International Alumni Return to Reconnect, Reflect, and Renew Ties
Nearly 50 international alumni from 17 countries returned to their former campus on May 23, 2024, to take part in the second International Alumni Reunion. The gathering provided an opportunity not only to reconnect with fellow graduates but also to see how the university has evolved since their time as students.
Participants represented a broad mix of colleges and departments. Joining them were current students, including those soon to graduate and learners from the Mandarin Training Center, creating an atmosphere that blended shared history with new perspectives.
Vice Presidents Yao-Ting Sung, Frank Yung-Hsiang Ying, and Kun-Ming Chen attended on behalf of the university. In his remarks, Vice President Kun-Ming Chen outlined recent developments in academic research, student services, campus facilities, and alumni engagement, attributing these advances to the sustained involvement of the global alumni network.
“As we continue to grow, we have not lost sight of our roots,” Chen said. “We remain a university with a global perspective that values human connection.” He encouraged alumni to see their relationship with the university as ongoing, both professionally and personally.
Also present were Associate Vice President for International Affairs Hsiu-Mei Hsieh, and Director of Public Affairs and the NTNU Alumni Center, Min-Ping Kang. The Office of International Affairs supports the transition and integration of international students in Taiwan, while the NTNU Alumni Center fosters long-term connections between graduates and the university.
Two alumni spoke about their experiences since graduation. Said Documaci, a Turkish alumnus from the College of Management, reflected on the challenges of entering the job market in Taiwan. He stressed the importance of resilience and continued learning, noting that while language and legal knowledge are crucial, perseverance during setbacks was most essential. He is now preparing to launch a consulting firm focused on navigating Taiwan’s employment landscape.
From Vietnam, alumna Ton Kim Thanhof the College of International and Social Sciences shared how her studies shaped her career path. Now an HR Compensation Officer at HMD Global, she credited the university’s academic rigor and multicultural environment with equipping her for her role in Taiwan’s international workforce.
To close the event, the Alumni Center introduced a series of programs aimed at strengthening alumni engagement. These included the Global Outstanding Alumni Award, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education; departmental alumni lectures; and the continuation of the International Alumni Reunion series. Alumni based in Taiwan were also encouraged to apply for an alumni ID to access university resources and maintain active ties with the institution.
Now in its second year, the International Alumni Reunion has taken root as an annual opportunity for graduates to return not just to a place, but to a shared academic community that continues to grow across borders and time.