From Smart Campuses to Maker Spaces: Insights from Korea
Executive Vice President Kwun-Min Chen led an NTNU delegation, from December 3 to 7, to South Korea to strengthen ties with Pukyong National University and Pusan National University. The visit, which focused on exchanging administrative insights and exploring campus innovations, built on groundwork laid earlier in August, when President Cheng-Chih Wu’s delegation formalized academic collaboration through memorandums of understanding and student exchange agreements.
The delegation, which included representatives from NTNU’s administrative offices, focused on three main objectives:
- Exploring strategies and practices for internationalization.
- Examining the planning and management of student-focused spaces such as libraries, dining halls, dormitories, and smart service systems.
- Learning about the approaches and initiatives that contribute to the unique strengths of Pukyong and Pusan National Universities.
During the visit, the team participated in site tours and discussions with their Korean counterparts, exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for operational improvements and collaboration.
Key Takeaways from the Visit
Pukyong National University
On December 4, Executive Vice President Chen and the delegation were welcomed by Dean of International Affairs Jae-Cheol Seo and his team. The visit began with an introduction to the university, followed by discussions on topics including campus management and student services.
The team toured several facilities, including the library, sports center, and dormitories. The library highlighted the use of advanced technological systems and flexible learning spaces designed for both independent and collaborative work. The sports center showcased the integration of AI technology into its operations and services, offering insights into potential enhancements for similar facilities at NTNU.
Pusan National University
On December 6, the delegation visited Pusan National University, where they met with Vice President Lee Jan Woo and Dean of International Affairs Min Jong Yang. Discussions centered on shared challenges and strategies related to academic management, student support, and infrastructure planning.
The delegation toured the university archives, Saebyeokbeol Library, and the College of Engineering’s V-SPACE. The recently renovated Saebyeokbeol Library features multipurpose spaces tailored for study, discussion, and leisure, reflecting a focus on student engagement. V-SPACE—a maker space equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, and other tools—demonstrated how interdisciplinary projects and prototype development can be supported through dedicated infrastructure.
Insights and Next Steps
Reflecting on the visit, Executive Vice President Chen noted, “This exchange offered a meaningful opportunity to engage with our Korean counterparts and to explore solutions and ideas that could be applied to NTNU’s own operations.”
The delegation plans to incorporate the observations and experiences gained during the visit into future planning efforts, with the aim of improving campus facilities and administrative processes. By learning from the practices of peer institutions, the team seeks to enhance the university’s overall operations while continuing to build strong relationships with international partners.