In a meeting held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Office in Quezon City, Rizal Technological University (RTU) and Kun Shan University (KSU) from Taiwan converged to discuss a pivotal collaboration aimed at strengthening ties between the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Philippine Commission on Higher Education, Manila, Philippines, on December 1, 2023.
Commissioner Ronald Adamat of CHED presided over the meeting, which sought to explore avenues for fostering educational cooperation and opening doors for international students. The focal point of the dialogue was the presentation of Kun Shan University’s groundbreaking initiative, the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE).
Representing the Taiwan MOE, KSU served as the messenger for this visionary program designed to facilitate the seamless integration of international students into Taiwanese academia and industries. The core of INTENSE lies in its unique approach, offering students the opportunity to pursue their studies in Taiwan and transition into gainful employment with the full support of MOE, universities, and industries in Taiwan.
Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, the esteemed President of Rizal Technological University, led the RTU delegation, comprising the Executive Vice President, Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, and the UCILEA Unit Head for International Assistance, Dir. Donato Z. Estocada. Their presence underscored RTU’s commitment to international collaboration and global education.
On the other side of the table, President Lee Tien-Shang spearheaded the Kun Shan University team, accompanied by Ms. Deborah Wu, Dean of International and Cross-Strait Affairs, and Ms. Yeh Ching-Han, Chief of International Exchange. Together, they elaborated on the vision and mechanics of the INTENSE program, emphasizing the benefits it could bring to Filipino students.
Commissioner Ronald Adamat expressed his support for the program and hailed it as a significant step towards fostering educational diplomacy and cultural exchange. He lauded the collaborative spirit exhibited by both institutions. He pledged CHED’s commitment to facilitating the implementation of the INTENSE program in the Philippines with the active involvement of Rizal Technological University.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, marking a historic stride towards strengthening international partnerships in higher education, promising mutual growth and enrichment for students of both nations. The commitment of the Taiwan Ministry of Education, KSU, and RTU to bridge educational frontiers is poised to redefine the landscape of global learning.