In response to the wave of globalization and the global competition for talent, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) is strategically expanding its international educational footprint. Adhering to the Taiwan government's "New Southbound Policy"—an initiative focused on people-to-people exchange and reciprocal cooperation—STUST President Dr. Nen-Fu Huang led a delegation to the Philippines from August 20-22. Accompanied by Chief Secretary Yi-Hsing Chang and Dean of International Affairs Yi-Ju Hsu, the delegation engaged in productive meetings with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and multiple universities. The visit culminated in the successful signing of sister-school agreements with Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and seven other state universities.

This landmark collaboration not only establishes a long-term partnership between the institutions but also lays a solid foundation for academic and cultural exchange. It's a significant step for STUST in concretely realizing its educational spirit: AI Empowers. STUST Leads.

【Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) solidifies its global outreach by signing sister-school agreements with eight Philippine state universities. Pictured is STUST President Dr. Nen-Fu Huang with representatives from the collaborating institutions, symbolizing a joint commitment to fostering academic and cultural exchange between Taiwan and the Philippines.】

A Multilateral Partnership: High-Level Educational Leaders from Taiwan and the Philippines Join Forces

The delegation's visit included crucial meetings with key educational leaders. Under the leadership of Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Head of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V, both sides held productive discussions to outline areas of collaboration. Initial plans focus on AI in agriculture, digital management, and international curricula. The partnership will facilitate diverse programs, including the Ministry of Education's TEEP (Taiwan Experience Education Program), dual-degree options, scholar exchanges, and student internship programs. These initiatives are designed to foster high-level cooperation and enhance the international competitiveness of both students and institutions.

【The STUST delegation visits the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V office. This meeting with CHED officials highlights the strong support and mutual anticipation from high-level educational leaders in both Taiwan and the Philippines for this multilateral partnership.】

Showcasing STUST’s AI Prowess and VET Reform

During their time in the Philippines, the STUST delegation also met with Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, and Dr. Shih-Ping Lee, Director of the Education Division. Additionally, the delegation visited Ateneo de Manila University, a long-standing sister school.

A highlight of the visit was President Huang’s demonstration of STUST’s innovative AI applications. He showcased AI-powered glasses for smart agriculture, illustrating how technology can enhance farming efficiency. This demonstration deeply impressed the attendees, and his commitment to applying AI in agricultural technology, smart manufacturing, and management underscored STUST’s dedication to VET (Vocational Education and Training) reform.

【The STUST delegation pays a visit to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines. Pictured are STUST President Dr. Nen-Fu Huang, Chief Secretary Yi-Hsing Chang, Dean of International Affairs Yi-Ju Hsu, alongside Ateneo de Manila University President Roberto C. Yap, Ateneo School of Engineering and Architecture Dean Raphael A. Guerrero, and Ateneo Vice President Cristrina M. Alikpala.】

【The STUST delegation meets with officials at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, expressing gratitude for their support of international exchange initiatives. Pictured are members of the delegation with Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu and Education Division Director Dr. Shih-Ping Lee.】

A Forward-Looking Vision: Cultivating AI Talent

With the signing of these new agreements, STUST now boasts a total of 24 sister-school relationships in the Philippines, strengthening high-density and high-quality academic and cultural exchanges. This expanding partnership will not only support the Ministry of Education's efforts to attract international students to Taiwan—addressing a domestic talent gap—but will also create more diverse overseas learning and research opportunities for STUST students.

President Huang remarked on the global impact of AI, noting that it is rapidly reshaping industries and higher education. He explained that STUST embraces the mission of nurturing "AI-powered Talent for All Industries" for a sustainable future by actively applying AI in fields such as agricultural technology, smart manufacturing, and management. He conveyed the university's belief that empowering students with AI is essential for cultivating professionals across all sectors. To nurture AI professionals for every industry, he stressed that individuals must be equipped with AI capabilities.

This new alliance with Philippine universities—which have strong backgrounds in agriculture and engineering—will promote shared research resources and interdisciplinary collaboration. It will also help STUST students participate in international research and hands-on projects, reinforcing the university's core "smart, hands-on practical-oriented " educational philosophy. President Huang emphasized that STUST will continue to integrate AI and international resources, forge more forward-looking international partnerships, and work with emerging Asian nations to jointly cultivate globally competitive professionals.

【During his visit to the Philippines, STUST President Dr. Nen-Fu Huang demonstrates the application of AI-powered glasses in smart agriculture. This hands-on presentation showcases STUST's deep expertise in AI and its distinctive "smart, practical-oriented" teaching philosophy to international partners.】