Vice President Shun-Jen Cheng of Cheng Shiu University, Vice President Chi-Chung Chou of National Chung Hsing University, Project Director Wen-Yu Jue of the International Industry-Academia Education Cooperation Special Program, Vice President Shun-Hsiung Hou of Kun Shan University, and Associate Vice President for International Affairs Lu Chen pose for a group photo (from left to right). (Photo courtesy of National Chung Hsing University)

Cheng Shiu University Expands into the Philippines: Advancing Sustainable New Southbound Talent Through International Industry-Academia Collaboration

Taiwan Higher Education Delegation Arrives in Manila, Showcasing the Strength of International Collaboration

To implement the Ministry of Education’s “International Industry-Academia Education Cooperation Alliance” initiative, the “2026 INTENSE Program Philippine Overseas Education Fair,” jointly organized by National Chung Hsing University, Cheng Shiu University, and Kun Shan University, officially opened on April 13 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

The event brought together 15 outstanding Taiwanese universities under the banner of “Team Taiwan,” marking one of Taiwan higher education’s most significant collective appearances in the Philippines in the post-pandemic era. The exhibition also symbolized Taiwan’s continued commitment to cultivating talent and strengthening educational cooperation with New Southbound partner countries. Cheng Shiu University actively participated in the event, demonstrating the university’s dedication to internationalization, industry-academia collaboration, and sustainable talent development.

Leveraging Technical and Vocational Education Strengths to Meet Global Talent Demands

Cheng Shiu University has long emphasized the integration of technical and vocational education with industry practices. Through participation in the INTENSE Program, the university brought Taiwan’s higher education resources, industrial training models, and international student development mechanisms directly to the overseas education platform.

The education fair attracted numerous Filipino students and educators seeking information and consultation. Major topics of interest included program features, language requirements, internship opportunities, student support services, and future career prospects. Through face-to-face interactions, Cheng Shiu University helped local youth gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s technical and vocational education environment while highlighting opportunities for further study and international career development in Taiwan.

Connecting STEM, AI, and Semiconductor Talent Development Through the INTENSE Program

Beyond providing scholarships and academic support, the INTENSE Program emphasizes the integration of education, industry, and international career pathways. The program focuses on forward-looking fields such as STEM, finance, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors to address the growing global demand for highly skilled professionals.

For Cheng Shiu University, participation in the program represents more than student recruitment; it is also an important practice of the concept that “education is a sustainable investment.” Through international specialized programs, industry-academia partnerships, and internship systems, the university supports Filipino students in acquiring professional competencies while also helping Taiwan’s industries cultivate internationally minded talent with cross-cultural communication skills.

Taiwan-Philippines Higher Education Exchange Creates More Inclusive Learning Opportunities

The education fair was attended by officials from the Philippine Commission on Higher Education, representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, and presidents and vice presidents from universities in both Taiwan and the Philippines, reflecting the strong commitment of both sides to higher education cooperation.

In addition to consultation booths, the event also featured cultural exchange and networking activities, ensuring that educational cooperation extended beyond institutional agreements to foster trust through interpersonal interaction. Such exchanges help reduce the barriers associated with cross-border learning and encourage more Filipino youth to choose Taiwan as a destination for higher education due to its affordable tuition, comprehensive student support, and clear career pathways.

From Educational Cooperation to Sustainable Development

Cheng Shiu University’s participation in the “2026 INTENSE Program Philippine Overseas Education Fair” not only highlighted the university’s internationalization achievements but also aligned closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Education plays a critical role in promoting social mobility, narrowing inequality gaps, and cultivating future talent. Through Taiwan-Philippines higher education collaboration, Cheng Shiu University helps young people develop professional skills, improve employability, and strengthen partnerships among countries, universities, and industries. This reflects the core value of technical and vocational education in sustainable development: cultivating talent not merely for individual industries, but also for regional development, international cooperation, and social well-being.

Looking Ahead: Deepening New Southbound Educational Cooperation

Moving forward, Cheng Shiu University will continue building upon its strengths in technical and vocational education by integrating industry-academia collaboration, international specialized programs, and comprehensive student support systems to deepen educational ties with the Philippines and other New Southbound partner countries.

Through overseas education fairs, inter-university partnerships, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and industrial collaboration initiatives, Cheng Shiu University will continue promoting Taiwan’s high-quality higher education environment, attracting more international students to study in Taiwan, and working alongside global partners to cultivate a new generation of talent equipped with professional expertise, global mobility, and a sustainable vision for the future.

---