NEWS Vietnam

WEBINAR “NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY: A LAND OF WONDERS”

Building on the success of previous Webinars such as "The Future Begins Here," "Fly High with NCKU," "Achieve Your Dream with NCKU," "NCKU Bright Future - Scholarship Program," and the most recent "Road to National Cheng Kung University," The 6^th Webinar of NCKU's Admission and Scholarship Program, "National Cheng Kung University: A Land of Wonders," was held on March 4^th, 2025. This year’s event continued the tradition of providing prospective students and researchers with valuable insights. The Webinar featured comprehensive information about NCKU’s 2025 Fall Admissions and Scholarship opportunities, while highlighting the university’s academic programs, research excellence, and state-of-the-art campus facilities.

 Watch the Webinar's Livestream Record:

https://www.facebook.com/ohinvietnam/videos/914399033941908?locale=vi_VN

Group photos

The event was honored by the participation of distinguished representatives from the NCKU Office of International Affairs (OIA), Professors, and keynote Speakers from various Departments/Centers. Notable attendees include: Dr. Ngo Thi Minh Hien - Director of NCKU Overseas Hub in Vietnam (NCKU OH); Ms. Amber Yen - Coordinator, Division of Overseas Recruitment and Admission, OIA; Ms. Franca Pai - Manager, Division of Study Abroad, OIA; Prof. Li-Hsiang Grace Yi - Assistant Professor, Institute of International Management; Ms. Jia-Jia Hou - Senior Program Manager, Chinese Language Center; Prof. Chih-Hsing Liu - Associate Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Tran Ngoc Thanh Thuy - Assistant Researcher, Hierarchical Green-Energy Materials Research Center.

Occupation from online registration

The Webinar brought together a vibrant mix of scholars, researchers, educators, and students from various fields and regions. The pre-event registration data showcased the diversity of participants, including 37% Undergraduate Students, 29% University Staff, 19% Graduate Student, 8% Industry, 3% High School, 2% Government and 2% Hospital. This dynamic participation underscored the event's relevance and impact, enhancing NCKU's reputation while showcasing the strong interest in its study abroad program and scholarship offerings.

Moderator Dr. Minh Hien in the Opening remark

Beginning with Opening remarks, Dr. Minh Hien extended a heartfelt welcome to all participants and outlined the Webinar's objectives. The session aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the eligibility criteria, application processes, NCKU’s Summer/Internship program, and various scholarship opportunities. Additionally, it is an occasion to display the University's globally recognized and advanced academic environment, which is necessary for fostering the pursuit of higher education among international students/researchers.

Following the Opening Remarks, Ms. Amber Yen delivered an engaging presentation, showcasing NCKU and Tainan, highlighting the environment and opportunities available. She emphasized NCKU’s dynamic and innovative environment for students/researchers, reinforced by its high global ranking. Ms. Amber then outlined a range of scholarship programs, including the NCKU Scholarship for international students and researchers, as well as those funded by the Taiwanese government, such as MOE, MOFA, and NSTC, available for both Spring and Fall semesters. Participants were advised to carefully prepare the required documents and adhere to the application deadlines to maximize success. Not only did Ms. Amber Yen detail the scholarships, but she also provided a step-by-step guideline for the application process for international students/researchers and encouraged attendees to seek clarification on any queries. For personalized support, participants were directed to contact the Office of International Affairs (OIA) via email.

Ms. Amber Yen from the Division of Overseas Recruitment and Admission, Office of International Affairs shared

the admission information and available scholarship offers

Following Ms. Amber Yen's presentation, Ms. Franca Pai continued the OIA session with a concise presentation of NCKU’s Exchange and Internship Programs, aiming to generate interest and encourage Vietnamese students to explore these opportunities. The Manager of the Division of Study Abroad outlined the program’s two-semester schedule: the 2025 Fall semester with a deadline of April 10^th, and the 2025 Spring semester with a deadline of October 8^th. Participating students have the opportunity to engage in the program for a duration of five months and dedicate two hours of weekly Chinese language study. Ms. Franca then introduced two upcoming internship programs. The first one is the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) Internship, which offers undergraduate and graduate students up to 6 months of high-quality education in Taiwan and facilitates connections within the Asian job market, providing a monthly stipend of 12.000 NTD. The second one is the International Internship Pilot Program (IIPP), providing undergraduate and graduate students with a 3-month internship in Universities in Taiwan with a monthly stipend of 30.000 NTD.

