【OIA】NCHU Expands Global Reach: Partners with Washington University in St. Louis and Kansas State University to Deepen Taiwan–U.S. Academic Collaboration

National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) continues to expand its global influence through strategic academic partnerships, signing new agreements with two prestigious U.S. institutions—Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) and Kansas State University (K-State).

On April 9, NCHU Senior Vice President for International Affairs Dr. Chi-Chung Chou and Dr. Vijay Ramani, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and International Affairs at WashU, signed a university-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership will launch dual degree programs and joint research initiatives in the cutting-edge fields of semiconductors and biotechnology. WashU, consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, is recognized globally for its excellence in engineering, biomedical research, and life sciences.

The MoU builds on strong mutual interest following Dr. Ramani’s visit to NCHU in October 2023, where he was impressed by the university’s robust research capabilities. The two universities now formally embark on a strategic collaboration to foster interdisciplinary innovation and cultivate globally competitive technology leaders through joint degrees and student exchange programs.

In addition, NCHU has renewed its longstanding partnership with Kansas State University, a leading U.S. institution in agricultural education and research. The renewed agreement reinforces cooperation in agriculture, veterinary medicine, climate sustainability, and food security. The two universities aim to create a fully integrated agricultural ecosystem through joint research in smart farming and food safety—from farm to table.

This collaboration is further supported by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, which is actively facilitating academic-industry-government links to drive sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to global food security goals.
Under President Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan’s leadership, NCHU has prioritized global engagement and high-level talent development as core strategies in its vision to become a “Global Academic Hub.” These new alliances with top-tier U.S. institutions reaffirm NCHU’s commitment to internationalization, innovation, and academic excellence.

“These partnerships mark a significant milestone in NCHU’s transformation into a globally competitive research university,” said NCHU President Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan. “As we continue to foster international collaboration, our goal is to develop cross-disciplinary talent that meets the challenges of the future. Collaborating with Washington University and Kansas State not only elevates our students’ global experience but also brings new momentum to Taiwan’s higher education and research ecosystem.”

▲NCHU Senior Vice President for International Affairs Dr. Chi-Chung Chou (right) received WashU Vice Provost for Graduate Education and International Affairs Dr. Vijay Ramani (left) in October 2023.

▲NCHU Students visited Kansas State University in April, 2025.

▲K-State Office of International Programs Associate Provost presented souvenirs to NCHU OIA Representative.