In an endeavor to foster international collaboration and exchange of knowledge, Taiwan’s I-Shou University welcomed 35 distinguished faculty members from Rizal Technological University (RTU). The 5-day immersion program, spanning from January 22-26, aimed to facilitate a fruitful exchange of ideas, best practices, and insights between the two educational institutions.

An opening ceremony was held at I-Shou’s prestigious auditorium on January 22 – a momentous occasion marked by the presence of key university officials and faculty members from both institutions. Professor Dr. Julia Lin, Senior Vice President of I-Shou University, warmly welcomed the RTU delegation and set the tone for the enriching experience that lay ahead. Following her, Dr. Magno Quendangan, RTU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (VPRIES), expressed his gratitude to I-Shou for the warm reception and the opportunity for collaborative engagement.

Subsequent to the opening ceremony, the participants engaged in a breakout session, delving into benchmarking activities. Representatives from I-Shou University, including various colleges and departments, interacted with their counterparts from RTU. This allowed for sharing best practices and insights, fostering a mutually beneficial learning experience.

The I-Shou University officials who participated in the breakout session include:

• Dr. Arthur Chia-Kun Lee (Dean, Office of International & Cross-Strait Affairs and, Assoc. Prof., Mass Communication, College of Communication and Design)
• Dr. Kuo-Liang Lin (Prof. & Dean, College of Engineering)
• Dr. Wen-Chuan Hsieh (Deputy Dean, Office of Academic Affairs, and Prof. from Department of Medical Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology)
• Dr. Ann-Marie Hsiung (Assoc. Prof. & Chair, Department of Global Communications & Applied English)
• Dr. Fung-Bao Liu (Prof. & Chair, Dep. of Mechanical & Automation Engineering, College of Engineering)
• Dr. Rey-Chue Hwang (Prof. & Chair, International Program on Intelligent Systems and Automation Engineering, College of Intelligent Science and Technology)
• Dr. Jesse Yu-Chen Lan (Assoc. Prof. & Chair, Program in International Business Administration, International College)
• Dr. Yen-Ling Chen (Section Chief, Counseling and Guidance Section, Office of Student Affairs, and Assis. Prof., Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine)
• Dr. Ethan Lin (Director, Global Mobility Center, Office of International & Cross-Strait Affairs, and Assis. Prof., Creative Integrated Design, College of Communication and Design)

After the benchmarking session, the RTU faculty members were treated to a demonstration and exhibit of I-Shou University’s cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, media, and virtual reality. The demonstration, facilitated by I-Shou’s College of Intelligent Science and Technology, showcased the institution’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in education.

Moreover, the faculty members had the opportunity to explore I-Shou’s state-of-the-art media learning facilities, gaining firsthand experience of the university’s commitment to providing a conducive application-based learning environment.

In the days to come, the RTU faculty members are slated to participate in a series of cultural tours and activities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. The collaborative engagement between I-Shou University and Rizal Technological University holds promise for future initiatives that will undoubtedly contribute to both institutions’ academic and cultural enrichment.