To strengthen higher education collaboration between Taiwan and Malaysia and broaden students’ international perspectives, a delegation of more than 30 faculty members and students from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU), led by seven faculty members, visited Universiti Malaya (UM) from October 19 to 22, 2026. The visit featured a joint academic forum, research presentations, a Cisco networking workshop, and campus cultural activities. Both universities also explored opportunities for student exchanges and research collaboration, laying the groundwork for stronger academic partnerships.
The delegation was co-led by Professor Chien-Sung Chiu, Dean of the College of Intelligent Computing and Quantum Information, and Professor Yu-Kun Lai, Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering. Participating faculty members included Assistant Professors Yi Cha, Hsin-Hung Chang, Yi-Lin Ho, and Thi Thanh An Nguyen, along with Associate Professor Hung-Huan Liu. Representing expertise in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, and intelligent computing, the delegation highlighted CYCU’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning, practical education, and international engagement.
The joint forum opened with Dean Chiu presenting a commemorative gift to UM representatives. Assistant Professor Yi Cha then introduced CYCU’s educational strengths and academic developments, while Dr. Saaidal Razalli Azzuhri, Deputy Dean of Research at UM’s Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FSKTM), shared the faculty’s research priorities. These exchanges fostered mutual understanding of both institutions’ academic strengths and research directions.
During the forum, faculty members from both universities shared their latest research directions and achievements, while undergraduate and graduate students presented their research projects and practical outcomes. CYCU students delivered their presentations entirely in English, strengthening their professional communication and cross-cultural skills through interactive academic exchanges.
Another highlight of the visit was a hands-on networking workshop held at Universiti Malaya’s Cisco CCNA Network Lab. Under the guidance of Dr. Ling Teck Chaw, Dr. Ang Tan Fong, and teaching assistants, students worked in groups to configure switches, routers, and network topologies, gaining practical experience in connecting separate computer networks and setting up networking equipment.
Unlike traditional classroom lectures or software simulations, the workshop provided students with direct experience using physical networking devices, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios while strengthening their practical skills in network communication, device configuration, and system integration.
In addition to academic presentations and hands-on workshops, CYCU faculty members met with Dr. Norisma Idris, Dean of Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FSKTM); Dr. Saaidal Razalli Azzuhri, Deputy Dean of Research; and Dr. Ong Sim Ying, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies. Discussions focused on future student exchange programs, research collaboration, and mechanisms for continued academic engagement. These face-to-face exchanges deepened mutual understanding of both institutions’ teaching and research strengths while exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
The CYCU delegation also visited Universiti Malaya’s art gallery, university history museum, and other cultural facilities, gaining insights into the institution’s history and campus culture. These visits extended students’ learning beyond academic and technical exchanges, offering valuable multicultural experiences. By exploring different aspects of higher education abroad, students gained a deeper appreciation of international exchange as an opportunity not only to share knowledge and technology but also to embrace cultural diversity and broaden their global perspectives.
The CYCU delegation also visited the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, engaging with Taiwanese representatives and alumni to explore Taiwan–Malaysia higher education cooperation, student exchanges, and scholarship opportunities. The visit highlighted the strong support of CYCU’s alumni network for international engagement.
Additionally, the delegation visited Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) Sungai Long Campus, where discussions with Dr. Choon Hian Goh focused on engineering education and research development, further strengthening academic connections and broadening international perspectives.
Participating students gained valuable experience through English-language research presentations, hands-on workshops, and cultural exchanges, strengthening their professional skills, confidence, and global perspectives.
Professor Yu-Kun Lai, Chair of CYCU’s Department of Electrical Engineering, expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Education’s EMI program support and the collaborative efforts of both universities. He emphasized the importance of expanding student exchanges and research partnerships.
Guided by its philosophy of holistic education, CYCU will continue to strengthen Taiwan–Malaysia academic collaboration, fostering globally minded technology professionals with practical expertise, cross-cultural communication skills, and humanistic values.
