EduAsiaNews, Semarang — Universitas Semarang (USM) is strengthening its commitment to internationalizing higher education by expanding its network of partnerships with universities around the world. The initiative was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan’s National United University (NUU) on Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2026).
The MoU was signed by USM Rector Dr. Supari, S.T., M.T., and National United University President Prof. Max Ti-Kuang Hou, Ph.D., during a visit by a six-member NUU delegation to USM. The agreement marks an initial step toward broader academic and institutional collaboration in education, research, joint publications, and community engagement.
During the visit, Prof. Max Ti-Kuang Hou delivered a lecture lasting approximately 45 minutes to USM deans, heads of study programs, and students.
Prof. Max Ti-Kuang Hou said NUU’s interest in partnering with USM was partly driven by recommendations from colleagues who have long been familiar with Semarang and its education sector.
“Several good friends introduced and recommended your university to us. One of them has lived here for 30 years, so they understand the situation in Semarang,” he said.
He added that NUU’s assessment indicated that USM was among the universities in Semarang with strong potential for collaboration. The two institutions therefore see opportunities to develop a partnership that can benefit both sides.
“I am very happy and honored to be here to explore opportunities for cooperation,” he said.
The partnership also opens new opportunities for USM students to gain international academic experience, including the opportunity to pursue further studies in Taiwan. Students can complete their undergraduate education in Semarang before continuing their studies at NUU to pursue advanced degrees.
Such opportunities will allow students to broaden their academic experience, develop international networks, and prepare for careers in an increasingly global environment.
“After graduating, they can come to Taiwan, to our university, to pursue a higher degree, build their careers, and develop their future,” Prof. Max said.
NUU also offers an intensive program for USM bachelor’s graduates interested in continuing their studies in Taiwan. Under the program, graduates can take several examinations as part of the admission process for higher education.
“Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree at USM, you can take several examinations and then come to our university to pursue a higher degree through this intensive program,” Prof. Max explained.
In addition to opportunities for further study, NUU offers institutional support during students’ studies as well as professional training to help prepare them for the workforce.
Head of USM’s International Office, Albert, S.E., M.M., Ph.D., said the partnership with NUU is part of USM’s efforts to strengthen its international position and expand opportunities for its academic community to participate in cross-border academic activities.
According to Albert, the implementation of the partnership will focus on three main areas: education, research, and community engagement. In education, the two universities can develop academic activities through both online and in-person formats. In research, opportunities include joint research projects and scholarly publications. Meanwhile, community engagement programs can involve members of both academic communities while delivering tangible benefits to society.
“The main thing we will do is collaborate by bringing together what we have here and what they have there,” Albert said.
The collaboration will also include academic mobility programs, such as student exchanges lasting one to three months, placements for Taiwanese students in Semarang for approximately two weeks, and opportunities for USM academics to undertake academic activities and establish direct collaborations in Taiwan.
At the initial stage, the partnership will focus on chemical engineering and mechanical engineering, given the relevance of these disciplines to study programs at both universities. However, the scope of collaboration is not limited to engineering. NUU has also expressed interest in exploring cooperation in the social sciences, including with USM’s Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Law.
As part of the NUU delegation’s visit, Prof. Max Ti-Kuang Hou also delivered a public lecture attended by USM deans, study program heads, and students. During the session, he introduced various programs offered by NUU and outlined opportunities for students interested in pursuing further education in Taiwan.
As a follow-up to the partnership, NUU has invited the USM Rector to visit Taiwan in late November 2026, coinciding with National United University’s anniversary celebrations. The visit is expected to strengthen communication between the two institutions and provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the agreed cooperation programs.
The USM–NUU partnership follows intensive communication that began with the first NUU delegation visit to Semarang in February 2026. Through the collaboration, USM aims to further expand its international higher education network while creating more opportunities for students and academics to gain international academic experience, participate in mobility programs, conduct research, and develop their competencies in a global environment.
