With the rise of quantum research and AI, Tamkang University has partnered with 9 major companies to launch an INTENSE program to cultivate talent to meet industry needs. The Tamkang University INTENSE Program Industry-Academia Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony was held on May 21 in the Chueh Sheng International Conference Hall on the Tamsui campus. President Huan-Chao Keh represented Tamkang University in signing the industry-academia cooperation agreements with company representatives, marking the beginning of this new collaboration.
This INTENSE program plans to offer 2 English-taught master's programs: International Intense Master’s Program on Semiconductor and Quantum Testing in the Department of Physics and International Intense Master’s Program on AI Intelligent Machinery and Sustainable Manufacturing in the College of Engineering, with recruitment of 15 and 25 students, respectively. The programs are industry-oriented, jointly selected and cultivated by industry and academia, targeting overseas university graduates. Both the government and industry provide resources. Each student will receive up to 2 years of the Industry-Academia Scholarship from the National Development Fund, amounting to a maximum of NT$100,000, along with a one-time airfare to Taiwan and necessary administrative fees. The companies will provide a monthly living allowance of NT$10,000 and a minimum monthly internship stipend of NT$27,470, enhancing incentives for studying and working in Taiwan. The program also integrates a post-graduation employment mechanism in Taiwan, accelerating the supply of industry-required talent and promoting the retention of outstanding international students in Taiwan for employment.
President Keh expressed his gratitude to the 9 renowned companies that have partnered with Tamkang University and responded to the Ministry of Education's policy to encourage international students to come and stay in Taiwan. He noted that society faces the challenges of a declining birthrate, which impacts schools and businesses. Establishing specialized programs can help mitigate the effects on university admissions, assist companies in talent development, and provide international students with learning and employment opportunities, creating a win-win situation for all. He also hopes that Tamkang University and the companies will continue working closely to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Representatives from the participating companies included Integrated Service Technology (iST) Chairman and President Wei-Been Yu, Scientech Corp. President Ming-Chi Hsu, WPG Holdings Chief HR Officer David Li, Skywentex International Corp. President Johnny, PrefactorTech General Manager Yu-Chun Chen, 500net Tech Vice President Antony Hsu, InnoDisk Chairman Randy Chien, KEDGE Construction General Manager Yi-Fang Huang, and Feng Yu United Engineering Co., Ltd. Deputy General Manager Jen-Chung Chen. In their speeches, they emphasized the urgent need for professional talent in their respective industries and expressed gratitude to Tamkang University for initiating the INTENSE program. These companies will actively cooperate in talent cultivation. Several representatives, including Wei-Been Yu, Ming-Chi Hsu, and Randy Chien, are Tamkang alums. They expressed appreciation for their alma mater's nurturing and the opportunity to collaborate in solving industry challenges post-entrepreneurship. They look forward to strengthening ties and cooperation with Tamkang University for mutual benefit.
