To strengthen students' global mobility and career development opportunities, the Department of Aerospace Engineering, represented by Chairperson Fu-Yuen Hsiao, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Russell M.T. CHAN, CEO and Grade I Flight Instructor of Flylink Aviation College, on May 13 at 10:30 a.m. in Room E210. The partnership aims to admit outstanding graduates into the college’s flight training programs under flexible entry conditions and robust academic resources, with scholarship support provided.
Established in 2017, Flylink is an Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)-approved flight training organization and a registered training provider. Under the agreement, the Department of Aerospace Engineering will recommend at least 3 graduates to enter the program annually, each receiving a scholarship of AUD 5,000 from Flylink. Additionally, Flylink will visit Tamkang University once or twice a year to promote its aviation courses and study abroad opportunities in Australia.
Chan attended the signing ceremony virtually. Also present were Angel Yang, Director of International Student Center (ISC); Wan-Chen Chang, Admissions Manager at Flylink; Prof. Tzung-Hang Lee, Dean of the College of Engineering, Artificial Innovative Intelligence College, and College of Precision Healthcare; and 6 aerospace engineering students. Dean Lee praised Flylink as an outstanding aviation training institution in his remarks. He highlighted that Tamkang’s Department of Aerospace Engineering is known for its academic rigor and has recently integrated AI and sustainability principles into its curriculum. He expressed strong confidence that the collaboration would cultivate excellent pilots through the combined strengths of both institutions.
Prof. Hsiao noted that although the department primarily focuses on aerospace engineering, two to three alumni each year pursue pilot careers at major airlines such as China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX. “Thanks to their solid engineering education, our alumni find academic training during pilot instruction manageable, and their deep understanding of aircraft systems supports their practical learning.” He hopes the MOU will provide wider career pathways for future graduates, stating, “This is truly an opportunity for Taiwanese students to soar into the world.”
“I’m very excited to partner with Tamkang University,” said Russell Chan. He explained that Flylink is located in an area with a favorable climate, a safe environment, and ideal weather conditions for flight training. Its training resources, faculty, and student learning outcomes all meet strict national standards. The college strongly emphasizes internationalization, with 85% of its students coming from overseas. He expressed his hope to personally visit Tamkang University in the future to foster deeper international collaboration and jointly cultivate talent for the future of aviation education.
“Becoming a pilot has always been one of my dreams,” said Wei-Ting Lin, a first-year aerospace master’s student who attended the ceremony. He noted that the department has recently expanded its collaborations with various institutions and believes that signing the MOU will create more career opportunities and choices in the future. Motivated by this partnership, he is determined to work hard and seize the opportunity to join Flylink and fulfill his dream before graduation.
Flylink’s main campus is at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, one of Queensland’s major general aviation hubs and a key flight training location. The college provides high-level flight training to students worldwide, including CASA pilot licenses, ratings, endorsements, and aviation diplomas recognized by Australian universities.