Ms. Franca Pai from the Division of Study Abroad, Office of International Affairs presented NCKU’s Exchange and Internship Programs

Underlining the diverse academic landscape, Asst. Prof. Grace Li-Hsiang Yi presented an engaging look into the Institute of International Management (IMBA). Prof’s discussion focused on the Program's unique attributes and the Department's strong support for international students, manifested through various scholarship and sponsorship avenues. In the meantime, Prof. Grace detailed some key requirements of the IMBA Program to ensure the best preparation from applicants, while also highlighting the practical advantages of IMBA, notably the availability of internships during both academic semesters and breaks. Prof. Grace positioned IMBA as a vibrant, multicultural hub, designed to foster language development, cross-cultural competence, and critical thinking. Concluding the presentation, Prof. Grace encouraged interactive dialogue and extended an invitation to connect with the Speaker.

Asst. Prof. Grace Li-Hsiang Yi from the Institute of International Management presented IMBA Program and its offers during the Webinar.

Building on the momentum of the IMBA presentation, Ms. Jia-Jia Hou, representing the NCKU Chinese Language Center, introduced the Center and its offerings. Highlighting its extensive history and global collaborations, she underscored the Center’s dedication to fostering linguistic and cultural exchange. The Senior Program Manager detailed a range of immersive programs to enhance language learning experiences. Each year, the Center welcomes over 1,000 foreign students from more than 50 different countries who come to study Mandarin Chinese. Given these intensive interests, the Center offers four seasonal programs (10-11 weeks) and a short-term summer program (5 weeks). Instruction is available in small groups (up to 13 members) or through one-on-one sessions. Beyond traditional classroom instructions, the curriculum integrates culturally enriching elective classes, including calligraphy, pop songs, Chinese painting, and martial arts. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore culture and learn Chinese through Language Contests, Excursions, and Festival Activities. Financial support is available through the NCKU CLC General Scholarship, which provides a subsidy of 36,000 TWD to full-time students at NCKU with a final grade of 85 or higher for 6 months, and the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship from Ministry of Education offers a substantial monthly subsidy of 25,000 TWD for students possessing high school diploma. Notably, international degree students benefit from complementary Chinese language classes, consisting of two hours per week. Ms. Hou concluded by introducing the Intercultural Student Volunteer program, a vibrant community of 450 members facilitating language exchange and cultural interaction.

Ms. Jia-Jia Hou shared the Center’s courses, scholarship programs and activities

Transitioning to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Associate Chair Prof. Chih-Hsing Liu enthusiastically shared insights into the Department laboratories and research initiatives. The Department holds historical significance as one of NCKU's three founding disciplines, established in 1931. Furthermore, he highlighted its IEET accreditation since 2006 and its 132^nd ranking in engineering – mechanical in the 2023 QS World University Rankings. With a diverse faculty of 45 distinguished members, the Department supports five key research areas: Thermal and Fluid Science, Solid Mechanics, Mechanical Design, Manufacturing & Materials, and System & Control, each of which was delivered in detailed research directions. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and facilities, the Department of Mechanical Engineering fosters a dynamic research environment conducive to student development and innovation. This energetic atmosphere was vividly demonstrated through an interactive video showcasing student-developed models and products. Further emphasizing its capacity for research cultivation, Prof. Liu highlighted its robust international collaborations with Universities in Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Concluding the presentation, Prof. Liu introduced a range of scholarship programs including University, College, and Department-specific scholarships, as well as many off-campus ones.

Prof. Chih-Hsing Liu, Associate Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering introduced one of the most historical Department at NCKU

Finally, Dr. Tran Ngoc Thanh Thuy, Research Assistant from Hierarchical Green-Energy Materials Research Center, delightedly shared her experiences at HiGEM and at NCKU. To support prospective Vietnamese students, Dr. Thanh Thuy introduced the Vietnamese Student Association, which can provide assistance with daily life, academics and work. She then offered valuable insights into studying at NCKU, covering course selection, advisor connections, and available University services and training programs. She also provided practical guidance on effective study techniques and research skills. Drawing on her experience as a post-doctoral researcher and NCKU alumni, she offered advice on navigating the Taiwanese job market, including where to find opportunities and how to prepare for them. Dr. Thanh Thuy also provided detailed information on essential pre-arrival procedures, such as visa applications, luggage preparation, ARC registration, health insurance applications, and locating Vietnamese cuisine in Tainan. Her comprehensive presentation provided a clear and thorough overview of the international student experience at NCKU.

