NCKU Strengthens Ties in Malaysia with Expanded Recruitment, Internships, and Alumni Engagement
President Shen Meng-Ru(沈孟儒)of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) led a delegation to Malaysia from September 11 to 14, 2025, to strengthen ties with Malaysian alumni and foster active exchanges with local academia and industry. The visit aimed to promote bilateral cooperation and talent cultivation. Highlights of the trip included the Sarawak Alumni Night, the NCKU Mathematics and Business Competitions, the signing of a collaboration agreement with E.SUN Bank for ASEAN talent development, an overseas internship agreement with alumnus Chen Chen-Yuan(陳振源)of BBSB Holdings Sdn Bhd, the NCKU Night organized by the NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia, as well as overseas student recruitment activities. These events underscore NCKU’s new breakthroughs in internationalization and its vision for the future.
1.Sharing University Development and Vision Toward NCKU’s Centennial
On September 13, President Shen attended the 53rd NCKU Night hosted by the NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia. Alumni from different generations gathered to celebrate, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Following a university promotional video showcasing recent developments, President Shen expressed his gratitude for the alumni association’s long-standing support and commended its dedication and professionalism. He highlighted that as NCKU approaches its 94th year anniversary, the university is laying a solid foundation for its upcoming centennial celebration. The future of NCKU will continue to focus on education, research, industry-academia collaboration, and internationalization, achieving notable success in attracting outstanding new students. President Shen was joined in Malaysia by Dean Wang Yu-Min (王育民)of the College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dean Tsai Chin-Chun (蔡錦俊)of the College of Science, Professor Chen Yi-Wen (陳以文), Chair of the Department of Chemistry, and Professor Liu Chien-Sheng (劉建聖), Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Earlier at the Sarawak Alumni Night, Secretary-General Lo expressed appreciation for the alumni’s deep affection toward their alma mater, sharing that both he and his father are proud to be “NCKU people”. He also reported on the university’s current status and future vision: as NCKU moves toward its 94th year, it now comprises 9+2 colleges, 117 academic units, and more than 23,000 students, consistently ranking within the top 200 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings. He encouraged global alumni to take part in the university’s approaching centennial celebrations. Lo also guided alumni on a nostalgic journey through “NCKU old times”, highlighting campus transformations such as the Main Library, the interdisciplinary Future Venue, and the ongoing renovation of the NCKU Museum, all embodying the university’s balance between modernization and heritage preservation.
Vice President of General Affairs, Wu Jian-Hong(吳建宏), also shared recent achievements in advancing a “Green and Safe Campus.” These included professional conservation of century-old banyan trees in Banyan Garden, seasonal floral landscaping projects, and the vision of an open campus coexisting harmoniously with the city. These initiatives not only enhanced the campus environment but also deepened alumni’s connection with NCKU.
2. Strengthening Alumni Bonds in Malaysia and Extending Ties to East Malaysia
Malaysia has long been one of the most significant overseas hubs for NCKU alumni. The annual Mathematics and Business Competitions and NCKU Night in Kuala Lumpur have become traditions attracting nearly a thousand alumni each year. President Shen led a delegation to Penang last year, and this year Secretary-General Lo, together with four senior administrators, traveled to Sarawak, East Malaysia. They were accompanied by NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia President Chen Wen-Han(陳文翰)and Vice President Wang Chien-Jung(汪建榮), further strengthening the emotional ties between alumni and their alma mater. On September 11, NCKU held the Sarawak Alumni Night at the City ONE Megamall Shangri-La Ballroom in Kuching, with alumnus Peng Nan-Yang(彭南洋, Department of Civil Engineering, Class of 1978) serving as chief convener. The event’s chief sponsor was alumnus Kuo Ying-Mao(郭應茂, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1973), who is also the Honorary President of the Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities, Malaysia. Notably, Kuo was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Overseas Taiwanese Alumni Contribution Award by the Overseas Community Affairs Council, a recognition that brings great honor to NCKU.
The NCKU delegation also presented commemorative NCKU caps to alumni in attendance. Many joyfully wore the caps on the spot and posed for group photos, creating a lively and moving atmosphere. The Sarawak Alumni Night not only strengthened alumni bonds but also reflected the deep care and support for their alma mater, symbolizing how the NCKU spirit continues to shine brightly across the globe.
3. ASEAN Talent Development Agreement and Collaboration with BBSB Holdings
