Changhua, Taiwan, 6 November 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted an official visit and academic collaboration exploration with the National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), Taiwan, aimed at strengthening international partnerships in education, research, and student mobility. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Also joining the delegation were representatives from other faculties, including Prof. Roto, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA), Dr. Erliss Sulistyarini, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Geography accompanied by Dr. Andung Bayu Sekti, and Arif Misbahul, Director of the Taiwan Center UGM.
The NCUE representatives included several key officials: Prof. Chi-Yen Huang, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Science and Director of the Center for Science Education; Prof. Yeong-Lin Lai, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering; Prof. Shih-Feng Fu, Ph.D., Department of Biology; Prof. Hon-Man Lee, Ph.D., Dean of the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs; Associate Prof. Yang, Wen-Ren, Ph.D.; Assistant Prof. Chien-Sing Lee; Hsiu-Gui Chang, Division Head of International and Cross-Strait Affairs; and Yu-Yen Lee, Coordinator of the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs.
The formal meeting commenced at 10:00 a.m. Taiwan time and began with presentations from both deans. During his presentation, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, introduced the Faculty’s profile and shared potential collaboration opportunities in biodiversity, conservation, and other areas of biological sciences. The main agenda of the meeting included the signing of an academic cooperation agreement between the two institutions, focusing on the development of Student Exchange, Double Degree, Co-supervision, and Fast Track programs. This collaboration is expected to enhance academic mobility opportunities for students and lecturers, as well as strengthen cross-border collaborative research.
In addition, NCUE offered scholarship quotas for up to 48 students Faculty of Biology UGM to participate in student exchange and industrial internship programs in Taiwan. The program also provides opportunities for graduates to work directly in Taiwan under an initial two-year contract, with the possibility of extension. Prospective students are expected to have a minimum Mandarin proficiency of A2 level as a participation requirement.
Following the meeting at NCUE, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation also made an official courtesy visit to Asia University, Taiwan, where they were warmly received by Prof. Chi-Liang Yu, Vice Dean of the Office of International Affairs, and Jeanie Mao from the same office. The discussion focused on exploring further opportunities for joint research and academic staff exchange programs.
This visit marks a significant step for the Faculty of Biology UGM in expanding its international network, enhancing global competitiveness, and providing students with broader academic and professional experiences on the international stage. The initiative also aligns with the Faculty’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), through advancing biological education, fostering global collaboration, and promoting biodiversity conservation.
