EduAsiaNews, Semarang – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) hosted the Taiwan–Indonesia educational cooperation program, the INTENSE Programs Education Fair 2026. The event took place at the Muladi Dome on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 09:30 WIB.
The Rector of UNDIP, Suharnomo, accompanied by Vice Rector IV Wijayanto and Secretary of the Board of Trustees Agus Indarjo, personally welcomed representatives from Taiwan as well as rectors and delegates from partner universities in Indonesia.
Also in attendance were TETO Indonesia Director of the Education Division Mei-Chi Shih; Co-Principal Investigator of the INTENSE Office Chin-Chung Shen; and Head of the Quality Assurance Subdirectorate at the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Kevin Leonard Michael Marbun.
In his remarks, Rector Suharnomo welcomed all institutional representatives and participants of the Taiwan–Indonesia education seminar. He stated, “Together, we prepare our students to build confidence, step out of their comfort zones, and explore international experiences. This collaboration brings together various institutions to establish concrete partnerships as solutions to global challenges.”
The Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan), represented virtually by Chun-Chang Chu, emphasized that this collaboration represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Taiwan.
Mei-Chi Shih, representing TETO Indonesia, noted that through collaboration between higher education institutions and industry, Indonesia and Taiwan are enhancing the development of globally competitive human resources.
Prof. Chin-Chung Shen from the INTENSE Office explained that through this program, students may receive educational funding assistance of up to NT$100,000 over two years. He added, “The knowledge acquired can be directly applied in the workplace, as Indonesian graduates in Taiwan have strong opportunities to be recruited by partner companies. During their studies, students are also equipped with Mandarin language skills to help them adapt to life in Taiwan.”
The INTENSE Program is a scholarship initiative by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, offering opportunities for further study, internships, and career development for students from Southeast Asia—particularly Indonesia—in industrial fields, especially in Taiwan. The program is designed to prepare young generations to compete in the global industry, particularly in sectors such as science, technology, engineering, semiconductors, mathematics, and finance.
Diploma (D3/D4), undergraduate (S1), and postgraduate (S2/S3) students and graduates are eligible to participate in international programs such as student exchanges, internships, double degree programs, and especially the INTENSE Program. Benefits include scholarships covering tuition fees, living allowances, internships, and airfare.
Kevin Leonard Michael Marbun, representing the Ministry, highlighted that this inter-institutional collaboration marks a promising start for long-term international cooperation. “We express our gratitude and appreciation to UNDIP as the host. May our shared commitment continue sustainably and deliver tangible, applicable outcomes for society,” he concluded.
Representing the Vice Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, the Governor’s Expert Staff for Social Affairs and Human Resources, Ikhwan Hamzah, delivered remarks expressing full support for higher education institutions in developing inclusive educational ecosystems integrated with industry-based practical training.
The curriculum applied in the program is designed by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education in collaboration with industry and academia, supported by INTACT Base Jakarta, Bangka Belitung, and Surabaya. Within the INTENSE Program, students are required to obtain a TOCFL A2 certificate for first-year admission and TOCFL B1 certification for graduation in the second year.
On this occasion, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) was signed between partner universities in Taiwan and Indonesia. Taiwanese institutions included Cheng Shiu University, Hsing Wu University, and Chaoyang University of Technology. Indonesian partners included Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Universitas Budi Luhur, Politeknik Industri ATMI, and Universitas Esa Unggul.
The event continued with a booth visit session, the Indonesia–Taiwan Rectors’ High-Level Meeting, and a campus tour attended by university leaders.
An education exhibition was also held, featuring booths from 14 partner universities in Taiwan. Students from various universities in Semarang participated, gaining insights into each institution through the “Introduction of Taiwan Universities” session and interactive Q&A sessions.
The event was further enlivened by a lucky draw session, which attracted strong enthusiasm among students. Through the INTENSE Programs Education Fair 2026, students gained comprehensive information and opportunities to build global networks, expected to increase their interest in pursuing further studies abroad.
