Kaohsiung Medical University Promotes INTENSE Program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
April 24th, 2025, Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) took a significant step in advancing global academic and industrial collaboration by promoting its International Master’s Program for Talent Cultivation in Chemistry and Biomedical Industries (INTENSE Program) at the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Science (FS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Led by Professor Sodio C. N. Hsu, Dean of KMU’s College of Life Sciences, and Professor Wei-Yu Lin, Chair of the Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, the KMU delegation engaged with UTM’s Year 4 undergraduate students and faculty to showcase this innovative, fully English-taught master’s program designed to cultivate global talent in the chemical and biomedical industries.
The INTENSE Program, managed by KMU’s College of Life Sciences, is tailored to empower international students with cutting-edge skills and opportunities in chemistry and biomedical sciences. Key highlights of the program include:
1. Full Scholarships: Comprehensive financial support covering administrative fees, a one-way flight to Taiwan, full tuition waivers for two years, a monthly living stipend, and an internship allowance, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional growth.
2. Cutting-Edge Research: Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and interdisciplinary courses that blend chemistry, biology, and biomedical sciences, fostering innovation and practical expertise.
3. Career Opportunities: Guaranteed internships and job placement support in Taiwan’s thriving chemical and biomedical industries, providing a seamless transition from academia to professional success.
4. Cultural Immersion: Opportunities to learn Chinese and engage with Taiwan’s vibrant culture, enriching students’ global perspectives while studying in a dynamic academic environment.
During the visit, Professors Hsu and Lin presented the program’s unique offerings to UTM’s Year 4 chemistry undergraduates, emphasizing its potential to equip students with the skills and networks needed to excel in global industries. The session inspired students to consider pursuing advanced studies in Taiwan, leveraging the INTENSE Program’s robust support system.
In addition to engaging students, the KMU team held productive discussions with faculty members of UTM’s Chemistry Department to explore avenues for collaboration. The meeting focused on student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and the potential for formalizing partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). These collaborations aim to foster academic synergy and provide mutual benefits for students and researchers at both institutions. The UTM delegation included key figures such as the Dean of the Faculty of Science (Professor Shafinaz Shahir), the Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation, and Development (Professor Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek), the Head of the Department of Chemistry (Professor Joazaizulfazli Jamalisy), the Manager of External and Global Engagement for FS (Dr. MohdFirdaus Abdul Wahab), and Mr. Ahmad Hilman Borhan, a representative of UTM International (UTM-i). Professor Lee Siew Ling of UTM was pivotal in facilitating KMU’s visit, ensuring seamless coordination and productive exchanges.
The visit underscores KMU’s commitment to internationalizing its academic programs and building bridges with leading institutions like UTM. By promoting the INTENSE Program, KMU aims to attract talented students from Malaysia and beyond, equipping them with the tools to address global challenges in chemistry and biomedical industries. The potential MOU/MOA with UTM signals a promising future for collaborative research and student mobility, further strengthening ties between Taiwan and Malaysia.
