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In the post-epidemic era, this notorious coronavirus somehow has enlightened us to build a world of better resilience. Taiwan, with no exception, is dedicated to consorting with worldwide experts and talents especially in Southern and Southeast Asian region, to construct a society with sufficient healthcare capability and sustainability. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and Mahidol University (MU) co-hosted an international webinar －International Academia-Industry Collaboration in Smart & Sustainable Society on Feb 25th, 2021. This event collaborated with Thailand public listed company Delta Electronics (Thailand) Public Company Limited (referred below as DET), a subsidiary of Delta Electronics Inc., to introduce the prospect of smart society, composed of Delta’s online recruitment activities and discussions on the potential of academia-industry collaboration between Taiwan and Thailand. More than 310 participants from 16 Southern and Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Indian, Indonesian and Vietnam, attended this event on-site and online. 

Pic 1：Group photo of distinguished guests and speakers

 Dr. Ying-Yuan Lee, the Ambassador of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand（TECO）, gave a welcome remark in the beginning of the event. "Taiwan is excellent in semiconductor, ICT and precision machining technologies, as well as  digital healthcare technologies and system, which make it prepared and successful in fighting against the pandemic. Taiwan aims to become Asia Silicon Valley, as hub of technologies development and incubation of Asia while Thailand transforms to Thailand 4.0.  We believe both countries have similar strategies and highly appreciate the value of higher education and industry innovating. We hope to s connect closely with the talents and policies of Thailand and more Asian countries. To positively plan our next for the next, we hope to earn a more advantageous and safer environment with smart technologies and functional healthcare systems together with the world." said Dr. Lee. 

Presidents of both Universities expressed their expectations. "In post-epidemic era, we realized one of the core component is the cultivation of next generation, and the accessibility of intelligent talent pool. Thanks to the support of DET and MU, the cooperation has exemplified the synergy of technology, talents, and knowledge. The generation will not only have up-to-date competency to confront the future society but also believe in the value of free and developing society. " said Dr. Huey-Jen Jenny Su, PhD, President of NCKU. "Covid-19 has highlighted the development and application of smart technologies, as well as the growing necessity for collaborations between academics, institutions and private sectors. It should help us adapt to evolving challenges quickly from individual to global communities.." said Dr. Banchong Mahaisavariya, MD, President of MU.   

DET, a subsidiary of Delta Electronics Inc., is a critical enterprise partner of the NCKU Butterfly Program, which is a collaborative platform to cultivate Southeast Asian talents. The webinar included an introduction of the NCKU-DET Butterfly Program to participating students including the Delta 2021 Internship Program for Thai Students in Taiwan, and 2021 Delta Group Indian Student Overseas Employment Program.  The HR recruiting teams of both DET and Delta Taiwan also conduct online and on-site recruitment consultations. "DET is the Southeast Asian headquarters of Delta. We are very pleased to cooperate with NCKU and MU to jointly cultivate new talents from South Asia and Southeast Asia countries, such as India and Thailand. Together we will be able to create new technologies and business opportunities for smart cities." said Mr. Jackie Chang, President of DET.

Pic 2 : The HR recruiting teams of both DET and Delta Taiwan conduct online and on-site recruitment consultations.

 Since 2016, Thailand government has launched Thailand 4.0 and prioritized healthcare development, accelerating the growth of MedTech research. Future Medical Technology hubs and science parks are under fast development contributed by hospitals, universities and government sectors. NCKU and MU established a joint research center locally, and since 2020 implemented the MoST project Taiwan Center for Smart Healthcare Science and Technology in Thailand. Under the witness and support of President Su and President Banchong Mahaisavariya, both Universities form numerous joint research teams each year and successfully promote the communication of top talents and smart healthcare collaborations between Taiwan and Thailand.       

“Taiwan and Thailand have forged long friendships from governments, enterprises, universities and institutions. Thailand is an advanced developed country full of history, culture and hospitality. Taiwan Center for Smart Healthcare Science and Technology provides more than a collaborative platform. It offers opportunities for our talents and experts to know better about other countries and make international partners last for a longer time.” said Dr. Fong-Chin Su, PhD, Executive Vice President of NCKU and Chairman of Taiwan Center for Smart Healthcare Science and Technology.

Pic 3 : Online and on-site panelists received questions from the audience.

Taiwan Center for Smart Healthcare Science and Technology co-organized this webinar with Medical Device Innovation Center (MDIC) NCKU, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering NCKU, Office of International Affairs (OIA), and MU, collaborating with DET. Dr. Chih-Han Chang, PhD, Director of MDIC, COO of Innovation Headquarters NCKU as well as Dr. Jackrit Suthakorn, PhD, Dean of Engineering MU have presented both Universities’ academia-industry collaborations strategies and developments. Dr. Yueh-Heng Li, PhD, Associate Vice President for International Affairs NCKU shared introduction of NCKU Butterfly Program, while Delta Taiwan & DET HR and SEA Regional Business Director introduced Delta’s business scope and International Recruitment Plan. In the panel discussion session hosted by Dr. Fong-Chin Su, the online and on-site panelists received enthusiastic responses from the audience.