Nearly 500 overseas students from more than 40 different countries and regions are currently studying at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST). In order to help these students to quickly integrate into campus life and get familiar with local laws and regulations in Taiwan, the Office of International Affairs organizes campus safety activities every semester. The most recent installment was hosted on May 21 (2025) by Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs, Ya Ling Wu, who invited the Pingtung County Police Department to the school to share information on traffic safety and anti-fraud precautions in an easy-to-understand manner.
Vice-Dean Ya Ling Wu explained that “recently, major traffic accidents have occurred on and off campus. So, please stay alert at all times, keep your speed down, and ensure your own personal safety when riding motorcycles”. Wu also thanked Chief Yi-Lung Kuo of the Neipu Branch of the County Police Department, Pingtung County Police Department Foreign Affairs Section Chief Wu-Hsuan Lo and his staff, and the Maternal and Child Health Section and the Traffic Section of the Neipu Police Branch for visiting the school and assisting with the promotional activities.
Division Chief Kuo pointed out to the students that the among the top ten accident-prone intersections, four are located along Shoubi Road and one is on Keda Road (two main roads connecting the campus to the outside world). He called on everyone to pay attention to driving safety, to not drive without a license, and to slow down—as speed is a major factor in accidents.
The traffic safety and anti-fraud presentation for overseas students was proved by Officer Chia-Yun Chen from the Foreign Affairs Division of the Pingtung County Police Department. She reminded the students to protect their personal belongings at all times—such as laptops, wallets, passports, motorcycles— to prevent them from falling into the hands of thieves.
The Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act was also an important item of attention. Officer Chen explained the definition of stalking and harassment to the students, covering the eight behavioral patterns of stalking and harassment. She also explained the procedures used by the police to handle cases, including penalties and court-issued protection orders.
Regarding traffic safety regulations, it was explained to the overseas students that they can exchange their international driver’s licenses for a driver’s license valid for up to one year, but after that, they will need to pass an exam to obtain a local driver’s license—and they shouldn’t drive without a license. For light electric scooters, licenses are not required, but riders still need to wear a helmet and obey traffic regulations.
The officer also warned the international students about fraud, explaining that if they are to encounter any suspicious business activities while working, they should report it to the school security or police. They should also never pay money in exchange for a job opportunity, or give their passport or residence permit to their employer for safekeeping. The students were also warned to never trust high-return investments or singe-page website ads, and they should be aware of and on guard against telephone scams.
At the end of the safety seminar, the police officers held a quiz with prizes, asking questions like whether a driver’s license is required for light electric motorcycles, what the anti-fraud hotline is, what should you do if you lose your wallet, and where the nearest police station is. The activity offered good insight for students new to Taiwan—and thanks to the clear explanations provided by the officers, they will be better equipped to face certain legal issues that they could potentially encounter during their time here.
