Tarlac State University and Ming Chi University of Technology in Taiwan launched the MCUT 3+2 Bachelor-Master Fast Track program for student exchange and discussed possible faculty mobility and research partnerships in an orientation and welcome program on Tuesday afternoon (June 4) at the TSU Hotel, Lucinda Campus.
Dr. Chieh-Lan "Winnie" Li, MCUT Office of International Affairs Director, introduced their 3+2 program, posing opportunities for TSU students enrolled in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, industrial engineering, chemistry, financial management, and visual communication programs.
MCUT's 3+2 Bachelor-Master Fast Track program allows selected students to study a three-year undergraduate course at TSU and continue their studies at MCUT for two years, leading to a master's degree.
Under this program, the students will be offered a 100% tuition waiver for their first year at MCUT, free dormitory, cultural experience in Taiwan, free Mandarin language classes, scholarships (for international students), and advanced training and experimental facilities as they earn an international master's degree.
Meanwhile, the international students can avail two types of scholarships for their second year in the 3+2 program. They can either be a full scholar with 100% tuition waiver with free dormitory or a half scholar with 50% tuition waiver and 50% dormitory fee waiver.
"I would like to inform our colleagues in TSU that our memorandum of agreement has already been approved for the 3+2 program. It is already available for our students and some faculty members who have scholarships in graduate programs," Dr. Robert V. Marcos, TSU's Office of University Research Development Director, said.
"It (MOA) has undergone the scrutiny of the legal division of the Commission on Higher Education. Before we had the approval of the Board of Regents, it already passed through and secured the approval of the legal division of CHED. It is available for those who are qualified," Dr. Marcos added.
According to MCUT President Dr. Thua-Hua Liu, their university has ten research centers that can help foster partnerships for both parties.
"At TSU, we believe that strong partnerships are the cornerstones of making research in reaching educational experiences and impactful community initiatives. Together, we can cultivate a dynamic environment and foster growth, creativity, and mutual success," TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco said in his speech.
"We are committed to providing all the support and resources necessary to ensure the success of our partnership," he added.
Dr. Li also proposed the 2+2 Dual Bachelor's Degree Program, where students will have the chance to learn Mandarin, complete an undergraduate degree, and continue earning one master's degree at MCUT.
Dr. Marcos, also the focal Person for the MCUT MOA and MOU, said their office will look into more academic partnerships with MCUT in this orientation.
The event was graced by college deans and program heads from TSU and MCUT delegates, namely Dr. Fong-Rey (Kevin Liu), Provost; Dr. Kung-Jui Pai, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, College of Management and Design; Dr. Kim Hoon Ng, Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Environment and Resources; Dr. Chia-Hao Ku, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering; Dr. Wan-Yi Lai, Department of Industrial Design, College of Management and Design; and Mr. Shuh-Chieh (Elliot) Hsiao, Program Coordinator, Office of International Affairs. (jlmm-OPA)
Photo by Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
