Four Bicol University College of Engineering (BUCENG) faculty members explored best practices and established relationships in Taiwan through an international academic visit and cultural immersion at the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) and the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) from March 6 to 11, 2023.

The delegation included Engr. Joseph S. del Villar, Mechanical Engineering Department Head, Engr. Marites E. Olesco, Electrical Engineering Department Head, Engr. Alvin B. Luzong, University Structural Engineer, and Engr. Anna G. Bilaro, Civil Engineering Department Representative.

The activity facilitated knowledge sharing among BUCENG, NUK, and NKUST, allowing both parties to benefit from the exchange of “trade secrets.”

During their visit to NKUST, the BU delegation was welcomed by Dr. Heng-Sheng Lin, Associate Dean and Professor in the Department of Mold and Die Engineering, along with Dr. Chia-Cheng Fan, Chairman of the Department of Construction Engineering, Dr. Tao-Hsing Chen, Director of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Yu-Min Su, Faculty Member from the Department of Civil Engineering.

The second university visited was NUK, where the BUCENG faculty members were greeted by Dr. Hsing-Hao Wu, Dean, Office of International Affairs; Dr. Chuen-Yau Chen, Dean, College of Engineering; Ms. Vivian Yu-Chun Yeh, Director, Division of Academic Exchanges; Dr. Ja-Hwung Su, Professor, Department of Computer Science, and Information Engineering; Dr. Hsin-Hui Kuo, Director, Division of International Admissions and Promotion Office of International Affairs; Dr. Wen-Teng Chang, Chair and Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering; and Anna Hsu, Staff, Division of International Admissions and Promotion Office of International Affairs.

A productive exchange of ideas ensued as both university faculty members shared insights and delivered informative presentations on their backgrounds, course offerings, curriculum, and other focal areas.

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit NKUST’s engineering laboratories, including the Mold and Die Engineering Laboratories, Construction Materials Laboratory, Pavement Laboratory, and Instrumentation Room, providing first hand exposure to their cutting-edge facilities.

Meanwhile, at NUK, the visit also included presentations from both institutions, offering valuable insights into their respective strengths and areas of expertise. Although laboratory visits were not possible due to ongoing classes, the delegation explored the NUK campus. An invitation for lunch was extended by NUK, allowing for further discussions and networking opportunities as well as the exchange of tokens.

The BUCENG faculty members also had the privilege of visiting Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (ASE), a leading Taiwanese company. ASE provided informative presentations on their operations, job opportunities, and specific requirements for electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering graduates.

This international engagement was approved by Dr. Amelia B. Gonzales, BUCENG Dean, and facilitated by the International Relations Office, headed by Dr. Dimson M. Rivero. By participating in this collaborative endeavor, the BUCENG faculty members and the visited institutions in Taiwan established a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths, challenges, and potential areas for improvement and growth and potential replicable programs and practices. . (by Arnold C. Noda, MPS1-BUCPRO, with reports from Engr. Marites E. Olesco)