【Article by OIC】
On March 13, 2025, a delegation from Masaryk University (MU), led by Professor Petr Suchy, Vice-Rector for Internationalization, visited National Chengchi University (NCCU) to explore potential academic collaborations. The delegation also included Professor Michal Bulant, Vice-Rector for Studies and Quality, and Professor Petr Kubíček, Director of the Geographical Institute. Since 2008, MU and NCCU have maintained a stable student exchange program that enhances academic collaboration between the two institutions. This visit was built upon discussions initiated in 2024, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing research cooperation and strengthening institutional ties.

Following a formal lunch hosted by NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li, the delegation moved on to a roundtable discussion, during which both universities emphasized their academic strengths. In this context, NCCU representatives outlined key areas for potential collaboration, concentrating on interdisciplinary research, language education, and specialized educational programs. Prof. Shih-Hsu Hsu introduced the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT), a government-supported initiative that fosters international partnerships, currently involving ongoing collaboration between NCCU and MU on East-West civilizational dynamics. Prof. Estelle Tsui-Fen Jiang presented the Taiwan Huayu BEST Program, which promotes Chinese language education through scholarships, exchanges, and cultural immersion.

Continuing the conversation on specialized academic programs, Professor Jihn-Fa Jan introduced NCCU’s Department of Land Economics, detailing its land management, resource planning, and geomatics programs. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training, ensuring that students acquire both academic expertise and practical experience—an approach that resonated strongly with MU’s emphasis on applied research. Likewise, Professor Petr Kubíček highlighted MU’s Department of Geography, which specializes in cartography and geoinformatics, leveraging cutting-edge research facilities to address real-world challenges. This shared focus on spatial analysis, resource planning, and interdisciplinary research emphasizes the strong alignment between the two universities. Dr. Michal Bulant and Professor Kubíček echoed this sentiment, describing the potential for collaboration as "a perfect match."

The discussion after that underscored the need for universities to evolve while maintaining their core mission, with a strong emphasis on international experiences and multilingual education to equip students for global challenges.

Dr. Suchy further emphasized the critical need for universities to foster opportunities that inspire students to adopt global perspectives. He pointed out that studying abroad and acquiring proficiency in multiple languages are essential for broadening horizons and unlocking new possibilities. As English continues to become a matter of course, he stressed that learning additional languages is crucial for ensuring students remain competitive in a global market. Moreover, beyond academic knowledge, universities should prioritize an internationally oriented education that empowers students to explore and comprehend the complexities of the world.
The meeting concluded with a lively exchange of ideas, followed by a group photo and a symbolic gift exchange. One particularly humorous moment occurred when NCCU presented the MU delegation with Kuai Kuai ( 乖乖) snacks, which are traditionally believed to help prevent technical issues and ensure smooth machine operations. This lighthearted gesture left a memorable impression, with Dr. Suchy laughing and remarking, "Hopefully, it might have a positive impact on our computers, ensuring they run smoothly."

Masaryk University’s visit to NCCU is part of its broader mission to strengthen global academic networks, particularly in Asia, and to foster deeper international collaboration. During their discussions, both universities laid the foundation for future partnerships, focusing on faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and expanding interdisciplinary programs. The meeting reaffirmed their commitment to academic excellence and highlighted the significance of international engagement in advancing education and research. Vice President Shu-Heng Chen expressed optimism about deepening the partnership, emphasizing the potential to enhance collaborative research that crosses disciplinary boundaries and geographical distances. With plans to further develop academic initiatives, both institutions are eager to continue their collaboration, promising to forge stronger educational ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.