UAAT–UTS Bilateral Symposium: Academic Alliances Driving Global Innovation
The group photo with distinguished guests
To deepen practical exchanges in higher education and scientific research between Taiwan and the United States, the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT) hosted the "UTS x UAAT Bilateral Symposium" on June 13, 2025, at the Sungreat International Conference Hall, College of Management, National Taiwan University.
The symposium welcomed UTS Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Archie L. Holmes, Senior Advisor for International Affairs, Mr. Thomas A. Ferrell, and nine leading experts from across UTS. The event was jointly organized by the UAAT Secretariat (National Taiwan University, NTU), National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), and Taipei Medical University (TMU).
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Meaningful Academic Exchange
Opening remarks were delivered by NTU President and UAAT Convenor, Dr. Wen-Chang Chen; TMU President, Dr. Mai-Szu Wu; and NTUST Vice President, Dr. Shun-Feng Su, who extended a warm welcome to the UTS delegation. Representing UTS, Dr. Holmes conveyed their strong intention to collaborate with UAAT.
President Chen noted that this symposium marked the first major exchange following the 2023 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UAAT and UTS. He highlighted how this event transformed shared intentions into concrete collaboration. UAAT looks forward to co-developing a strategic blueprint to enhance global competitiveness in the semiconductors and health sectors.
President Wu emphasized the complementary strengths of both regions in public health and smart healthcare, expressing hopes for deep, multi-layered cooperation in medical research, clinical practice, and international education.
Vice President Su highlighted the pivotal role of applied research and academia–industry collaboration in advancing technological innovation and driving industry transformation.
Representing UTS, Dr. Holmes described the symposium as a symbolic milestone in deepening ties with UAAT and stressed the goal of building enduring academic and student exchange programs.
Dr. Wen-Chang Chen delivered opening remarks
Dr. Archie L. Holmes delivered opening remarks
Dr. Mai-Szu Wu delivered opening remarks
Dr. Shun-Feng Su delivered opening remarks
UTS Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Archie L. Holmes, presented a gift to UAAT convenor and NTU president Wen-Chang Chen.
From left: Mr. Yi-Da Chen (Ministry of Education), Mr. Thomas A. Ferrell (Senior Advisor for International Affairs), Dr. Shu-Ying Chang (Vice President, TMU), Dr. Wen-Chang Chen (President, NTU), Dr. Archie L. Holmes (Executive Vice-Chancellor, UTS), and Dr. Chung-Chih Wu (Vice President for R&D, NTU).
Parallel Forums Drove In-Depth Dialogue
The symposium featured two parallel thematic forums:
- The Semiconductors Forum, led by NTUST, spotlighted advanced topics such as power semiconductors, photonics integration, AI-assisted IC design, and 6G wireless communication. Scholars from both countries—including Ray T. Chen, Xiuling Li, David Z. Pan, and Weidong Zhou from UTS, and Li-Chun Wang, Shao-Yun Fang, Ray-Hua Hong, Hui-Hsin Hsiao, Ching-Wen Chang, Hsiu-Yang Tseng, and PhD student Chung-An Wang (presenting on behalf of Dr. Gou-Dung Su) —shared breakthroughs and discussed joint research potential.
Scholars in the field of semiconductors gathered for a group photo.
From left: Dr. Weidong Zhou, Dr. David Z. Pan, Dr. Xiuling Li, Dr. Ray T. Chen, Dr. Jing-Wen Chang (NTNU), and Dr. Chen-Jui Chao (Vice President for International Affairs, TMU).
- The Health Sciences Forum, hosted by TMU, addressed key topics in AI and clinical data governance, disease mechanisms, and innovations in medical education. Experts from UTS and MD Anderson Cancer Center, including Susan H. Fenton, Jiajie Zhang, Kathleen M. Schmeler, Sarah Berger, and Eric M. Brey, joined UAAT scholars Min-Huei Hsu, Feng-Chiao Tsai, Hong-Ru Chen, Cheng-Hsien Liu, Chao-Han Lai, Yao-An Shen, Sheng-Fu Liang, Jiunn-Horng Kang, Chun-Hei Cheung, and Chih-Hsin Yang to share research findings and best practices on cancer research, smart healthcare, and global health initiatives. The forum also spotlighted MD Anderson’s international cancer collaboration programs, which hold great potential for future collaboration with TMU.
Group photo of health sciences scholars and TMU leadership.
Scholars participating in the health sciences session posed with senior administrators from Taipei Medical University (TMU).
A Foundation for Future Collaboration
Throughout the day, vibrant exchanges among scholars reflected a strong mutual commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The symposium not only reinforced institutional ties but also laid a solid foundation for sustained collaboration in strategic research areas with global relevance.
UAAT and UTS look forward to building on this momentum by developing joint initiatives, promoting faculty and student exchange, and advancing research with real-world impact. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Taiwan–U.S. academic cooperation, driven by shared goals of innovation, excellence, and societal contribution.