(Reposted from National Taiwan Ocean University News)
National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) and the R.O.C. Naval Academy (ROCNA) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Strategic Alliance Cooperation on August 20. Building on resource sharing and complementary strengths, the two institutions will expand substantive cooperation in areas including cross-university course enrollment, joint faculty appointments, and the sharing of library resources and advanced research equipment. The partnership will also focus on forward-looking fields such as defense technology, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and net-zero carbon reduction, with the shared goal of cultivating interdisciplinary professionals equipped with advanced technological capabilities.
In his remarks, NTOU President Hsu Tai-Wen, Distinguished Chair Professor, shared his previous military service experience at Chengkungling, as well as his research and development experience in maritime engineering and sea-state forecasting. He emphasized that NTOU has built a strong research foundation through years of dedicated work in ocean engineering, underwater technology, smart shipping, and green energy. Looking ahead, NTOU will leverage its strengths and leadership in marine science and technology to deepen defense research collaboration with ROCNA, cultivate maritime professionals capable of contributing to national defense, and jointly advance the development of a modernized and technology-driven defense force.
Rear Admiral Liu Tai-Jui, Superintendent of the R.O.C. Naval Academy, noted that the signing marks an important milestone in the partnership between Taiwan’s higher military education system and a leading institution specializing in marine science and technology. The two institutions have maintained close ties over the years, with many senior naval officers receiving professional training or pursuing advanced studies at NTOU. More recently, the two institutions have collaborated on international research projects involving marine low-carbon development and carbon cycling. This year, they also secured opportunities for active-duty naval officers to pursue full-time master’s degree programs at NTOU for the first time.
Rear Admiral Liu expressed his hope that ROCNA can draw upon NTOU’s extensive expertise and research capabilities in marine science and technology to cultivate more outstanding naval officers who excel in both academic knowledge and military professionalism, thereby providing strong momentum for indigenous defense capabilities and the future development of the Navy.
Following the successful signing ceremony, the two institutions convened a “Marine Science and Research Cooperation Forum.” Chaired by Professor Tsai An-Yi, Dean of NTOU’s College of Ocean Science and Resource, the forum addressed practical issues including future curriculum planning, the sharing of university resources during weekends and holidays, and exchanges through international conferences.
Representatives from various departments and graduate institutes further discussed specific areas for research collaboration and coordination. These discussions marked a promising beginning for substantive cooperation between the two institutions in advanced marine technologies and defense engineering, laying a solid foundation for deeper academic, research, and talent-development partnerships in the years ahead.