200 Kilometer Academic Embrace: National Chi Nan University and University of Taipei Launch Boundless Collaboration

With the continuous evolution of modern education, academic exchange and cooperation have seemingly become the new standard for higher education institutions. National Chi Nan University (NCNU) and University of Taipei have recently written a new chapter. President Chiu Yinghao of the University of Taipei and top administrators visited NCNU for an in-depth dialogue with President Wuu Dong Sing, culminating in successfully signing a letter of intent for exchange and cooperation. This collaboration extends beyond traditional academic exchange to include course sharing, technology transfer, sharing of teaching strategies, USR (University Social Responsibility) practical experiences, training in urban and rural governance, and shared use of facilities and resources.

NCNU has always been a "comprehensive university with international vision and local practice," which led to its top position this year in the USR University Civic Public General Medium-sized Universities category. This achievement reflects its outstanding academic research and underscores its emphasis on social practice. This excellent performance is mirrored in the recent record high of 6,565 students enrolled at NCNU. Meanwhile, NCNU aims to progress towards becoming a "refined and sustainable international well-known university." NCNU boasts a 148-hectare campus, ideally located in Puli, near the famous Sun Moon Lake. Its global features and solid local implementation capabilities offer unique advantages for cooperation with other higher education institutions.

The University of Taipei, a comprehensive university, was formed in 2013 by merging Taipei Municipal University of Education and Taipei Physical Education College. The university integrates the excellent traditions of both schools, creating a "model university for teacher education" and a "hub for gold-medal athletes" based on its strength in training outstanding sports competitors. Its academic research areas are broad, covering arts, music, dance, sports, leisure, environmental sciences, urban development, and even a cross-national exchange platform, the Shared Campus, established in cooperation with seven world art schools worldwide. This collaboration will undoubtedly bring more interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral exchange opportunities to the University of Taipei, thereby enhancing the depth and breadth of its academic research.

Overall, this collaboration can be described as a "grand event in academia." When two academically prominent institutions with their respective strengths choose to cooperate, the implications go far beyond surface-level exchanges and collaborations. This provides more opportunities for learning and research for both faculties and students and profoundly impacts the overall academic environment. Through this collaboration, it is anticipated that more interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperations will emerge, injecting more vitality and innovation into Taiwan's educational landscape.