In support of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy and to actively expand the university’s international student recruitment, Tamkang University carried out the “Tamkang STEM and Business Exploration Tour – Advancing into Philippine High Schools” from March 9 to 15. The delegation was led by Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Hsiao-Chueh Chen, accompanied by College of Business and Management Dean Dr. Li-Jen Yang, and Director of the Division of International and Cross-Strait Exchange, Ms. Hsin-Ying Chu. Filipino student Lei Ting-Feng, currently studying International Business at Tamkang, was also invited to join the team. Together, they visited seven high schools, the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines. Through academic exchange and recruitment events, the university aimed to increase visibility, strengthen connections with local high schools, and enhance the likelihood of Filipino students choosing to study at Tamkang.
Dr. Chen noted that, with the momentum of the New Southbound Policy, the number of students from ASEAN and South Asian countries studying in Taiwan has been rising—particularly from the Philippines. She sees great potential in the Philippines as an emerging recruitment market and believes this visit laid a strong foundation for Tamkang’s future recruitment efforts. Several teachers directly encouraged their students to study at Tamkang, and initial discussions about strategic partnerships with high schools took place. “We hope to attract more outstanding Filipino students to Tamkang and further elevate our international academic reputation,” she said.
On March 10, accompanied by alumni Shih-Mo Huang and Ku-Chin Chang, the group visited Director Bo-Chih Chuang and Deputy Director Chong-Wei Liang of the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center. They also met with Minister Ting-Sheng Li, Minister Teng-Shih Yang, and Education Division Head Shih-Ping Lee at TECO to gain insight into the local education environment, recruitment strategies, and the Taiwanese business community’s enthusiasm for studying in Taiwan. They also discussed the mutual visa-free policy for short-term tourism between Taiwan and the Philippines, which is expected to aid recruitment promotion.
From March 11 to 14, the delegation visited seven high schools: Xavier School, Elizabeth Seton School, Immaculate Conception Academy, Saint Jude Catholic School, Makati Hope Christian High School, Grace Christian College, and the Philippine Science High School Main Campus. The visits involved discussion sessions to build mutual understanding and explore possibilities for strategic partnerships and future collaboration models.
Several schools—Elizabeth Seton School, Makati Hope Christian High School, Grace Christian College, and the Philippine Science High School—organized special recruitment seminars. Dr. Chen introduced Tamkang’s educational philosophy, teaching strengths, sister school network, English-taught programs, international specializations, scholarship opportunities, and encouraged students to join Tamkang’s “Future Leaders Online Summer School” to learn more about the university. Dr. Yang also gave a keynote speech titled “My Passion. My Dream. What Should I Major In?”, using personality assessments to help students better understand themselves and suitable academic paths. Lei Ting-Feng shared his own experience studying abroad at Tamkang, explaining his reasons and the benefits he gained, encouraging fellow Filipinos to consider following in his footsteps.