Sponsored by Fundação Macau, the "2025 CityU Taiwan Higher Education Creative Design and Arts Academic Exchange Delegation" from the Faculty of Innovation and Design (FIAD) at City University of Macau (CityU) embarked on a five-day academic visit to Taiwan from June 9 to 13, 2025. The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with five leading institutions—Ming Chuan University, Shih Chien University, Shih Hsin University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), and Fu Jen Catholic University - on topics including curriculum development, academic advancement, and international collaboration, laying a solid foundation for future cross-institutional cooperation. 

High-Level Delegation Fosters Multidisciplinary Exchange

Led by CityU Council Member Ms. Sandy Chan and Pro-Rector Dr. Robert Chan, the delegation comprised 13 members, including Executive Associate Dean of the Faculty of Innovation and Design Assoc. Prof. Po-Hsun Wang, Professor of Music Studies Dingcheng Dai, as well as department heads from Finance, Information Technology, and General Affairs, and FIAD programme supervisors, demonstrating a cross-departmental approach to academic exchange. 

First Stop: Ming Chuan University – Innovative Design Education

On June 9, the delegation began its visit at Ming Chuan University, where they were warmly received by Vice President for International Affairs and Industry-academia Affairs and University Extension Dr. Lynne Lee and Executive Director of International Education and Exchange Division Dr. Nathan Liu. The delegation toured specialized facilities such as the drone classroom and digital post-production classroom, observing student exhibitions that showcased the university’s teaching achievements. Dr. Shih-Chien Chan, Chair of Digital Media Design Department, School of Design, shared insights into the curriculum and international collaboration initiatives during a seminar. Council Member Sandy Chan engaged in strategic discussions on global development, with both sides expressing strong interest in future cooperation. 

Shih Chien University: Strengthening Hands-On Learning and Industry Ties

On June 10, the delegation visited Shih Chien University's College of Design, where Chairman Milton Mung-Shiung Shieh and Vice President for International and Cross-Strait Affairs Tony Kuo shared the institution's experience as "Taiwan's Most Internationalized University". Dean Feng-Yu Hsu introduced the college’s industry-academia collaboration model, while department representatives Chair Vick Wang and Assistant Professor Paul Gong highlighted achievements in media communication design and industrial product design, emphasizing the institution's practice-oriented pedagogy. The delegation also toured the College of Design building, exploring interdisciplinary learning spaces in architecture, fashion design, and other disciplines. 

Shih Hsin University: Exploring Cutting-Edge Media Education 

That afternoon, the delegation visited Shih Hsin University, where President Dr. Cing-He Chen and Vice President Dr. Kun-Chin Lee discussed interdisciplinary learning and practical curriculum development. Both sides explored potential collaboration models between Macau and Taiwanese universities, with Shih Hsin expressing enthusiasm for formal agreements. Highlights included visits to the Roundtable Podcast Studio, Omni Media Building, and LED Virtual Stage, showcasing the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and "learning by doing" philosophy. 

Cultural Exploration: Drawing Inspiration from Taiwan’s Creative Industries

On June 11, the delegation visited the National Palace Museum and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, gaining insights into Taiwan’s cultural and creative industries.  

NTUST and Fu Jen Catholic University: Expanding Collaborative Dimensions

On June 12, the delegation visited National Taiwan University of Science and Technology’s College of Design, where Associate Vice President for International Affairs Prof. Shen-Long Tsai outlined the university’s global cooperation framework. Dean Prof. Ming-Huang Lin and Design Department Chair Prof. Tingyi S. Lin further highlighted the college’s international rankings (e.g., QS World University Rankings) and industry-academia achievements. Assoc. Prof. Po-Hsun Wang emphasized Macau’s unique role as a Sino-Portuguese platform, proposing collaboration in faculty-student exchanges and joint programs. This visit marked a milestone in CityU’s engagement with Taiwan’s top public universities. 

In the afternoon, the delegation focused on College of Arts and Textiles and Clothing at Fu Jen Catholic University: 

Music and Arts Dialogue: Professor Dingcheng Dai exchanged insights on Macau’s Catholic music heritage with Music Department Chair Prof. Yi-Tsao Wang and Center of Arts Director Assoc. Prof. Li-Xing Hong, discussing student exchange programs and joint courses. 

Textiles and Fashion Innovation: Associate Chair Tsui-Yuan Chang, Program Director Kuo-Dung Lin, and Assoc. Prof. Ting-Yu Wang presented their respective programs’ strengths, while Dean Prof. Zhao-Hua Ho led a tour of the Textile Science and Performance Testing related Laboratories, demonstrating the college’s seamless integration of theory, practice, and industry. 

Outcomes and Future Prospects 

This visit established substantive connections with Taiwan’s leading design institutions, yielding concrete progress in curriculum alignment, academic exchanges, and industry partnerships. The Faculty of Innovation and Design will leverage this momentum to further promote cross-regional collaboration, building a more internationalized platform for its students and faculty. 

Written by: Coey Chen

Reviewed by: Steven Gu