The 9th Taiwan-Japan Bilateral Academic Symposium, jointly organized by National United University (NUU), the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Japan, and the National Institute of Technology, Kochi College (Kochi Kosen), was held on September 21–22, 2026, at the International Conference Center on NUU’s Bajia Campus. A total of 114 oral presentations and 60 poster presentations were presented, bringing the total number of research papers to 174—the highest number in the symposium’s history. The event highlighted the continued academic exchange and collaboration between Taiwan and Japan in research and talent development.

The opening ceremony on September 21 brought together NUU President Hou Ti-Kuang, KOSEN Director Tadaomi Eguchi, Kochi Kosen President Mitsuru Muramoto, as well as faculty, students, and representatives from universities and colleges in Taiwan and Japan. In his opening remarks, President Hou noted that in a rapidly changing world, Taiwan and Japan should combine their respective strengths to cultivate professionals with a global perspective. KOSEN Director Eguchi highlighted the symposium as a valuable opportunity for faculty and students from both sides to engage in academic dialogue and further strengthen their connections. Kochi Kosen President Muramoto also recognized the achievements of past exchanges and expressed his hope that continued research sharing and discussion would further expand the partnership between the two sides.

This year’s symposium covered a wide range of fields, including engineering and technology, management, industrial design, and language and culture. Over the two-day event, faculty and students from Taiwan and Japan exchanged knowledge and practical experience through research presentations, on-site Q&A sessions, and interdisciplinary discussions. One of the highlights was the Taiwan-Japan Bilateral Internship Showcase, where students who had participated in international internships shared their experiences, professional learning, and cross-cultural interactions. Their firsthand accounts demonstrated how international internships can connect academic learning with practical experience and cultural exchange, making practice-based talent development a key focus of the symposium.

In addition to academic and professional presentations, NUU hosted a networking dinner on the first evening, providing faculty and students from Taiwan and Japan with an opportunity to interact and learn more about each other beyond the formal program. Before the symposium, international guests were also invited to visit Zhuo Ye Cottage in Sanyi Township, Miaoli, known for its indigo-dyeing crafts. Through hands-on activities, participants experienced local culture and gained a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s traditional crafts.

At the closing ceremony on September 22, it was announced that the 10th Taiwan-Japan Bilateral Academic Symposium in 2027 will be hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Anan College, Japan, with President Kyoko Owada representing the institution in taking on the responsibility. NUU looks forward to building on the achievements of this year’s symposium through faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research, and further educational cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, while sharing new research developments in Japan next year.

Photos and text provided by the International Affairs Division; edited and published by the Office of the President
September 24, 2026