Kyushu-Okinawa and Taiwan Universities Forge International Collaboration Agreement, Bridging Geographical Boundaries
On April 22, 2024, the Kyushu Okinawa Open University (KOOU), an organization of 11 national university corporations in the Kyushu-Okinawa region, and The University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT), an academic platform for universities in Taiwan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on international collaboration and cooperation.
On the same day, a forum titled “KOOU-UAAT Forum on Higher Education” was held, which incorporated the MOU signing ceremony. At the forum, each platform introduced its activities and delivered keynote speeches for future exchanges. The forum also included a networking reception.
KOOU was established in March 2023 to promote collaboration among 11 national university corporations with a focus on boosting research capabilities. The new collaboration with UAAT will promote international research, education, and human resource development while leveraging the strengths of participating universities in the Kyushu-Okinawa region.
Date of MOU conclusion
April 22, 2024
Participating universities
Kyushu Okinawa Open University (KOOU)
- University of Teacher Education Fukuoka
- Kyushu University
- Kyushu Institute of Technology
- Saga University
- Nagasaki University
- Kumamoto University
- Oita University
- University of Miyazaki
- Kagoshima University
- National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya
- University of the Ryukyus
The University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT)
- National Taiwan University
- National Cheng Kung University
- National Tsing Hua University
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- National Sun Yat-sen University
- National Taipei University of Science and Technology
- National Chengchi University
- National Chung Hsing University
- National Central University
- National Taiwan Normal University
- Taipei Medical University
- National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Fields for collaboration
Both alliances have identified potential fields for collaboration, and will work on activities expected to contribute to research, education, and human resource development in the following areas:
- Semiconductors
- Life Sciences
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Mandarin Language
Statement
Tatsuro Ishibashi, President / Kyushu University
Representative of Kyushu Okinawa Open University (KOOU)
With the conclusion of this agreement, we will deepen discussions on specific collaborations between Taiwan and the Kyushu-Okinawa region in research, education, and talent cultivation, focusing on the six identified areas. We believe that these activities will expand the scope and diversity of education and research on both sides, broaden approaches to solving social issues, and open new perspectives for students and researchers. Therefore, they will bring meaningful outcomes in terms of education, research, and innovation.
Wen-Chang Chen, President / National Taiwan University
Representative of The University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT)
The signing of agreement today reinforces the long-standing bond across Taiwan, Kyushu and Okinawa. It marks a milestone and commitment to international collaboration and pursuit of excellence in research, education and talent cultivation. Together, we strive to establish a new model of international collaboration that transcends geographical boundaries. With leveraging our collective intellect, resources and strengths, we shall work together to tackle challenges and issues having global impacts and critical to sustainable development of societies. We truly believe the collaboration will further enrich the teaching and learning, research and innovation, and mutual exchange of faculty and students on both sides, contributing to a more resilient and prosperous future.
Signing of the MOU
President Ishibashi making an address
Introduction of KOOU by Executive Vice President Aratono from Kyushu University
Keynote speech by Prof. Koji Inoue, Faculty of Information Science & Electrical Engineering, representing KOOU
About Each Platform
Kyushu Okinawa Open University (KOOU)
Established in 2023, KOOU promotes collaborative cooperation among all 11 national university corporations in the Kyushu-Okinawa region, aiming to mutually improve research capabilities. In FY2024, academic events for young researchers and networking meetings to improve the quality of University Research Administrators (URAs) have been planned.
The main goals include:
- Enhancing research capabilities and facilitating the exchange of researchers and students
- Promoting the shared use of research facilities and equipment
- Managing and utilizing research data
- Improving the qualifications of research support professionals
The University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT)
Launched in 2023, UAAT consists of 12 major universities in Taiwan and promotes academic collaboration in various fields including semiconductors, finance, and international communication.