Dr. Tran Ngoc Thanh Thuy from Hierarchical Green-Energy Materials Research Center shared her experience as a research assistant at NCKU

During the Webinar, all esteemed Speakers enthusiastically addressed participants' questions with clarity and insightful responses. They offered practical advice and shared valuable resources to assist attendees in their academic and professional journeys. Additionally, the Speakers encouraged participants to reach out directly for further guidance or support. In detail, there was a high volume of participant engagement, with over 60 questions directed to the Speakers. Here are some interesting questions that were raised:

Q: “Dear Ms. Amber, When applying, I noticed that I need to provide my recommender's information, but I have the option to upload the recommendation letter myself. If I upload it, will the recommender receive any notification or need to take any further action?”,

A: “If you upload a recommendation letter by yourself, the recommender will not see the notification. If you would like the recommender to upload the letter for you, you need to click on the ‘send’ button and then they will receive a notification.”;

Q: “Dear Ms. Amber, what is the Grade Point Average hierarchy of retaining scholarship funding or tuition waiver?",

A: “The requirements for each scholarship may vary. Take NCKU distinguished student scholarship as an example, which may require you to get at least 80. Please kindly take a look at the OIA website and see ‘scholarship’ section for more information”;

Q: “For Departments requiring Chinese certificate, is it allowed to not submit a Chinese certificate when applying and achieve the certificate before graduation instead?”;

A: If you are not able to upload a certificate by the deadline, you need to submit the registration certificate of the language test by March 16^th, then submit the supplementary document of your result or certificate by April 16^th.

Q: “Dear Ms. Amber, if a student is not eligible for the upcoming renewal, what payments does the student need to make for that period?";

A: “If you don’t get the renewal of the scholarship, you may need to pay full tuition fee or other associated fees that are previously covered in your scholarship”

Q: “Dear Ms. Franca, are there any financial supports for exchange students regarding on-campus housing?”,

A: “Unfortunately, we don’t have so-called extra financial support for on-campus housing because it’s already below the market price, around the campus is relatively low compared to the off-campus housing”;

Q: “Dear Prof. Grace, if a student cannot reach any Advisor, what kind of support can he/she receive”.

A: “If you fail to find one, especially when it is time to finish your Master thesis, you have no more time to hesitate. You should show your situation and seek help from the Professor. For me, I would say yes. So don’t worry because we definitely take good care of you.”

Q: “Dear Ms. Jia-Jia Hou, do teachers use only Chinese when teaching students”.

A: “We will use our target language to teach Chinese. Even though it might be stressful for beginners, the teacher will use simple Chinese and also English to understand the context and the lecture.

Q: “Dear Prof. Chih-Hsing Liu, how much time do students typically devote to research and practical work in the lab daily?"

A: “It depends. I think usually students typically spend 4-8 hours in the lab.”

Q: “Dear Dr. Tran Ngoc Thanh Thuy, why do you choose National Cheng Kung University as a place to work postdoc?”

A: “Because I already came here for a Master and PhD degree. I feel that I really love the environment in Taiwan, especially in NCKU. It is a good environment to continue to do research. It almost has everything that I expected for my research, etc.”

