NCHU signs a MOU with the Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) and the Taiwan Seeds Trade Association (TSTA), creating a new milestone in international cooperation.

On April 18, 2024, National Chung Hsing University advanced its internationalization efforts by conducting an online signing ceremony and signing the UniversityConnect Program MOU with the Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) and the Taiwan Seeds Trade Association (TSTA). The signing ceremony was attended by President, Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan, Vice President, Dr. Chi-Chung Chou, Chairman of TSTA Mr. Jen-Ching Shih, Executive Director Mr. Soru Lin, and Executive Committee of APSA Mrs. Chia-hui Chang. This collaboration aims to build a strong bridge between industry and academia for future development and to promote international cooperation.

During the opening speech, APSA President Dr. Manish Patel emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture and Taiwan's remarkable achievement in agricultural internationalization. He highlighted Taiwan's significant contributions to global agricultural development but also acknowledged common challenges such as labor shortages and an aging population. He expressed confidence that by signing the University Connect Program, Taiwan would attract more international talent and enhance its global influence.

President Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan mentioned that NCHU, formerly known as Advanced Academy of Agronomy and Forestry, has a history of over a hundred years and has evolved into a comprehensive university with 12 colleges, making it the only comprehensive university in central Taiwan. Through interdisciplinary academic cooperation, NCHU is actively leading the development of sustainable agriculture. This project will provide NCHU students with valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge learned in university to practical industry fields, enabling them to address challenges and drive innovation.

APSA Executive Committee Mrs. Chia-hui Chang expressed deep admiration for NCHU's significant achievements in international agriculture. Based on NCHU's outstanding academic performance, she actively recommended establishing a partnership between APSA and NCHU to create a win-win situation for students and the industry.

NCHU is the first university in Taiwan and the eleventh globally to sign the UniversityConnect Program. In the future, through this program, NCHU aims to closely collaborate with academia, industry, and international organizations, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and jointly addressing imminent challenges such as labor shortages and food security.