National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) welcomed a delegation from Ryutsu Keizai University (RKU), Japan, on March 25, marking a significant milestone in deepening industry-academia integration within the maritime and distribution information sectors. Building upon their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both institutions reached a consensus to enhance international logistics education through faculty exchange programs, short-term student exchanges, and joint research on labor shortages in the logistics industry. The delegation, led by NTOU Visiting Professor and former Chairman of Nippon Express Taiwan Mr. Tatsuo Sugiyama, was received by NTOU President Prof. Tai-Wen Hsu, alongside Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. Chairman Prof. Feng-Ming Tsai and senior academic heads, demonstrating a high-level commitment to building a global supply chain talent pool.

During the roundtable discussions, the two universities established several concrete action plans, including an initial phase where one or two professors will conduct in-depth lectures in Japan to ensure precise research alignment. This progressive exchange model prioritizes faculty-level coordination to facilitate accurate student matching and ensure high-quality educational outcomes in the future. To address global logistics challenges, both parties plan to launch joint research on "attracting the younger generation to the logistics industry" to optimize the professional environment. Furthermore, RKU shared the recruitment expertise of its parent organization, the NX Group (Nippon Express), specifically highlighting its "General Track" (Sogo-shoku) career paths that offer international students the same benefits as Japanese employees, providing a valuable career roadmap for NTOU students.

In addition to the strategic meetings, Professor Hiroaki Oshima delivered a keynote seminar titled "Current Status and Challenges of Japan's Supply Chain" at NTOU’s Department of Shipping and Transportation Management. The seminar, which addressed practical logistics issues and international trends, drew a capacity crowd at Auditorium 103, reflecting the intense passion and interest of NTOU faculty and students in global supply chain dynamics. This academic engagement served to bridge the gap between theoretical study and international industry practice, reinforcing the educational value of the partnership.

The visit concluded with a tour of NTOU’s Ship Handling Simulator Center and the Marine Engineering Workshop, showcasing the university’s top-tier maritime training capabilities. Mr. Tatsuo Sugiyama and the Japanese representatives highly praised the professional practical environment and sophisticated facilities, noting that these resources are essential for strengthening students' practical skills. This successful exchange not only solidifies the foundation for future technical collaboration but also marks a productive step forward in academic and industry synergy between Taiwan and Japan, ensuring that future graduates are well-equipped for the evolving international logistics landscape.

Source: Office of the International Affairs