AN official of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology recently participated in the Taiwan-Philippines Presidential Forum at Kun Shan University in Taiwan.

Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan joined the Philippine delegation, which included former government officials like former secretary of DOST Dr. Fortunato de la Peña and former undersecretary of DOLE Ciriaco Lagunzad III.

The forum aims to enhance collaboration and deepen the understanding of Filipino university leaders regarding the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program.

It focused on the theme “Demand and Trends for Internationalization of Talents in Technology Industry” and provided an excellent platform for academic exchange and exploration of collaboration opportunities between Taiwan and the Philippines.

“It aimed to promote academic ties and enhance the recruitment and enrollment of international students in the INTENSE program, which offers study and employment opportunities in Taiwan for undergraduates and graduates,” MSU-IIT said.

The INTENSE program was launched by the Taiwan Ministry of Education. It aims to attract excellent international talents to pursue degrees in Taiwan while building strong connections with the country’s industries.

The program offers fields of study in STEM, Finance, and semiconductor-related fields. Currently, students from Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are eligible to enroll in the program.

During the forum, the Philippine delegation visited several universities in Taiwan, including National Sun-Yat Sen University, CTBC Business School, Cheng Shiu University, Taiwan Steel University of Science and Technology, National Formosa University, Minghsin University of Science and Technology, and Kun Shan University.

A key moment was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between MSU-IIT and the International Talent Circulation Base, comprising Kun Shan University, Cheng Shiu University, and Minghsin University of Science and Technology.

“This MOU establishes a partnership to enhance talent development and collaboration in education and industry between Taiwan and the Philippines, focusing on the enrollment of Filipino students in the INTENSE Program and promoting Chinese language courses,” MSU-IIT said.

“The MOU is effective for five years, with the option for automatic renewal for another five years. Both parties are committed to collaboration, with any amendments to the MOU requiring mutual consent,” it added.