This summer, nine CYCU students, guided by Prof. Hsiu-Li Liao and joined by an ASUS volunteer, completed a two-week ICT service program in Khon Kaen, Thailand—marking the ninth year of the university’s engagement there. Courses included VR, AI tools, robotics, Scratch, deep learning, and cultural exchange, enhancing digital skills and drawing enthusiastic participation from local teachers and students.
Prof. Hsiu-Li Liao, Chair of the Department of Information Management and leader of the CYCU volunteer team, expressed pride in seeing students apply their digital skills abroad and overcome technical challenges to successfully introduce VR and AI to local teachers and students. She emphasized that service learning is not only about knowledge transfer but also about cross-cultural exchange and personal growth, calling students’ creativity and resilience “the best embodiment of CYCU’s holistic education.”
The program featured cutting-edge AI applications alongside the popular VR curriculum from last year. Local students, many experiencing VR for the first time, were amazed by the immersive learning, eagerly capturing the moment on their phones. Feedback highlighted that the AI course’s focus on résumé writing and career planning was especially practical, showing how technology-based learning can directly benefit students’ futures.
CYCU’s “Thai-Khong-Man-You” international volunteer team received strong support this year from the ASUS Foundation and the Youth Development Administration, Ministry of Education. The participating students also gained valuable growth. Lin Ssu-Chi noted, “From course design to classroom teaching, every step required teamwork and quick adjustments. I learned how to lead a group and solve problems together.” Hou Wen-Chia reflected, “Cross-cultural exchange is more than language—it requires empathy and patience. This experience gave me greater confidence for future challenges.” Hsu Shih-Hua added, “Seeing students so excited and fully engaged in the VR lessons, with eyes shining, made me realize my efforts truly made an impact. That growth is priceless.”
The program was also highly recognized by the local community. Prof. Dr. Krasae Chanawongse, founder of the College of Asian Scholars and former Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs, warmly welcomed the CYCU team and shared life wisdom and leadership insights during their exchange. He praised Taiwan’s education system and expressed hopes that bilateral cooperation would help advance education and economic development in Northeast Thailand. CAS even displayed a wooden “Welcome” sign to honor CYCU as the first international volunteer team to visit regularly—an appreciation with profound meaning.
CYCU noted that Khon Kaen is one of the key cities promoted under the United Nations’ socio-economic development program. For many years, faculty and students from the Department of Information Management have continued service in the region, using digital technologies to make Khon Kaen a hub for cross-border educational collaboration. Looking ahead, CYCU will further advance applications of AI and emerging technologies, extend its efforts to more countries in need, and deepen international education services—demonstrating the university’s global responsibility and educational mission.
