NTNU Vehicle and Energy Engineering Program Leads Student Exchange in Japan
In line with NTNU's commitment to internationalization, the University's Subsidy for the Promotion of International Exchange Programs provides up to NT$250,000 per project for exchanges with Europe and the Americas, and up to NT$225,000 for exchanges within Asia. This funding supports faculty and students in engaging with the global academic and industry community.
Through this funding support, Associate Professor Hwa-Dong Liu of NTNU’s Institute and Undergraduate Program of Vehicle and Energy Engineering led 10 graduate students from two NTNU departments on a week-long visit to Japan in mid-October 2025. The delegation visited Kyushu University, the Fukuoka City Science Museum, and Monozukuri Fair 2025. The students deepened their cross-disciplinary understanding of green energy, intelligent vehicles, and automation and gained firsthand exposure to Japan’s research and industry environment.
Academic Exchange
The group's first stop was Kyushu University's Faculty of Design, one of Japan's few institutions with a dedicated focus on acoustic engineering. Students toured the faculty's state-of-the-art anechoic chamber and human factors laboratory, gaining direct insight into Japan's advanced capabilities in sound field simulation, ergonomics, and acoustic measurement.
The visit also featured an academic exchange session. Professor Liu presented his laboratory's research on solar power generation and power electronics conversion, after which NTNU students delivered individual presentations on topics including solar energy systems, vehicle technology, building energy efficiency, and wind field simulation. The lively Q&A sessions gave students the opportunity to showcase NTNU's research strengths in the field of energy engineering.
Industry Immersion
The delegation then visited the Fukuoka City Science Museum, themed around “Future Cities and Technology.” There they observed real-world applications of hydrogen energy, liquefied natural gas, and smart transportation systems, including automated metro monitoring. The experience offered students a concrete picture of how advanced technology enables sustainable urban living.
A further highlight was Monozukuri Fair 2025, a major manufacturing technology exhibition featuring Honda's electric and mobility-assist vehicles alongside sensing and automation technologies from Panasonic and other leading manufacturers. The prevalence of K-Cars (lightweight compact vehicles) and the precision of automated production inspired the students in future research directions.
Student Reflections
The NTNU graduate student participants reported that the trip significantly expanded their professional knowledge. Delivering academic presentations entirely in English also boosted their confidence in cross-cultural communication. Several students noted that observing Japan's real-world practices in green energy and vehicle technology greatly enhanced their ability to bridge theory and practical problem-solving, and expressed hope that similar international collaborations would continue in the future.
Faculty and staff interested in applying for NTNU's International Cooperation and Exchange Subsidy for the second half of 2026 are welcome to submit applications beginning in April.
For subsidy guidelines, please visit: https://bds.oia.ntnu.edu.tw/bds/en/web/resource-reg-ntnu or contact the Office of International Affairs at National Taiwan Normal University.