On 31 March 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in Meeting Room 10, 10th floor, Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Associate Professor Dr. Narongrit Muangmai, Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization (representing Professor Dr. Dokrak Marod, Vice President for Research and Internationalization), along with KU administrators and faculty members, welcomed and engaged in discussions with Professor Dr. Chi-Chung Chou, Senior Vice President for International Affairs, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan, on the occasion of his official visit to Kasetsart University.

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KU representatives included: Associate Professor Dr. Chanate Malumpong, Associate Dean for Research, Academic Services and International Affairs, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen; Professor Dr. Chatchawan Jantasuriyarat, Deputy Dean for Research and International Affairs, Faculty of Science; Assistant Professor Dr. Jiramate Changklom, Assistant Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Engineering; Mrs. Neeracha Kalantakasuwan, Head of Scholarships and Opportunities Section; and personnel from the International Affairs Division.

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The purpose of the visit of the executive of National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan to Kasetsart University was to discuss academic collaboration between the two universities and introduce international exchange programs such as the New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program and the International Internship Pilot Program (IIPP), as well as other related initiatives. NCHU has been a partner university of Kasetsart University since 1991, fostering continuous collaboration for over 30 years.

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On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Narongrit Muangmai, Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization, warmly welcomed the delegation, presented an introductory video about KU, and expressed his support for fostering academic collaboration between the two institutions. Subsequently, Professor Dr. Chi-Chung Chou, Senior Vice President for International Affairs at NCHU, extended his gratitude and presented the information of National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan.

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During the meeting, both parties exchanged information and engaged in discussions on potential future collaborations between KU and NCHU, with the goal of promoting student and faculty exchanges. The proposed initiatives include short-term student exchange programs in various academic fields, international internships—particularly with the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Agriculture—and additional activities such as study tours, cultural exchange programs, and faculty and researcher exchanges for academic cooperation. Other discussed opportunities included dual degree programs and joint research projects. Both institutions expressed great enthusiasm for these academic collaboration opportunities and agreed to follow up on the progress of these initiatives.

Key discussion topics included:

1.  INTENSE Program (Industrial Talents Education Special Program)

This is a specialized program at NCHU aimed at developing industry-ready professionals. It is designed to equip students with both academic knowledge and practical skills that align with industry demands.

2.  New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program

Established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program invites young talents from partner countries under the New Southbound Policy to participate in a short-term study program in Taiwan. The five-month program provides participants with opportunities to learn Mandarin, explore Taiwanese culture, and engage in various activities to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s society and democracy.

3.  Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP)

A short-term training program offering international students hands-on experience in education and research across various disciplines such as agriculture, biosciences, engineering, and technology.

4. The International Internship Pilot Program (IIPP)

Established by Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), this program attracts international students interested in internships in Taiwan’s key scientific and technological research fields. Open to undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students, the internship duration ranges from 28 to 90 days, with participants receiving a daily stipend of 1,000 NTD.

5. NCHU Preferred Sister-School/Faculty Scholarship

A scholarship offered by NCHU for students from partner universities (Sister Schools) or affiliated faculties nominated by their home institutions.

6. MOE Elite Scholarship

A scholarship provided by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) for international students enrolling in master’s or doctoral programs at NCHU.

7. Semiconductor Technology Program (iCAST Center)

The i-Center for Advanced Science and Technology (iCAST) at NCHU is a research and education center focusing on semiconductor and green technology development. The center organizes various programs, including a two-week semiconductor summer school that combines lectures and hands-on training in circuit design, manufacturing, packaging, and semiconductor inspection.

Additionally, iCAST offers an international master’s program in semiconductor and green technology, conducted entirely in English. This program is developed in collaboration with Micron Technology to prepare students for careers in the semiconductor industry

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NCHU is recognized as a top research university in central Taiwan, accredited by the Ministry of Education, and is a key institution in the National University System of Taiwan. The university operates four experimental forests, two experimental farms, and a horticultural experiment station and houses three leading research centers: Center for Integrative and Evolutionary Galliformes Genomics, Advanced Plants and Food Crop Biotechnology Center, and Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture. With a commitment to global collaboration, NCHU continues to foster strong partnerships in research and education with institutions worldwide, including Kasetsart University.

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NCHU has 12 colleges, offering 9 degree programs taught in English. The university collaborates with over 400 partner universities worldwide and offers approximately 40 dual-degree programs. International students account for about 5% of the total student population, with opportunities for scholarships, including tuition waivers and monthly stipends. Moreover, NCHU is a leading research university in central Taiwan, recognized by the Ministry of Education, and ranks among the top universities in Taiwan's national university system. Seven scholars from NCHU are ranked among the top five in Taiwan.