Mapúa University made a significant visit to National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan on November 13, 2023. The purpose was to solidify an agreement memorandum for the Joint Conduct of the International Conference on Sustainable Environmental Technologies in 2025. The memorandum was signed by the President of National Chung Hsing University, Professor Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan, and the President of Mapúa University, Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo.
Mapúa University, established in 1925, is the Philippines’ premier engineering and technological school. The delegation included the newly appointed President, Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, who assumed office in July 2023, and Dr. Delia B. Senoro, the Director of the Office of International Linkages for Research and Development. On the National Chung Hsing University side, President Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan led the delegation, accompanied by Dr. Kai-Jung Chi, Associate Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Edith Su, Director of the Academic Exchange Division, and Dr. Ming-Chun Lu from the Department of Environmental Engineering.
President Jan warmly welcomed Mapúa University’s delegation, expressing excitement about future exchanges and collaboration. Despite the sisterhood agreement being established in 2023, both universities showed proactive attitudes, paving the way for increased collaboration. Dr. Maestrecampo highlighted Mapúa’s status as a distinguished engineering institution in the Philippines and its existing collaborations with Taiwanese institutions.
Both universities share rich histories, with only a six-year age gap in their founding. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential collaboration areas and deepen interaction between the two institutions, aiming for a fraternal partnership in the future. President Jan, on behalf of National Chung Hsing University, warmly welcomed Mapúa University’s delegation, expressing hope for continued opportunities for exchange and collaboration.
Post-conference, the Mapúa University delegation engaged with Dean Chieh-Chen Huang of the College of Life Sciences to discuss future collaboration areas. They also visited the NCHU Museum of Natural History and other relevant facilities. Following this, the delegation proceeded to the Department of Chemical Engineering, where they were welcomed by the department chair, Prof. Rong-Ho Lee, along with other faculty members. Discussions during laboratory tours covered potential initiatives such as joint research, faculty exchanges, and dual-degree programs.
This visit showcased the proactive collaborative spirit of both universities in education, with the potential to foster cultural and academic exchanges, opening new chapters for future cooperation between National Chung Hsing University and Mapúa University.