NEWS Malaysia

The NCKU Overseas Hub in Malaysia recently hosted a webinar titled “Explore Research in Taiwan: TEEP Internship Opportunities at NCKU”, introducing prospective students to cutting-edge research and training opportunities under the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP). Three distinguished NCKU researchers presented their work and outlined the qualities they seek in prospective interns.

Miss Alice Chen – Education Division, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Malaysia

Miss Alice opened the session by introducing the TEEP. She explained that TEEP, launched by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, provides international students with the opportunity to participate in short-term research and academic internships across Taiwanese universities. The program allows students to gain hands-on research experience, build cross-border collaborations, and immerse themselves in Taiwan’s academic and cultural environment. She highlighted that TEEP is open to bachelor’s, master’s, and recent graduates (excluding PhD holders) and offers internships ranging from two to six months, with eligible students receiving a monthly stipend of up to NTD 15,000.

Prof. Yu-Chuan Lin – Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering

Prof. Lin’s research group focuses on advancing heterogeneous catalysis for sustainable energy, with projects on CO₂ hydrogenation, methane conversion, and plasma-assisted catalysis. His lab combines experimental approaches with emerging tools such as AI-driven catalyst design, offering students the chance to contribute to solutions for global energy challenges.

Prof. Lin is seeking candidates with a BS or MS degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields. Applicants with prior catalysis research experience are strongly encouraged to apply. He emphasizes the importance of a self-motivated attitude and a positive approach to learning. A six-month internship duration is preferred, particularly for students considering pursuing advanced degrees at NCKU.

Assoc. Prof. Ting-Yuan Tu – Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering

Dr. Tu leads a research group dedicated to developing advanced in vitro models enhanced with artificial intelligence to study cancer biology and treatment responses. His work integrates microfluidic technologies, organoid and tumor models, and AI-driven analysis to accelerate drug screening, personalize cancer therapies, and bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications.

Through the TEEP program, students have the opportunity to join Dr. Tu’s lab and gain hands-on interdisciplinary training in biomedical engineering. Two tracks are available:

• Dry Lab Track – Computational Imaging, AI & Microfluidic Simulation
  Ideal for those with experience in Python, MATLAB, image processing, deep learning, COMSOL, CFD, or biomedical modeling.
• Wet Lab Track – Cancer Biology, Organoids, Microfluidics & 3D Printing
  Suitable for students with backgrounds in biomedical engineering, microfabrication, cell culture, lab techniques, 3D printing, or polymer chemistry.

Dr. Tu encourages motivated students to apply, noting that the internship offers not only research experience but also exposure to an international, collaborative environment at NCKU.

Assoc. Prof. Teng-Hao Chen – School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine

Assoc. Prof. Teng-Hao Chen’s research group is dedicated to synthesizing novel functional porous materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous molecular crystals (PMCs), and supramolecular cages. In response to the challenges of a growing global population and rising energy demands, his team develops advanced porous materials for applications in energy storage, CO₂ capture, and nanomedicine.

Students who join Dr. Chen’s group through the TEEP program will gain comprehensive training in synthetic chemistry, material characterization, and the design of innovative applications with real-world impact. The lab provides a highly collaborative environment, ideal for those with backgrounds in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, or materials science.

Building Bridges for Malaysian Students

The session provided students with a clear view of the diverse research landscape at NCKU and the unique training opportunities under TEEP. The speakers encouraged students to approach internships not only as research training but also as a chance to immerse in Taiwan’s academic culture, collaborate internationally, and contribute to impactful discoveries.

With its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, NCKU continues to strengthen ties with Malaysian institutions, nurturing the next generation of researchers through meaningful cross-border exchange.