【International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development】

2026 MARCH, TAIPEI -- From March 12 to March 16, students from National Chengchi University’s International Masters in Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) program engaged with a visiting delegation of graduate students from Kyoto University in a series of exploratory and knowledge-exchanging activities.

On March 12, the group visited Taipei 101 to learn about the building’s sustainability initiatives. In a tour guided by the Taipei 101 building management team, the students visited the 88th floor offices for a brief presentation, visited the Sky Park, and explored the waste management center at the base of the building. As one of the world’s tallest green buildings, Taipei 101 offered the students an insight into the unique challenges and innovation at the center of Taiwan’s green-minded urban development.

Following other field visits, the Kyoto University delegation returned to NCCU’s neighboring Maokong village to dine with IMES students in one of the area’s iconic tea houses. The students were able to share more about their research and career journeys, as well as take in scenic views of the city from the Maokong Gondolas. “It was refreshing to hear the perspectives of the Kyoto University students and to learn from the diverse academic backgrounds they brought to the table,” said IMES first-year student Sofia Lenker Andrade from Spain. “Sharing the struggles and ambitions of many different communities makes international education a powerful experience we all share and contribute to.”

Finally, two IMES student representatives, Zoe Weaver and Cedric Lee, joined the Kyoto University group once more for a one-day workshop hosted in partnership with National Taiwan University’s College of Social Sciences. The workshop, which was divided into two concurring sessions on “Culture, Sustainability and Consumer Market” and “Firm Innovation and Governance,” allowed the students to share their working or published research projects. Each session was chaired by various faculty from the three universities, allowing for interactive discussions and structured feedback. “I am grateful for the chance to attend this Kyoto University workshop,” said Lee. “The interdisciplinary nature of the discussions—covering everything from politics to social culture—exposed me to many brilliant ideas and new ways of thinking. It was not only a great platform to learn about others' research but also a perfect environment to challenge myself and improve my communication skills.”

Weaver and Lee presented their ongoing projects, entitled “Taiwan is Helping: An Analysis of Taiwan’s Nation Branding through Foreign Aid” and “The Impact of Taiwan’s Carbon Fee Policy on the Financial Market Performance of Listed Companies,” respectively.

Overall, the students from Kyoto University and NCCU took advantage of this visit to engage with each other on scholarly exchange, as well as learn more about Taiwan’s sustainability and development landscape.