On the morning of May 29, 2024, the VNU University of Science, Hanoi, held a meeting with the College of Engineering, Yang Ming Chiao Tung University to explore opportunities for students to experience and study at the second-ranked university in Taiwan.
Welcoming and working with the College of Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU/CE), were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang, Vice Rector of the VNU University of Science, Hanoi, leaders of the Office of Cooperation and Development, and representatives from the Faculties of Physics, Chemistry, and Environment.
At the beginning of the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang warmly welcomed the delegation from the College of Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan. Based on the cooperation already established between the university and NYCU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang expressed the desire to move towards signing a direct memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the College of Engineering and the VNU University of Science, Hanoi. He emphasized that both sides would engage in more detailed discussions to finalize the official signing in the near future.
Representing the College of Engineering at NYCU, Prof. Dr. Albert T. Yeung, Director of the Institute of Environmental Engineering, gave an overview presentation about the university. He explained that NYCU currently operates a "semiconductor ecosystem," which involves close collaboration among several units within the university, including the College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Science, College of Engineering, International College of Semiconductor Technology, Industry-Academia Innovation School, and the Undergraduate Honors Program of Nano Science and Engineering. This "semiconductor ecosystem" at NYCU now consists of around 160 semiconductor faculty and approximately 2,000 students. Notably, the academic programs at NYCU's College of Engineering have achieved IEET accreditation, a prestigious recognition that allows graduates to be recognized in leading countries around the world.
The presentation regarding internship programs for students was a key point of interest and thoroughly discussed by both sides. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang affirmed that exchange internship programs are highly valuable and essential for students. In particular, the internship program being developed by NYCU/CE not only offers opportunities for students to explore and experience Taiwan but also enables them to engage in academic exchanges and earn necessary credits for their respective training programs.
The internship programs currently offered by NYCU/CE are as follows:
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International Internship Pilot Program: Lasting 3 months (from mid-May 2024 to February 2025), this program is available to international undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students who have completed an exchange program in Taiwan but have not yet returned to their home countries. Participants can receive a stipend of NT$30,000 per intern per month for up to 3 months.
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Special Program for International Semiconductor Talent Development: Master's students can participate in this program and receive full tuition waivers, airfare sponsorship, and a monthly stipend of NT$10,000 for 2 years. Notably, this program provides the opportunity for a paid summer internship at leading semiconductor companies such as Micron and Phison.
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2024 Summer International Exchange Program: Taking place from July 1 to July 13, 2024, this program offers students the chance to explore life, the environment, and the academic programs at NCYU, one of Taiwan's top universities. Over the course of two weeks, participants will attend four courses, each lasting 16 hours. Upon completion, students will earn equivalent credits for their training programs. The program also provides accommodation, lunch, cultural and technology exploration trips. Students in fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Chemical Engineering are eligible to apply.
After learning about the exchange and training programs from NYCU/CE, the leadership of VNU University of Science, Hanoi, highly appreciated the significance of the programs. However, to promote and facilitate opportunities for students to participate, representatives from the university leadership, various faculties, and the Department of Cooperation and Development held detailed discussions to clarify and streamline the implementation process.
Following the proposal from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngac An Bang, Vice Rector of the university, the NYCU/CE representatives agreed to increase the number of participating students from the university to 10, instead of the previous limit of around 5. Additionally, the university expressed the hope that NYCU/CE would assist in expediting and simplifying the application process for students. This includes the proposal from VNU University of Science, Hanoi, to shift from in-person interviews to submitting potential candidates' profiles for selection by the Taiwanese side.
In addition, the faculty leaders expressed strong goodwill in developing cooperation with NYCU/CE. To ensure that the collaboration is effective and deep, as well as to expand opportunities for students to study in Taiwan, VNU University of Science, Hanoi, hopes to promote activities such as: a tripartite cooperation model between NYCU/CE, VNU University of Science, and businesses in the semiconductor technology field; research collaboration; jointly organizing international conferences and specialized seminars; and developing online lectures.
Given the current appeal of the semiconductor technology field, the opportunity to explore and engage in academic exchanges at NYCU/CE presents a meaningful experience for students of VNU University of Science, Hanoi, who are studying and passionate about this area.