Los Baños, Laguna / Kaohsiung, February 4, 2026

A delegation from the College of Life Sciences (KMULF) at Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), led by Dean Professor Sodio C.N. Hsu, visited the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) on February 4, 2026. The visit focused on high-level administrative engagements and in-depth academic exchanges at the Institute of Chemistry (IC), highlighting strong potential for future collaboration between KMU’s College of Life Sciences and UPLB, particularly in joint research and the establishment of a dual master's degree program (including sandwich programs). This initiative aims to facilitate cross-institutional student mobility, shared research resources, and enhanced training in chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedical-related fields, further solidifying Taiwan-Philippines academic partnerships.

The day began at 9:00 AM with a series of courtesy calls: first with the UPLB Chancellor at the Office of the Chancellor in BM Gonzales Hall, followed by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the CAS DO Conference Room, and then the Dean of the Graduate School at the GS Conference Room. These meetings underscored institutional support for deepening bilateral ties.

A networking lunch at the GS Conference Room provided an informal setting for continued dialogue. In the afternoon, the delegation toured the IC Nanotechnology Lab and other research laboratories, gaining insights into UPLB’s strengths in nanotechnology applications, biochemistry, computational chemistry, and interdisciplinary research relevant to agriculture, environmental sciences, and biomedical industries.

From 1:30 to 3:30 PM, an Academic Exchange and Technical Symposium took place at IC PSLH-A. KMU Dean Professor Sodio C.N. Hsu opened with an introduction to the College of Life Sciences and KMU’s INTENSE Program—an international, English-taught master’s initiative focused on talent cultivation in chemistry and biomedical industries, emphasizing industry-academia linkages, scholarships, and hands-on research. Department chairs followed: Professor Pei-Feng Liu (Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology), Professor Wei-Yu Lin (Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry), and Professor Wei-Ting Liao (Department of Biotechnology) presented overviews of their departments, research domains, and collaborative opportunities. In addition, during the Q&A session, UPLB faculty and students showed great interest in the TEEP and IIPP programs implemented by the College of Life Sciences at Kaohsiung Medical University.

The afternoon concluded with a collaborative Networking session at the IC Director’s Office from 3:30 PM, centering on student internships, joint research projects, sandwich programs, and the feasibility of dual master's degree arrangements. Discussions also explored regular bilateral symposia to sustain momentum. The visit wrapped up with a closing session and group photo at the Institute of Chemistry, before the delegation departed at 5:00 PM.

This engagement builds on existing Taiwan-Philippines academic linkages and highlights synergies between KMU’s expertise in medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences and UPLB’s renowned Institute of Chemistry—recognized as a National Center of Excellence with advanced capabilities in nanotechnology, bioactive compounds, and sustainable technologies. Both sides expressed optimism about leveraging these strengths for high-impact joint projects and structured degree pathways.

The dual master's degree and sandwich program directions were key highlights, allowing students to benefit from complementary curricula, conduct research across institutions, and earn dual credentials—aligning with global trends in internationalized graduate education and equipping graduates for careers in academia, industry, and innovation.

The KMU College of Life Sciences views this visit—part of a broader Philippines itinerary including UST and UPOU—as highly successful in advancing concrete cooperation. Future steps include formalizing agreements, initiating joint research teams, and implementing student mobility schemes. UPLB representatives echoed enthusiasm, seeing the interaction as a bridge for enhanced scientific and educational exchange between the two nations.

Dean Professor Sodio C.N. Hsu remarked: “This productive visit marks meaningful progress toward a sustained partnership with UPLB. By combining our strengths—particularly through programs like INTENSE and collaborative frameworks such as dual master's degrees—we can create exceptional opportunities for students and researchers to drive innovation in life sciences and related fields across borders.”

The event received positive feedback from both institutions, with expectations of tangible outcomes, including expanded research collaborations and formalized academic programs in the near term.