2023 USTP x SixERS Joint Symposium Summary

In 2023, Taipei Medical University served as the host for the USTP, coinciding with the global easing of the pandemic, allowing for the first-ever physical organization of the alliance’s annual event—USTP x SixERS Joint Symposium. The USTP x SixERS Joint Symposium took place on November 28, 2023, at the Cheng-Pu Hall on the Xinyi Campus of Taipei Medical University.

The event was organized by President Max Wu, representing Taipei Medical University, along with Executive Vice President Shu-Ying Chang, Global Engagement Dean Kuei-Ru Chou, and colleagues from the Office of Global Engagement. The symposium focused on the themes “Promoting Renewable Energy Technologies for a Sustainable Future” and “Innovative Healthcare Approaches,” bringing together speakers from Taiwan and Japan.

The distinguished lineup of speakers included SixERS Chairman and Vice President Takayoshi Suzuki from Okayama University, Vice International Affairs Director Yuichi Iida, Director Koutaro Yoko of Chiba University Hospital, Professor Yuzhi Oshiumi from Kumamoto University’s School of Life Sciences, and Associate Professor Akihiro Nomura from Kanazawa University’s Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation.

Additionally, speakers from Taiwan, appointed by USTP, included Professor Ying-Chu Chen from National Taipei University of Technology’s College of Engineering, Associate Professor Yi-Fu Chen from National Taipei University’s College of Social Sciences, Associate Professor Yi-Chih Chou from National Taiwan Ocean University’s College of Engineering, and Director Ming-Hui Hsu from Taipei Medical University. The event was honored by the presence of international representatives, including Professor Cheng-Kuei Fan, Vice President of National Taipei University of Technology, Vice President Thijs A. Velema of National Taipei University, and Director Wen-Ning Chang (Acting International Affairs Director Yu-Wei Chang) of National Taiwan Ocean University, highlighting the significance of the collaborative activities between the universities of Taiwan and Japan.

The Joint Symposium brought together scholars and students from Taiwan and Japan to explore the latest research findings in areas such as sustainable energy development, smart healthcare, and medical innovation. Topics included Kite-sailing offshore wind energy harvester and challenging the mechanism of human aging through research on progeroid syndrome, attracting nearly 200 teachers and students. In addition to the engaging presentations, each session featured lively post-discussions, demonstrating the high level of interest and involvement from participants and emphasizing the future potential and connections for joint research and educational collaboration between USTP and SixERS.

The inaugural USTP x SixERS Joint Symposium focused on population aging and was co-hosted by National Taipei University of Technology and Okayama University in 2021. The second edition, held at the end of 2022, was a collaboration between National Taipei University and Okayama University, exploring global health, digital transformation (DX), and carbon neutrality initiatives. The fourth edition, scheduled for the following year, is expected to be jointly organized by National Taiwan Ocean University and Okayama University. As the world overcomes the challenges post-Covid-19, USTP and SixERS will continue to deepen and expand their bilateral partnership, working together for innovative and resilient academic exchanges.