On Monday, 22 December 2025, the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in partnership with National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), Taiwan, hosted the official opening ceremony for the Khon Kaen INTACT Base (International Talent Circulation Base). This centre is the third INTACT Base in Thailand, operating under the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE), which promotes international education cooperation and human resource development between Taiwan and partner countries.
The ceremony opened with an introductory video on the Khon Kaen INTACT Base. In the presentation, Professor Michelle Lee highlighted that Thailand’s education quality is internationally recognised, leading Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to commission NSYSU, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, and National Chung Hsing University to establish INTACT Bases in Thailand. The initiative creates clear pathways for further study and career development in Taiwan.
The event was presided over by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University. Also honouring the event were Professor Ming-Hsuan Lee, Vice President for International Affairs at National Sun Yat-sen University, and Ms. Ann Hsueh, Education Division Secretary at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand. The Faculty of Science was represented by Assistant Professor Angkana Boonyued, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty, along with executives and heads of divisions. A large number of researchers and students interested in internships and further study in Taiwan also attended the event.
As the presiding chairman, Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese delegation. He also elaborated on the role of the Khon Kaen INTACT Base, a creation resulting from the collaboration between Khon Kaen University and National Sun Yat-sen University. The base aims to serve as a hub for the exchange of knowledge, technology, and human resource development aligned with industrial demands.
He remarked: “I wish to express my deepest appreciation for our close cooperation with National Sun Yat-sen University, an essential partner in establishing the Khon Kaen INTACT Base. Khon Kaen University and National Sun Yat-sen University have continuously developed their relationship and have previously signed a university-level academic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This reflects the long-term vision of both institutions regarding education, research, and personnel development.”
Finally, Ms. Ann Hsueh spoke, highlighting the significance of the Khon Kaen INTACT Base, noting: “The launch of this centre in Khon Kaen fully expands our service base into the Northeastern region of Thailand. This is the third centre, following the establishment of the first in Bangkok and the second in Chiang Mai.” She further emphasised the future vision: “Taiwan is prepared to expand cooperation with Thai universities through joint degree programmes, student exchanges, and collaborative research projects to create new opportunities for human resource development and promote sustainable people-to-people relations.”
Furthermore, the event featured presentations on the INTENSE programme and the participating Taiwanese universities, delivered by faculty members from those institutions. Presenters included Professor Ru-Chu Shih, Vice President for International Affairs at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology; Professor Chi-Ming Hsieh, Assistant Vice President for Research and Development at National Chung Hsing University; and Assistant Professor Duc-Thang Vo, Director of the INTACT Base Vietnam from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology.
They provided important details concerning scholarships, including eligibility requirements, internship opportunities, and career life in the industrial sector. A special segment was also hosted by the Chinese Language Centre of National Sun Yat-sen University to build cultural understanding and inspire attendees, giving students and participants a greater appreciation for Taiwanese culture and the Chinese language.
The inauguration of the INTACT Base marks a crucial first step in fostering the career growth of Thai students in Taiwan. This collaboration also underscores the solid relationship between Khon Kaen University and National Sun Yat-sen University, both committed to developing the potential of Thai students to an international standard while providing opportunities to work with overseas organisations.
