From October 29 to November 1, 2026, the Department of Chemical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) invited three distinguished scholars from Thailand to visit Taiwan and participate in academic exchange activities. The visiting scholars included Associate Professor Prakit Sukyai from Kasetsart University, whose research focuses on biotechnology and the valorization of biomass; Associate Professor Rujikan Nasanit from Silpakorn University, specializing in biotechnology and bacteriophage applications for food safety; and Assistant Professor Adisak Romsang from Mahidol University, whose research focuses on microbial biotechnology, bacterial genetics, and antimicrobial resistance. The visit aimed to strengthen academic connections between Taiwan and Thailand, promote interdisciplinary research collaboration, and explore opportunities for faculty and student exchanges.

On October 30, the three scholars delivered academic lectures at the Department of Chemical Engineering, NCKU, sharing their latest research findings and developments in biotechnology. Associate Professor Prakit Sukyai presented "Cellulose from Biomass for Food, Biomedical, and Cosmetic Applications," highlighting the utilization of agricultural and food-processing byproducts to develop functional cellulose-based materials for applications in food, biomedical, and cosmetic industries. Associate Professor Rujikan Nasanit presented "Bacteriophages for Food Safety: Nature's Precision Tool Against Foodborne Pathogens," introducing the potential of bacteriophages as targeted biological agents for controlling foodborne pathogens and improving food safety. Assistant Professor Adisak Romsang presented "Biocide-Associated Adaptation in Pathogenic Bacteria: Genetic Mechanisms Linking Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence, and Host Immunity," exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying bacterial adaptation to biocides and their relationships with antimicrobial resistance, bacterial virulence, and host immune responses.

Figure 1. Group photo of the guest speakers and faculty members. Seated in the front row, from left to right: Professor Chao-Ling Yao of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Associate Professor Prakit Sukyai, Associate Professor Rujikan Nasanit, and Assistant Professor Adisak Romsang.

In addition to the academic lectures, the visiting scholars toured research laboratories led by Professor I-Son Ng and Professor Chao-Ling Yao at NCKU, gaining insights into ongoing research projects and exploring potential areas for collaboration. Faculty members from both sides also participated in academic discussions and networking activities to exchange research ideas and identify opportunities for future partnerships.

On October 31, further discussions were held regarding the International Internship Pilot Program (IIPP) and the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP). The discussions focused on potential collaboration models, including international research internships, student exchanges, and talent development, with the aim of establishing sustainable academic connections between Taiwanese and Thai universities.

This visit successfully strengthened academic ties between NCKU and the three Thai universities.It also provided valuable opportunities for faculty and students to broaden their international perspectives and explore future research collaborations. Moving forward, continued support for IIPP and TEEP will help facilitate faculty and student mobility, joint research initiatives, and international internship opportunities, laying a solid foundation for long-term Taiwan–Thailand academic cooperation.

Figure 2. Group photo of the visiting delegation.