To deepen cross-strait educational collaboration and explore innovative talent development models, Vice Chairman of University Council of City University of Macau Professor Kong Fanqing, and Pro-Rector Vince Chu, led a 10-member delegation to Taiwan from June 9 to 13, 2025. Sponsored by the Macao Foundation, the delegation conducted in-depth visits to four universities and cultural institutions, jointly exploring educational transformation strategies amid demographic decline.
The delegation’s first stop was Chinese Culture University, where President Dr. Tzu-Chi Wang personally received the group. President Wang highlighted the university’s disciplinary restructuring and innovative integration of AI technology into archival preservation, transforming century-old artifacts into immersive digital exhibitions at Taiwan’s first comprehensive university museum.
At Tamkang University, Vice President Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen showcased the institution’s dual-track “ESG+AI” transformation achievements. This 75-year-old university has integrated artificial intelligence and environmental science into curriculum development, revitalizing traditional disciplines.
Soochow University Vice President Prof. Shih-Ho Wang detailed the institution’s historical ties with Soochow University in mainland and its interdisciplinary development approach. He also introduced the community service functions of their smart legal platform. Notably, the upgraded alumni database – powered by an AI narrative engine – converts historical archives into interactive 3D scenarios, digitally recreating alumni profiles and works from the 1950s.
The visit to Huafan University offered unique spiritual inspiration. President Dr. Tien-Rein Lee led the delegation through campus exhibitions of student-crafted pottery, Thangka paintings, and calligraphy works. The delegation later dined at the university’s sustainable vegetarian restaurant operated jointly with local residents, learning about its operational philosophy while savoring creative seasonal dishes.
Cultural immersion extended the academic dialogue. At the Taipei Palace Museum, delegates examined precious artworks and discussed digital empowerment in cultural preservation. A guided tour of the incense-filled Lungshan Temple revealed how folk beliefs nourish community-based education.
The fruitful visit showcased Taiwan’s innovative approaches to demographic challenges and AI integration in creative pedagogy. CityU will fully utilize its own advantages, strive to realize the development vision of “Macao characteristics, Chinese soul, international vision”, actively undertake more social responsibilities, and implement the concept of “Education for Macao, Talents for Macao”, so as to contribute more to the higher education industry in the region. In the future, CityU plans to utilize the connections established through this exchange to initiate various forms of collaboration, providing a broader international platform for students and faculty, fostering knowledge exchange and cultural mutual learning, and thereby enhancing the influence of City University of Macau.
