The "2024 Philippines Taiwan INTENSE Program Education Exhibition" kicked off in Cebu City on the 2nd of this month. Nine universities from Taiwan participated in the exhibition, with plans to establish INTENSE programs in STEM, semiconductor, and finance-related fields. These programs include two-year bachelor's, second bachelor's, and master's programs, aiming to recruit excellent Filipino students to study in Taiwan.

The "Implementation Plan for Attracting International Students Coming to Taiwan for Study and Employment Post Graduation in Taiwan" aims to recruit excellent international students to study in Taiwan. To promote this plan, the Ministry of Education commissioned Kun Shan University as the lead institution and Cheng Shiu University as the deputy lead institution for the Taiwan-Philippines International Talent Circulation base. It has established Taiwan-Philippines International Talent Circulation bases and centers in Manila and Cebu. The Education Exhibition held in Cebu on the 2nd of this month was hosted by Cheng Shiu University.

Jui-Chang Kung, President of Cheng Shiu University and co-host of the Taiwan-Philippines International Talent Circulation bases, is responsible for the Cebu base. He stated that the Cebu, Philippines base will continue promoting more INTENSE programs in STEM, semiconductor, and finance-related fields while collaborating with Philippine schools to cultivate outstanding Filipino students into international talents.

He emphasized that if Filipino teachers and students have any uncertainties or questions about how to apply for Taiwan's INTENSE programs, they can seek guidance through the base's online platform or visit the offices in Manila and Cebu for consultation.

Chin-Wei Ko, Deputy Director General of the Department of Vocational and Technological Education of the Ministry of Education, states that the Taiwan Circulation Base in the Philippines will offer free Mandarin preparation programs. These include physical and online courses for Filipino students wanting to study in Taiwan. The bases will also provide students with further consultation for studying abroad in Taiwan. The goal is to promote future collaborations.

Jing-Chung Shen, Professor at the National Taiwan University and co-host of the International Industry-Education Collaboration Alliance Project Office, indicated the hope to recruit 62 classes comprising approximately 1,054 outstanding Filipino students to study in Taiwan through the education exhibitions. The goal is for students to obtain more opportunities to gain practical professional knowledge while expanding their practical experiences by integrating school resources and industry strength. "The most important thing is that students can study without worries, creating a bright future."

The INTENSE programs, launched by the Taiwanese government for the first time this year, are characterized by customized courses that focus on the professional knowledge and skills demanded for future employment. These courses were jointly planned and designed by schools and collaborating industries. The programs integrate school resources and features that combine industry strength to jointly cultivate talents, developing students' career development and employment preparation.

The guests attending the Education Exhibition on the 2nd include Cebu City Council Member, Honorable Donaldo Hontiveros, the Educational Bureau of Iloilo City Director, Miss Maria Mathilde Treñas, the President of the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council, Dr. Conrado Iñigo, Junior, the Director of the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, Shih-Ping Li, and others.