Beyond the above representing questions, many other questions were also being asked by the audience including “Is the scholarship renewal implemented every semester or every year?”, “Is the grant categorized by rankings of students when renewing scholarship?”, “Does a student who withdraws from the University need to pay or refund anything?”, “What is the maximum time for students to finish Master or PhD program?”, “Are Professors at NCKU going easy with international students in terms of working part-time to cover the living cost?”, “Are Master's students encouraged to apply for internship programs when under the Advisor’s supervision?”, “I referred to the information on the website that candidates can apply to 3 Departments simultaneously, so is it possible to apply to 3 different Colleges? And in that case, do I need to prepare 3 separate study plans/autobiographies for each?, “I plan to apply to the Institute of International Business, should the Study plan and Autobiography be written in English or Chinese?”, “I have graduated with a major in Data Science and Business Analysis from a moderately ranked economics school in Vietnam. I would like to inquire if there are any master's level programs that are suitable for a data analysis orientation in economics and business”, “Is there age limitation for applying a scholarship/internship at NCKU?”, “Based on my current GPA at school (around 7.9), I am going to graduate this September, which means at the moment, I don't have a Bachelor's Degree yet. However, I am eager to apply to NCKU's Fall Semester. Is that possible, and what are the regulations to enable me to do that?”, “Hocan we have exchange program between two universities both for students and lecturers/professors?”, “How many scholarships I could apply for when I apply to Master course at NCKU? Is it a separate process from the admissions process?”, “How are exchange students assessed (grading systems, exams, projects, etc.)?”, “How do exchange students integrate into campus life? Are there student clubs or buddy programs available?”, “I am trying to apply to Computer Science but it requires A2 Chinese, I have taken the TOCFL examination and I got A1 which is not enough, so if I get a permission letter from a NCKU Professor, can I submit it after that?”, “I would like to apply for the Master's program in Immunology. Could you kindly provide me with the following information: Since the university has a combined Department of Microbiology and Immunology, if my research focuses solely on Immunology, what will be stated as my major on the Master's degree certificate? I have registered for the TOCFL exam on April 13, 2025. Would it be possible for me to submit the certificate later once I receive it, or provide the computer-based test result immediately on April 13, 2025? I am a bit concerned that the admission quota for each department seems quite limited. I would greatly appreciate your guidance. Thank you for your time.”, “If I take the TOEIC and HSK 5 exams, am I eligible for a scholarship? Or is it required to have a TOCLF I have a BA in Vietnamese language and a college degree in pharmacy.”, “Are there any specialized courses focused on business Chinese or technical vocabulary for specific fields?”, “Can I reapply for a master's degree in health and pharmacy at your school? Are there any requirements?” I want to know about suitable internship programs for IMBA, whether the program will take place during studies or after completion of studies.”, “What key qualities or skills do you look for in a candidate during the interview?”, “Beyond IMBA curriculum, what additional certificate/skill would you recommend to excel in the industry?”, “IMBA, whether the program will take place during studies or after completion of studies.”, “Is it hard for me as Vietnamese, to integrate into local student life and connect with a multicultural environment", “I would like to ask you whether I should continue working in Taiwan after Master graduation to gain experience before deciding to further study Ph.D or not”, “I observe applying IMBA at NCKU is really competitive. Are there any criteria that are weighted to assess ones' profile and do you have any chance to increase the chance of successful application”, “Do international students need to know Chinese a bit before studying Chinese at the Center?”, “Do teachers use only Chinese when teaching students?”, “What criteria does the Chinese Language Center use to evaluate scholarship candidates?”, “Does the center provide financial support for international students to participate in the HSK or TOCFL exam”, “How long is the duration of stay of the Chinese study visa”?, “Are there any discounts/offers for students to learn Chinese other than 1 year of free learning Chinese from the start?”, “Is there an age limit to join Chinese classes in CLC, are secondary or high school students allowed to take these classes?”, “Does CLC organize Summer camp? If yes, could you kindly provide the event schedule?”, “What do students learn in the first year of free learning Chinese?”, “I see many NCKU Departments require Chinese proficiency in their Admission Guidelines so I wonder if CLC could organize the Chinese exam. If so, how much does it cost to participate and when does it take place?”, “Regarding accommodation, do students receive support with accommodation when learning Chinese or do they have to arrange it themselves?”, 1. I'm interested in applying to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, but my current major is different. What additional qualifications or experiences would you recommend including in my application documents?”, “How long is the average and maximum period of the Master's program?“, “How much time do students typically devote to research and practical work in the lab daily?”, “What should be prepared for the interview? Which skill should I showcase to impress the interviewer and increase my chance of success?”. “Based on the policy, I would like to confirm whether I need to find the Advisor at the Department before the result announcement (May 23^rd) or before the application deadline (March 16^th)”, “ Is it easy to achieve an 80 score above in the Department?”, “I hope that you will share the information about Thermal-Fluid Group in Mechanical Engineering (For Graduate Program)”, 1. What difficulties might Vietnamese students or international students often have while studying at National Cheng Kung University? “Can you share any extracurricular activities or internship experiences you have participated in during your studies? Is it easy to get internship opportunities there?”, “Why do you choose National Cheng Kung University as a place to work postdoc?”, “How did you find this postdoc position? Where can I find this sort of information?” , “Does your position, or other similar roles, recruit Master or PhD students?”, “Could you kindly share some benefits you have observed as a postdoc at NCKU?”,

The remaining questions from interested students/researchers were collected. These inquiries were then delivered to Speakers who will answer them via text. All this helpful information will be spread through NCKU OH network to ensure the applicants will utilize the most out of it.

Viewers’ Country

The Webinar, initially planned for a two-hour duration, concluded after nearly three hours, including a one-hour extension to accommodate the high volume of participant inquiries during the Q&A session. This extension reflected the event's exceptional engagement and widespread interest. The Webinar achieved a global reach of nearly 1,200 views across Facebook Livestream and Webex Cisco. Participants from twelve countries, including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Thailand, South Korea, Poland, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, Cambodia, and the United States, demonstrated the event's widespread appeal.

Panelists expressed their hope that attendees gained a thorough understanding of NCKU's Admissions process, Scholarship opportunities, and Departments, and encouraged them to leverage this information to pursue their educational goals at NCKU. In the end, NCKU OH extended sincere gratitude to the Speakers, participants, and all groups and pages that contributed to the event's promotion. Their collective support was instrumental in the Webinar's success.