UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has officially opened the Taiwan Center in collaboration with Chaoyang University of Technology, Taiwan. The center was inaugurated by UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, MT, Ak, CA, and Chaoyang University President Prof. Tao-Ming Cheng on Monday, April 21, 2025, on the 12th floor of the ASEEC Tower at UNAIR’s Dharmawangsa – B Campus.

The Taiwan Center represents a significant milestone in UNAIR’s efforts to strengthen academic and cultural ties with Taiwan through higher education. According to Prof. Nasih, the initiative marks a step forward in UNAIR’s commitment to playing a more active role on the global academic stage.

Prof. Nasih emphasized that the establishment of the Taiwan Center is expected to deepen existing academic partnerships between Taiwan and Indonesia, particularly through UNAIR. To date, UNAIR has established collaborations with around 25 Taiwanese institutions. “Specifically at UNAIR, we already work with at least 25 partner institutions in Taiwan. We hope this center will serve as a bridge not only for academic collaboration but also cultural understanding,” he said.

Fostering research collaborations

Prof. Nasih noted that both institutions have already engaged in student exchange programs and joint research initiatives. The Taiwan Center, he added, will help broaden awareness and participation among UNAIR students and faculty members in these programs. “We have Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), which could further drive collaboration in areas such as technology research, IT, and other fields where we hold expertise,” he explained.

According to Prof. Nasih, the Taiwan Center symbolizes more than just the start of a partnership. It also reflects a long-term commitment to fostering a brighter future for education. “This center is just the beginning. We hope this collaboration will continue to grow and bring about meaningful outcomes,” said the professor from UNAIR’s Faculty of Economics and Business.

Chaoyang University of Technology supports

Echoing Prof. Nasih’s remarks, Prof. Tao-Ming Cheng expressed strong support for the initiative. He pledged Chaoyang University’s commitment to facilitating various programs that will strengthen the partnership, including scholarships and student exchanges. “We’re ready to support Indonesian students who wish to pursue higher education in Taiwan. We’re also offering significant opportunities for joint research and scholarships,” he said.

Prof. Tao-Ming Cheng also noted that Taiwan’s higher education system provides unique advantages for international students, thanks to strong backing from both industry and government. “Universities in Taiwan work closely with industry and receive substantial support from the Ministry of Education. This allows Indonesian students participating in exchange programs to gain hands-on knowledge and experience directly from the industry,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Issac C. Chiu, Director General of TETO Surabaya; Yu-Huei Yang, a representative from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education; Dr. Beny Bandanadjaja, ST, MT, from Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology; as well as representatives from various academic institutions.

Author: Yulia Rohmawati