The Vice President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), Dr. Kazuko Matsumoto visited TKU and met with Dr. Flora Chang, the President on the 21st of November. When these two outstanding female scholars met, an instant bond was formed based on mutual respect and admiration. Dr. Change praised Dr. Kazuko Matsumoto for her unusual status as an accomplished academia and a scientist in Japan, while she praised Dr. Chang for her achievement and leadership in the Higher Education in Taiwan.

Dr. Kazuko Matsumoto received her doctoral degree from the most eminent university in Japan, the University of Tokyo and teaches at the Waseda University, a sister university of TKU presently. This is her first visit to Taiwan and was deeply impressed by TKU’s architecture that bridges the East and West and the garden-like campus. She was equally impressed by Dr. Clement Chang, the Founder, who enlightened her with his illuminating future-oriented vision.

Her invitation was initiated by Dr. Chen Kan-nan, the Director of TKU’s Center for R&D, who is also the Secretary General of the Chinese Chemical Society. He regards her visit a great honor, as this outstanding female scientist will take over the presidency of IPUAC in 2007. Her international influence will be of vital importance to TKU. (~ Ying-hsueh Hu )