Strengthening International Academic Ties: UAAT Delegation Visits Kyushu Okinawa Open University(KOOU) in Japan
The group photo of the UAAT delegation, Vice President Mitsuyo Kishida and Professor Ryuichi Yoshitake of Kumamoto University, taken at the Important Cultural Properties Mechanical Engineering Heritage
UAAT Fair
To foster deeper academic collaboration cultivate talent, and enhance cultural exchange, the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan(UAAT) delegation led by the UAAT Secretariat traveled to Japan for a five-day academic visit from December 9 to December 13 in 2024. The delegation of representatives from 12 UAAT member universities engaged with four prestigious Kyushu Okinawa Open University (KOOU)1 alliance institutions: Kyushu University, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kumamoto University, and Nagasaki University.
This trip aims to strengthen academic partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration. Beyond academic exchanges, the delegation seeks to gain valuable insights from Japan’s educational innovation and industry-university cooperation models, further expanding Taiwan’s international academic presence and fostering a more globally connected higher education landscape.

The group photo of the UAAT delegation, Vice President Shuji Shimizu and Vice President Natalie Konomi of Kyushu University
During the visit, the delegation engaged in meaningful exchanges with Japanese faculty in the formal meetings. Through the arrangement by the hosting universities, the delegation also toured key campus facilities, research centers, and laboratories, gaining deeper insight into Japan’s research strengths and achievements. Additionally, the delegation held the UAAT Fairs, facilitating discussions on joint research initiatives, international student exchange programs, and the UAAT International Young Visiting Scholar Program. Through direct engagement with KOOU faculty and students, the UAAT Fairs effectively integrated alliance promotion, academic outreach, and cultural activities, drawing numerous international faculty and students and significantly enhancing the alliance’s global visibility.
Formal Meeting
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Dr. Huey-Jen Su, Distinguished Professor, Office of Strategic Planning, UAAT, extended greetings to the hosting university |
Kyushu University |
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Kyushu Institute of Technology |
Kumamoto University |
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Nagasaki University |
In formal meetings, five UAAT coordinating universities introduced the development direction, execution strategies, and implementation of the International Integrated Collaboration Project in key research areas. These research areas and coordinating universities include:
Semiconductors: National Taipei University of Technology(NTUT)
Life Sciences: National Taiwan University(NTU)
Engineering and Mandarin Language: National Sun Yat-sen University(NSYSU)
Sciences: National Cheng Kung University(NCKU)
Social Sciences and Humanities: National Taiwan Normal University(NTNU)
This introduction highlights our collaborative efforts and showcases the expertise of our member institutions in driving forward research and innovation.
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Semiconductors
Dr. Po-Chun Chen, Vice Dean of Research and Development, NTUT |
Semiconductors
Dr. Ho-Chiao Chuang, Dean, Office of Research and Development, NTUT |
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Science
Dr. Sun-Yuan Hsieh, Vice President for International Affairs, NCKU |
Engineering and Mandarin Language
Dr. Po-Hung Yeh, Director, Office of Research and Development, NSYSU |
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Engineering and Mandarin Language
Dr. Ming-Hsuan Lee, Vice President for International Affairs, NSYSU |
Life Sciences
Dr. Ya-Ping Chiu,
Deputy Vice President for Research and Development, NTU
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Social Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Wen-Chin Lin,
Associate Vice President for Research and Development, NTNU |
Social Sciences and Humanities
Dr. Shyue-Cherng Liaw,
Library Director, University Library
NTNU |
Visit to Featured Centers/Institutions/Units
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Kyushu University Laboratory for Silkworm Bioresources
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Kyushu Institute of Technology Laboratory of Lean Satellite Enterprises and In-Orbit Experiments & IoT center: Radio wave anechoic chamber
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Kumamoto University Museum of the Engineering Faculty & Shock Wave Laboratory, Institute of Industrial Nanomaterials
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Kyushu Institute of Technology Tropical Medicine Museum & Dr. Osamu Shimomura Memorial Honoring Museum
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A highlight of the trip was the UAAT Fairs held at the hosting universities, where Japanese students and faculty had the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from the 12 alliance universities. These events not only enhance Taiwan’s presence in the Japanese academic community but also pave the way for future bilateral and multilateral collaborations, strengthening international academicties.
UAAT Fair
The benefits of this visit to KOOU extend beyond academic collaboration and educational connections—they also foster cultural exchange, enhance international visibility, and strengthen global academic networks. Through formal exchange meetings and visits to specialized laboratories, the UAAT delegation gains valuable insights into Japan’s academic needs and resource advantages, paving the way for more effective future collaborations. Bilateral cultural and educational exchanges not only broaden academic perspectives but also facilitate the sharing of resources, inspire innovative research topics, and support strategic initiatives for Taiwan-Japan educational cooperation. In addition, this collaboration helps cultivate students’ intercultural communication skills and global outlook, equipping them for meaningful engagement in future international endeavors.
Furthermore, through face-to-face interactions with Japanese faculty and students at the UAAT Fair, representatives from the 12 alliance schools showcased their international research collaborations, faculty and student exchange programs, and other specialized initiatives. This deepens Japanese institutions' understanding of Taiwan’s higher education system, encouraging more faculty and students to explore opportunities in Taiwan for research, industry-academia collaboration, and diverse learning experiences. Beyond the immediate exchanges, this engagement underscores the alliance’s commitment to regional innovation, talent mobility, and knowledge sharing, demonstrating its dedication through both passion and action.

The group photo of the UAAT delegation, Dr. Ito Masako, faculty and students of Nagasaki University

1:KOOU member universities include: University of Teacher Education Fukuoka, Kyushu University, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Saga University, Nagasaki University, Kumamoto University, Oita University, University of Miyazaki, Kagoshima University, National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, University of Ryukyus.