Noting that “the cooperation would bring together the robust agricultural knowledge and resources of both NPUST and Taiwan Sugar”, President Chin-Lung Chang welcomed Taiwan Sugar Chairman Ming-Chang Wu, who once served as Dean of the NPUST College of Agriculture, back to the campus. President Chang also emphasized that “both parties would focus on carbon reduction, smart production, and talent cultivation, and would encourage all colleges to actively participate. We expect that by applying the school’s experimental results to Tai Sugar’s large-scale operations, we can jointly ignite a torch of hope for technological transformation and sustainable development in Taiwan’s agricultural sector.”

Taiwan Sugar Chairman Ming-Chang Wu shared that he “served in NPUST for more than 38 years and has deep feelings and gratitude for the school”. He also emphasized that “Taiwan Sugar’s business operations span biotechnology, livestock, land development and tourism. Not only does it have vast resources and international connections, but also actively invests in research and development, and depends on the professional talent and R&D capabilities of various fields at the university. I sincerely invite teachers from my alma mater to participate in in-depth industry-university cooperation with Taiwan Sugar so we can combine the strengths of both parties, and jointly create fruitful and marketable results, fulfilling social responsibilities, and carrying forward the school’s research and development capabilities.”

The two parties signed the MOC to formalize their shared determination to join hands in the low-carbon transformation effort, and bring into play the strengths of industry and academia cooperation.

Since first establishing a sister school relationship, NPUST and KU have maintained close cooperation in key areas of mutual academic interest, such as agricultural science, food science, and veterinary medicine. They have also promoted dual-degree programs in the Department of Food Science and the Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, jointly cultivating students with international outlooks and practical skills. The itinerary for the current visit was diverse and substantial, with meetings, results sharing, and guided tours. The KU delegation first met with a number of faculty and students from the Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, during which time both sides shared some of their latest research results and had in-depth discussions on avenues that they would like to pursue for future cooperation. Later, the delegation visited several research laboratories at the Department of Biomechatronics Engineering and learned about their focuses of research. As they were introduced to the work being done, the visitors expressed high appreciation for the achievements that the department has made in the fields of agricultural technology, smart machinery, and bio-mechatronics.

In the past two years, with support from the university and Ministry of Education and the university, the Department of Biomechatronics Engineering has sent ten teachers and students to KU for overseas internships. This year, students from the KU’s Department of Genetics also participated in the Ministry of Education’s Taiwan Experience Education Program and studied at the NPUST Department of Biomechatronics Engineering. The signing of the new version of the MOU reflects the desire that both sides share to continue to work together to start a new phase of closer academic and research cooperation and joint talent cultivation.

Bletilla formosana is a perennial herbaceous orchid plant possessing pseudobulbs that can be used as Chinese medicinal materials. Currently, researchers have already laid a solid foundation for the cultivation of this plant variety by establishing effective tissue culture propagation and cultivation technology. The other plant of focus, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is a perennial vine plant. Its leaves are commonly used by Chinese people to make tea—and because of its appearance and efficacy, it has acquired the nickname “Southern Ginseng”. In 2024, the research team completed an evaluation these two varieties and confirmed their economic potential as under-forest products. The completed evaluation was submitted to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency for review, and on February 12, 2025 they were officially added as new under-forest economic crops. With their inclusion on the list, they will be promoted in various places in the future to drive the economic development of mountain villages and allow Taiwan’s forestry industry to move towards a more diversified and sustainable future.

With a forest coverage of over 61%, Taiwan has nurtured a rich ecological environment. However, since the government banned the logging of natural forests in 1991, forestry production has been affected, and forest farmers’ incomes have decreased. The management and renewal of artificial forests also faces a number of challenges, and so, in order to revitalize the forestry industry and promote sustainable forest development, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has been promoting the Under-Forest Economies since 2017, encouraging forest farmers to use the forest environment to develop suitable cash crops while taking ecological conservation into account. By developing under-forest economies appropriately, Taiwan will be able to take advantage of different climate and environmental conditions to develop diverse and high-quality economic products, thereby creating new sources of income for forest farmers while also maintaining forest ecosystems through the practice of sustainable management.

Kluang is located in the central part of Johor, Malaysia, and in recent years the Malaysian government has been committed to developing the area as a hub for agricultural products and technology. Meanwhile, the Kluang Agricultural Association is working to promote agricultural development, improve management efficiency, increase production, enhance product quality, and conduct related economic and commercial activities. They are also organizing activities that will help enhance the relevant professional knowledge of their members. The delegation visiting NPUST included professionals from Malaysia’s agricultural and animal husbandry sectors, including oil palm growers, fruit growers, leafy vegetable farmers, durian companies, organic fertilizer producers and members of agricultural cooperatives. Through the exchange, the farmers learned techniques on how to grow crops more efficiently.

