From November 2nd to 8th (2025), a delegation headed up by NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang was in Vietnam for a time of academic exchange. The NPUST delegation included Dr. Yi-Hsien Lin (Dean of the College of Agriculture), Dr. Jik-Chang Leong (Dean of the International College), Dr. Ming-Tang Chiou (Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine), Dr. Ru-Chu Shih (Dean of International Affairs), Dr. Yu-Shen Liang (Chair of the Department of Plant Industry), and Dr. Mo-Sen Gao (Associate Professor, Department of Food Science).
While in Vietnam, the NPUST representatives visited Thai Nguyen University (TNU) and Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) to discuss cooperation opportunities. President Chang and Dean Ru-Chu Shih also attended the 2025 University Network for Tropical Agriculture (UNTA) Annual Meeting and the 6th National Conference on Animal and Veterinary Sciences at TUAF.
The visit to Thai Nguyen University was arranged at the invitation of its President, Dr. Hoang Van Hung, who received the guests with a warm reception. During the exchange, both parties introduced the university developments, academic strengths, and international cooperation achievements of their respective institutions. Discussions focused on faculty and student exchanges, dual-degree programs, and interdisciplinary research. That afternoon, the delegation from Taiwan visited classrooms of Chinese and English taught courses at TNU’s International School to interact with students and faculty. They also took part in Vietnamese cultural experiences to deepen educational and cultural ties.
The following day, the group visited Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) to conduct in-depth discussions on student exchanges and joint research. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by TUAF President Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang and NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang—marking a new chapter in the partnership between the two universities. The visitors then toured the Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Zone, the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, and the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Technology to learn about green energy applications and research outcomes.
From November 6th to 7th, President Chang and Dean Ru-Chu Shih attended the 2025 UNTA Annual Meeting and the 6th National Conference on Animal and Veterinary Sciences. NPUST serves as the Permanent Secretariat of the University Network for Tropical Agriculture (UNTA), assisting in the coordination and promotion of annual cooperation. This year’s meeting was hosted by TUAF under the theme “Green Transformation in Tropical Agricultural Universities,” bringing together member representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Guam (USA), and Taiwan in both physical and virtual formats.
The UNTA meeting featured four keynote speakers, including Dr. Ho Ngoc Son (Vice Director of Research & International Affairs, TUAF), Dr. Aksorn Saengtienchai (Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University), Prof. Widodo (Rector of Universitas Brawijaya), and Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba (Senior Vice President and Provost, University of Guam). Topics covered university green transformation, sustainable veterinary development in the green era, applications of green technology in agriculture, and sustainable consumption and green supply chains. Following the speeches, the annual General Assembly was held to discuss future cooperation in such areas as short-term student mobility, joint research publications, and faculty exchange programs—all with the framework of addressing shared challenges in tropical agriculture and environmental change.
Following the UNTA meeting, President Chang and Dean Ru-Chu Shih attended the 6th National Conference on Animal and Veterinary Sciences hosted by TUAF. This large-scale event gathered hundreds of experts and scholars in veterinary and livestock fields from across Vietnam, showcasing the country’s dedication to animal science. The experience provided NPUST with deeper insights into the current development of Vietnam’s livestock and veterinary sectors.
The visit to Vietnam resulted in multiple cooperation agreements with TNU and TUAF, including commitments to promote faculty and student exchanges, dual degrees, joint research, and summer camps. Plans were also made for students to study or intern in Taiwan and for faculty to conduct short-term visits. Both sides expressed a commitment to joint research projects and academic publications to enhance talent cultivation. The trip not only expanded NPUST’s partnerships in Vietnam, but also strengthened the unity of UNTA members on issues of tropical agricultural education and sustainable development, while further increasing Taiwan’s visibility in international agriculture-related research.
