Advancing in parallel across semiconductors and smart manufacturing, while expanding academic influence throughout Southeast Asia

Asia University (AU) continues to make significant strides in internationalization. On April 20th, Dr. HOANG ANH TUAN, President of Thanh Hoa College of Industry (THCI), Vietnam, led a high-level delegation—including the Chief Financial Officer and the Deans of the Colleges of Information & Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering—to visit Asia University. The visit focused on deep exchanges in semiconductor talent cultivation, electrical automation, and mechanical engineering, with the aim of enhancing regional industrial competitiveness through institutional cooperation.

On behalf of Asia University, Dr. Yuh-Jiuan Pang, Director of Center for Cross-strait Education Exchange, warmly welcomed the delegation at Conference Room A115. During her opening remarks, Director Pang noted that AU's College of Information and Electrical Engineering has built a solid foundation in semiconductor R&D and smart manufacturing. As THCI is a major hub for industrial talent in central Vietnam, she emphasized the immense potential for collaboration in technology R&D and talent exchange between the two institutions.

THCI: A Powerhouse in Nurturing High-Tech Talent Thanh Hoa College of Industry is a highly influential technical institution in Vietnam, currently home to approximately 5,000 students. Specializing in fields such as electrical automation and mechanical engineering, THCI provides critical support for Vietnam's local industrial upgrades. President Dr. HOANG ANH TUAN expressed that Asia University’s rapid ascent in global rankings and its excellence in smart healthcare and semiconductors make it a top-tier partner for THCI.

Dr. Jung-Jie Huang, Vice President of Asia University (sixth from left), along with the delegation from Thanh Hoa College of Industry, Vietnam, took a group photo at the Optoelectronics Center, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in international industry-academia collaboration.

A Blueprint for Future Cooperation: Focus on Undergraduate Degrees and Faculty Development During the meeting, both parties reached a consensus on several substantive cooperation projects, focusing on:
1. Four-Year Undergraduate Degree Programs: Attracting top high school graduates from THCI to pursue bachelor's degrees at Asia University, cultivating technical professionals with an international perspective.
2. Faculty Advancement and Academic Research: Encouraging current THCI faculty members to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees at Asia University to enhance their academic standing and professional research capabilities.

Touring the Semiconductor Center: Showcasing Industry-Standard Teaching Excellence The delegation was later guided by Vice President Dr. Jung-Jie Huang on a tour of the Professional Research Laboratory within the Semiconductor Center. The lab is equipped with high-end, industry-standard instruments, including Sputtering systems, Evaporation systems, and Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) systems. The delegation also visited the Semiconductor Situational Classroom to view various awards and honors, expressing high admiration for AU’s ability to systematically integrate industrial technology with education.

Strengthening Friendship Amidst Campus Beauty Following the meetings and tours, the Office of International Affairs arranged a walk through the AU campus, where guests admired the iconic Greek-style dome of the Administration Building. Although the Asia University Museum of Modern Art was closed that day, the delegation was deeply impressed by the campus atmosphere, which seamlessly blends technology with the humanities.

The Office of International Affairs stated that it will continue to align with the government's New Southbound Policy, establishing more substantive partnerships with key industrial institutions in Vietnam to further expand Asia University's academic influence across Southeast Asia.

Vice President Dr. Jung-Jie Huang (front left) personally briefs the delegation from Thanh Hoa College of Industry on the equipment layout of the Semiconductor Industry-Academia Pilot Center. He demonstrated how Asia University utilizes the "Professional Research Laboratory" to simulate real-world industrial environments, achieving the goal of hands-on practical education.

Dr. Yuh-Jiuan Pang, Director of Center for Cross-strait Education Exchange (right), on behalf of the university, exchanges commemorative gifts with Dr. HOANG ANH TUAN, President of Thanh Hoa College of Industry (left). Both parties expressed high expectations for closer cooperation in academic and technical talent cultivation between Taiwan and Vietnam.