While the guests were on campus, Jia-Fu Leo, a third year student from Malaysia studying at the NPUST Department of Plant Industry was invited to share his experiences at the university. Leo talked eloquently about how he persuaded his parents to let him go abroad to join the Overseas Youth Vocational Training School at NPUST, and how he acquired relevant knowledge and skills during his studies. He shared his rich experiences in an orderly manner and left a deep impression on the visitors. During the visit, the Office of International Affairs also arranged for the delegation to tour the school’s Center for Agricultural and Aquacultural Products Inspection and Certification, Simulated GMP Food Production Line, Smart Farm and other teaching and research facilities. The last stop was at the Student and Staff Consumer Cooperative where the visitors were introduced to the sales and marketing of products developed and produced by the university, and learned about some of their successful experiences. The time at the school proved to be quite fruitful for the Malaysian visitors and will hopefully lead to new opportunities in the future.

The subject matter included professional courses on as Smart agriculture, insect ecology, and herb science. A variety of agricultural-related DIY activities were also arranged, including baking, indigo dyeing, and more. During their stay, the group visited the simulated GMP food production line, wildlife shelter, livestock farm, and green energy bio-factory on campus, and on the last day they went on an off-campus field trip to the Agricultural Technology Park and Known-You Seed Company for observations. The teachers and students of Walailak University expressed satisfaction with this training activity, saying that in addition to learning relevant professional knowledge and skills, they also had the opportunity to interact with the faculty and staff of NPUST and experience its campus life and environment more intimately. In the future, exchange students will be selected to return to NPUST for internships.

Since 2013, NPUST and Walailak University have enjoyed a sister-school relationship. Walailak University was established in 1992 and operates as comprehensive university in the Nakhon Si Thammarat Province of southern Thailand. With a total area of ​​approximately 1,457 hectares, it is situated on the largest campus in Thailand and is home to a School of Management, School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, School of Nursing, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, School of Engineering and Resources, School of Liberal Arts, School of Architecture and Design, and International College, and more.

The morning session was hosted by Professor Chao-Nan Lin of the NPUST Department of Veterinary Medicine and Professor Joey Jai-Wei Lee of the Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation. Researcher Tatsuya Nishi of Japan’s National Institute of Animal Health shared on the current situation of the Japanese swine fever epidemic and the progress of related research. Professor Elijah G. Kiarie of the Department of Animal Science of Guelph University (Canada) shared on the application of enzymes in pig nutrition.

At noon, Dr. Satoshi Otake provided an introduction to the upcoming 11^th Asian Pig Veterinary Society’s (APVS) 2025 International Symposium, and invited related professionals to attend the event in Fukuoka City, Japan from November 9^th to 12^th. Director Ming-Chung Deng of the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Research Institute then briefed the participants on the current status of the domestic swine vaccine and the future plans for improving the vaccine industry. The afternoon session was jointly hosted by Cheng-Yao Yan, Director of the NCHU Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology; Professor Shao-Yu Peng of the NPUST Department of Animal Science; and Assistant Professor Chao-Wei Huang of the NPUST Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation.

Assistant Professor Chia-Yi Chang the NTU Department of Veterinary Medicine shared her research on the different genotypes of the classical swine fever virus; Professor Xin Zhao of the Department of Animal Science at McGill University in Canada shared on nutritional intervention measures for pig production and intestinal health; Chief Cheng-Da Tsai of the Veterinary Administration Section of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency shared on Taiwan’s eradication of classical swine fever and Deputy Director Shen-Chang Chang of the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute shared on the application of AI and Internet of Things in pig breeding and management. Twelve students from participating schools also give oral presentations and shared new information from the research they are conducting.

Using Real-Time Data and AI to Provide Reliable Weather Forecasting

The portable real-time AI weather forecasting system was developed by Professor Hudson Hsu of the NPUST Sustainable Circular Economy R&D Center. It integrates hydrological data from meteorological satellites and meteorological ground stations and is equipped with the team’s self-developed AI deep learning algorithm. It can accurately predict weather and hydrological changes within the next 3 hours and provide wind speed and wave height forecasts for the next 6 days. With real-time data reception and an automatic correction computing module, the system allows for significantly improved prediction accuracy over traditional models. It has a wide range of applications and has a low-cost and portable design which allows for easy deployment. The Taiwan Navy has verified its reliability and confirmed its suitability for planning fishing vessel and yacht operations.

Highly-Efficient Green Energy Plant Factory Quadruples Production Capacity 

The High-Efficiency Energy-Saving Plant Factory was developed by a team working under Assistant Professor Hsing-Ying Chung from the Department of Plant Industry. It incorporates LED spectrum control, hydroponic nutrient feeding and solar panel power generation into a system that allows for stable production throughout the year. In response to the needs of domestic patients suffering from kidney disease, the team also developed a patented technology for growing low-potassium fruits and vegetables, thus providing new options for healthy eating. In an area of ​​300 square meters, the technology also allows for the plant density to increase from 25,000 plants to 100,000, and it shortens the cultivation period from 50 days to 35 days—greatly improving production efficiency and use of resources. The Green Energy Plant Factory saves water, reduces reliance on fertilizer and combines renewable energy to effectively contribute to several sustainable development goals, including “Climate Action”, “Health and Well-being” and “Responsible Production and Consumption”.

