【Article by Office of International Cooperation】
To accelerate its internationalization efforts and adopt innovative strategies, National Chengchi University (NCCU) convened the 113th Academic Year International Committee on December 4. For the first time, external experts joined the university-level committee, including two newly appointed members personally selected by NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li: Randall L. Nadeau, Executive Director of the Fulbright Taiwan Foundation, and George Chen, Managing Director of The Asia Group.
Chaired by President Li, the committee comprises senior university administrators and college-level leaders, alongside external experts appointed for two-year terms. President Li reaffirmed that internationalization is a cornerstone of NCCU’s long-term development. He urged the university community to broaden their global perspectives to strengthen NCCU’s competitiveness on the world stage. Vice President for International Cooperation Katherine Chen outlined three focus areas for the discussion: global university rankings, enhancing international exchange, and boosting international student recruitment. Drawing on their diverse expertise in academia, industry, and administration, committee members proposed practical strategies to advance NCCU's internationalization goals.

External Expertise to Strengthen Global Engagement

Under the leadership of Executive Director Randall Nadeau, the Fulbright Taiwan Foundation has long been a vital bridge for academic exchange between Taiwan and the United States, bringing outstanding scholars to Taiwan. The Asia Group, a Washington, D.C.-based policy consulting firm founded by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, operates in Taiwan under Managing Director George Chen. This year, through the introductions facilitated by The Asia Group, NCCU has established partnerships with global leaders such as OpenAI, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the RAND Corporation, significantly contributing to the university’s internationalization efforts.

Strategic Focus on Rankings: Leveraging Strengths for Global Impact

University rankings remain a central focus in global higher education. Despite the challenges faced by non-English-speaking institutions and those specializing in humanities and social sciences, NCCU continues to excel in internationalization indicators, such as consistently ranking first in Taiwan for "International Faculty." Executive Director Nadeau encouraged NCCU to focus on leveraging its strengths rather than being constrained by ranking metrics. Drawing on his experiences with institutions like the University of Hong Kong and Yale University, Managing Director Chen emphasized that bilingual education is not optional for Taiwan’s higher education but essential. He urged NCCU scholars to publish in top-tier English-language journals and present their research on global platforms. Committee members agreed that strengthening academic networks and amplifying NCCU's research advantages are key strategies for improving its global standing.

Innovating Collaboration and International Exchange

Over the years, NCCU has built strong partnerships with over 600 universities worldwide, with 15% of its students being international and 11% of its faculty coming from abroad. Despite its leadership in internationalization within Taiwan, committee members stressed the need for innovative approaches. George Chen suggested that NCCU leverage its expertise in fields like geopolitical research to deepen collaborations with leading universities and enhance its academic reputation. He also highlighted the opportunity presented by NCCU’s upcoming centennial celebrations to showcase the university’s history and unique strengths. President Li responded by announcing plans to transform the university’s Alumni Services Center, which will play a key role in celebrating NCCU's century-long legacy.
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Shou-Cheng Tseng shared NCCU's initiatives to support Chinese language teacher training in collaboration with the Chinese Language Center, capitalizing on the growing global demand for Mandarin education.

Elevating Recruitment Through Specialized Programs

In addressing the increasingly competitive landscape of international student recruitment, committee member Mei-Fen Chen shared insights from Waseda University's targeted strategies in Taiwan, such as collaborating with key high schools. Professor Yue-Yun Lin proposed using examples like the Australian National University to develop career-oriented, innovative thematic modules, such as English-language courses in Digital Humanities and high-tech fields like AI and semiconductors. Such programs would enhance NCCU’s academic reputation and attract more international students. Members also agreed that NCCU’s expertise in integrating AI with humanities disciplines—including literature, philosophy, communication, and international relations—positions it as a global leader in this interdisciplinary area.

Centennial Celebrations: A Launchpad for Future Growth

In his closing remarks, President Li emphasized that NCCU’s upcoming centennial is a moment for the university to honor its rich history and use it as a springboard for the next century of development. He reaffirmed that internationalization is not just a strategic priority but also a vital way for NCCU to showcase Taiwan’s contributions to the world.
Internal attendees at the meeting included President Tsai-Yen Li, Vice President for International Cooperation Katherine Chen, Dean of Academic Affairs Chi-Ping Lin, Director of Research and Development Shih-Hsun Hsu, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Shou-Cheng Tseng, Director of the Taiwan Studies Center Kuang-Ta Lo, Assistant Professor Shun-Nan Jiang of the International College of Innovation, and Professors Yue-Yun Lin and Mei-Fen Chen, both former Vice Presidents for International Cooperation.