Strengthening Sister-School Ties: President Tomoyuki Takahashi of Kansai University Visits Cheng Shiu University to Promote Academic Exchange

In October, Professor Tomoyuki Takahashi, newly appointed President of Kansai University, made a special visit to Cheng Shiu University (CSU) in Taiwan, where he was warmly welcomed by CSU President Dr. Jui-Chang Kung. This visit not only symbolized a deepening of the sister-school relationship between the two universities but also marked Cheng Shiu as the first overseas institution visited by President Takahashi since taking office—a strong affirmation of their longstanding partnership. The meeting was marked by a warm exchange of gifts and cordial conversation. President Kung noted that despite the disruption caused by Typhoon Koinu, President Takahashi’s timely visit demonstrated his genuine commitment to the collaboration, signaling a new chapter of intensified academic exchange between the institutions.

Cheng Shiu University: The First Overseas Stop in a Renewed Partnership

Since establishing their sister-school partnership 15 years ago, Cheng Shiu University and Kansai University have maintained a close and productive relationship. During his visit, President Takahashi toured the Kansai University Taiwan Office, located on the CSU campus, and praised the effective framework for cooperation. He noted that visiting CSU just one month after taking office underscores Kansai University’s dedication to international engagement. Looking ahead, he expressed a strong desire to further expand academic collaboration and student achievement, fostering more international learning opportunities for both institutions.

CSU’s Global Outlook: Building International Academic Networks

With nearly 15,000 students and partnerships with over 280 universities in 26 countries, Cheng Shiu University has developed into a globally oriented institution. President Kung emphasized CSU’s status as a top-ten university of science and technology in Taiwan, and its commitment to cultivating globally competitive talent through international cooperation. President Takahashi’s visit injects new momentum into this mission, representing a milestone in CSU’s internationalization journey.

Cross-Border Expertise in Environmental and Disaster Research

President Takahashi is a renowned expert in flood disaster prevention, having previously served as Dean of the School of Societal Safety Sciences and as a university vice president before assuming the presidency of Kansai University on October 1. His expertise lays the groundwork for future collaborative research between the two universities in environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and public safety. Both sides expressed optimism about launching in-depth joint academic initiatives in these crucial areas.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Taiwan-Japan Higher Education Collaboration

This visit marks a new chapter in the sister-school partnership between CSU and Kansai University. The two institutions plan to pursue closer academic collaboration through faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and strategic alliances, reinforcing their commitment to global engagement. With the shared vision of nurturing the next generation of globally-minded professionals, Presidents Kung and Takahashi’s renewed commitment promises exciting developments in cross-cultural education and Taiwan–Japan academic cooperation.

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