Integration of Teaching and Research Promotes Talent Cultivation and Stimulates Innovation  

During the exhibition, students from NPUST’s Smart Mechatronics Bachelor Degree Program and Department of Biomechatronics Engineering also visited the exhibition site to participate in guided tours and exchanges. Not only did the event help emphasize practical operational capabilities and industry-university integration, but it also gave students a deeper understanding of smart agriculture, AI meteorology, and net-zero technology, providing them with insights which will be of value to them on their future career paths.

In Pingtung, NPUST also arranged a visit to Ming Chuan Organic Leisure Farm, founded by alumni Wu Jianming and Hsieh Mei-Lin. The farm, which was once engaged in traditional agricultural production, later made a transition to organic farming and ecological tourism. For the visitors, it was an excellent chance to witness one of the school’s successful cases of promoting diversified agricultural practices and innovative business models. During the time at the farm, teachers and students from Guam took part a DIY pineapple cake making activity, and got a feel for the advantages of NPUST when it comes to practical operations and the integration of alumni resources. Afterwards, Director Ke-Chung Peng of the NPUST Bachelor Program in Scientific Agriculture arranged for students from his department to host a reception dinner at one of the schools practice orchards. Through lively conversations and T-shirt exchanges, members of the two schools enjoyed a solid time of exchange and narrowed the distance between each other. While at the campus, the visitors from Guam also visited NPUST’s prestigious Wildlife Shelter Center, and listened to the stories of the animals which were bred and abandoned due to human carelessness. The Guam students were so deeply moved that they decided to make a donation to help with the conservation efforts. At the end of the exchange, the visitors from Guam had a chance to experience the entire process of making chocolate at the Cocoa Classroom in the Smart Agriculture Center. Starting with Taiwan’s local cocoa beans, the participants gained an in-depth understanding of every step in the production process from the field to the table. All in all, the exchange activity was fruitful for both sides, fostering a deeper friendship and richer academic connection between the teachers and students of the two countries. It was also a chance for NPUST to apply its strengths in the area of international cooperation, and to share its approach to diversified practical learning and innovative development, as it continues to promote the country’s development vision of “prosperity for the island’s south through smart sustainability”.

The Agricultural Association of Taiwan (originally the Chinese Society of Agricultural Sciences) was founded in January of 1917 with the mission to promote agronomy and agricultural innovation. It is the oldest organization for agricultural academics in Taiwan. In order to commend members who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture, the association has created several awards, including the “Agricultural Academics Award”, “Agricultural Career Award” and “Outstanding Agricultural Grassroots Personnel Award”, which are presented each year at the Annual Agricultural Association Joint Forum. The 2024 forum was held on November 29 at National Taiwan University in the Institute of Applied Mechanics International Conference Hall. Professor Win-Ton Cheng of the NPUST Department of Aquaculture attended the forum to receive the award. Professor Win-Ton Cheng has taught at NPUST for 40 years and has been focused on research that aligns with the development of Taiwan’s aquaculture industries. At the 43rd Outstanding Agricultural Specialist Awards, Cheng was named one of the Top Ten Outstanding Agricultural Experts. Professor Cheng’s long-term research has both industrial application and academic reference value and his name can be found on the 2024 World’s Top 2% Scientists list, as well as the 2022-2024 Best Biology and Biochemistry Scientist rankings published by Research.com.

Professor Hudson Hsu, who served as chief judge of the conference, is the director of the Program of Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics at NPUST. Hsu explained that the large-scale event was jointly organized by the Taiwan Chapter of IEEE FTS UASACT and the Malaysian Autonomous Intelligence & Robotics Association (MYAIRA). With strong support from the Johor State Tourism Board, the event was a real feast for the international technology community. Malaysian royal family members and many government officials from the Johor local government were in attendance at the opening ceremony.

Taiwan’s qualification round was held in Taoyuan, Taiwan in July (2024), with more than 300 teams gathering to compete. Based on the results of the preliminaries, 96 outstanding teams were selected to represent Taiwan in Malaysia. Competition events include a variety of creative challenges including drone football, drone fishing and obstacle races. Drone football, in particular, has set off a new trend to combine technology and entertainment. The contestants from Pingtung, Kaohsiung, and Taichung performed particularly well, demonstrating Taiwan’s technological strengths and innovative energy on the international stage.

At NPUST, the Program of Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics has long been engaged in technological agriculture, mechatronics integration, industry 4.0 skills cultivation, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. They have also done a lot of work to promote drone operation training and to expand drone applications in the field of agriculture. The NPUST drone football team participating in the competition combined their solid theoretical training with practical operations. Their brilliant achievements in the arena won them international recognition and helped contribute to Taiwan’s science and technology diplomacy.

The 2025 preliminary round of the competition will be held at the Taichung City Government Building later this year, and expectations are that an AI drone “Process Control” category will be added to inject new innovative elements into the technological competition. With experts from many different backgrounds getting involved in the activities, hopes are to see Taiwan’s educational and technological strengths continue to catch attention and shine on the international stage for once again.