnering with a leading research institution like JAIST, NDHU aims to elevate its academic profile in East Asia and create more diverse opportunities for international engagement for its students. Both institutions are committed to expanding the scope of collaboration to include additional academic disciplines and joint research initiatives, further strengthening Taiwan-Japan academic exchange and technological advancement.