On September 13, NCKU and E.SUN Commercial Bank held the signing ceremony of the “ASEAN Talent Development Internship Agreement” in Kuala Lumpur. It marks the official launch of joint talent cultivation efforts in ASEAN countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The collaboration aims to enhance academic and internship opportunities in the ASEAN region, providing more internationalized learning platforms for local students, and creating a mutually beneficial partnership.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister Pu Cheng-Min(卜正珉)of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. Representing the two parties were Secretary-General Lo for NCKU and E.SUN Bank Deputy General Manager Hung Kuang-Yi(洪廣益). Also in attendance were NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia President Chen Wen-Han(陳文翰, Department of Civil Engineering, Class of 1995), Vice President Wang Chien-Jung(汪建榮, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Class of 2003; M.S. 2005), and board members including Chang Shun-Yung(張順勇, Department of Civil Engineering, Class of 2007), Wu Pao-Ling(吳寶玲, Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, Class of 2011), Tsai Chung-Chih(蔡崇志, Department of Civil Engineering, Class of 1995), Chen Yu-Chen(陳玉珍, Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, Class of 1993), Tsai Ling-Yu(蔡詅玉, Department of Accounting, Class of 2001), Yen Chen-Hui(顏振輝, Department of Chemical Engineering, Class of 1990), Kao Chien-Ti(高健迪, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1985), Huang Tse-Sung(黃澤松, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1991), and Hsiao Fu-Tsai(蕭福才, Department of Civil Engineering, Class of 1989). Their participation symbolized collective support in witnessing this new milestone for ASEAN talent development.
This collaboration builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding on Internship and Employment Cooperation signed earlier in February 2025 between NCKU and E.SUN Bank. With the new agreement, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating talents across Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, underscoring their shared dedication to talent development under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. Through sustained cooperation, NCKU and E.SUN bank aim to nurture outstanding students with both professional expertise and global vision, creating a win–win model for academia and industry while injecting new momentum into the future development of Taiwan and ASEAN countries.
In addition, NCKU launched a talent cultivation program in partnership with Malaysia’s BBSB Holdings Sdn Bhd (BBSB Group), which officially took effect on July 1, 2025. A showcase ceremony was held during the NCKU Night dinner in Malaysia, with President Shen and BBSB Group Founder and NCKU alumnus Dato’ Chen Chen-Yuan(陳振源, Department of Civil Engineering)jointly unveiling the collaboration. They were joined by NCKU Vice President for International Affairs, Hsieh Sun-Yuan(謝孫源), and NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia President Chen Wen-Han(陳文翰)for a commemorative photo. The ceremony not only demonstrated the deepening of industry-academia cooperation and the strong bonds of alumni, but also exemplified the NCKU spirit of giving back to the alma mater and creating positive impact on society.
4. Enhancing Recruitment Strategies and Cultivating Future Talent
The NCKU delegation also joined the 40th Mathematics Competition and 4th Business Competition hosted by the NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia. A total of 330 teachers and students from 44 secondary schools took part in the event, showcasing the academic potential of Malaysian youth. Following the competition, NCKU held an admissions information session to encourage participating students to consider continuing their studies at the university.
Notably, Malaysia achieved a record number of NCKU admissions this year through the Mathematics and Business Competitions as well as the Outstanding Student Recommendation Program. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the university’s evolving recruitment strategy. In addition to alumni-organized activities in Sarawak that helped local secondary school principals better understand NCKU’s development and academic strengths, the delegation also hosted admissions briefings and interviews on September 13 and 14. Looking ahead, NCKU plans to carry out targeted recruitment initiatives and strategic collaborations in East Malaysia to further expand its outreach.
Looking Ahead: Growing Together with Alumni
Through this visit to Malaysia, NCKU strengthened emotional ties with its local alumni and, by means of academic and alumni exchange activities, further enhanced the university’s international influence while creating more opportunities for students’ development.
Events such as NCKU Night and the Mathematics and Business Competitions in Malaysia have become vital bridges for sharing knowledge, experience, and friendship between the university and its alumni. As NCKU continues to grow, it remains committed to the spirit of “seeking truth and knowledge,” providing both academic and practical platforms for outstanding students. The university also aspires to attract talented students from around the world to join NCKU, working hand in hand to build a brighter future.
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2025-10-02

The 53rd NCKU Night hosted by the NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia

Lo Wei-Cheng(羅偉誠), Secretary-General and Director of the Alumni Center, delivered a university affairs update at the Sarawak Alumni Night.

Jian-Hong Wu(吳建宏), Vice President of General Affairs, shared recent achievements in promoting a “Green and Safe Campus.”

President Shen attended the 53rd NCKU Night hosted by the NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia.

The NCKU delegation presented commemorative NCKU caps to alumni. Attendees joyfully wore the caps on the spot and posed for group photos, creating a lively and moving atmosphere.

Secretary-General Lo led four senior administrators to Sarawak, East Malaysia, to further strengthen alumni bonds and deepen their emotional ties with NCKU.

On September 13, NCKU and E.SUN Commercial Bank held the signing ceremony of the “ASEAN Talent Development Internship Agreement” in Kuala Lumpur.

NCKU and E.SUN bank reaffirm their commitment to cultivating talents with professional skills and global vision under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy.

The 40th Mathematics Competition and 4th Business Competition hosted by the NCKU Alumni Association of Malaysia.

Malaysia reached a record number of NCKU admissions this year through the competitions and the Outstanding Student Recommendation Program.