In February 2026, under the active promotion of the Taiwan-Thailand Science and Technology Center (TTSTC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarinporn Visitsattapongse, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Thailand, conducted a one-month intensive research residency at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). This exchange signifies a major step beyond academic dialogue, focusing on the substantive integration of smart medical technology, core facility sharing, and cross-disciplinary R&D capabilities between Taiwan and Thailand.

Img 1:  Research residency for KMITL BME Department Head in NCKU

During the residency, Prof. Sarinporn engaged in high-level consultations with Prof. Wen-Tai Chiu, the Associate Vice President for Research & Development and Leader of Research Innovation and Development Division, NCKU, and immersed herself in the Core Facility Center and the Biomedical Optical Imaging Core Platform at the College of Medicine. By collaborating directly with technical personnel on advanced microscopic imaging and in vivo imaging analysis, both parties successfully initiated plans for future joint research projects. Furthermore, Prof. Sarinporn held deep-level discussions with Prof. Han-Sheng Chuang, Chair of NCKU's Department of Biomedical Engineering, to explore the optimization of the 3+2 dual-degree program and the alignment of curricula. This dialogue aimed to establish a more robust international talent cultivation system, facilitating practical exchange for students and researchers alike.

Img 2:  Research residency for KMITL BME Department Head in NCKU

Img 3: Prof. Sarinporn held deep-level discussions with Prof. Han-Sheng Chuang, Chair of NCKU's Department of Biomedical Engineering

A primary outcome of this month-long residency was the mutual recognition that Taiwan's strengths in R&D are highly complementary to Thailand's flexibility in clinical applications. This consensus serves as the foundation for an upcoming MOU between the KMITL Faculty of Engineering and TTSTC, which will formalize the framework for future collaboration. This progression is highlighted by the following milestones: 

• February 2025: The Dean of Engineering at KMITL (accompanied by Prof. Sarinporn) visited NCKU BME to initiate the first formal dialogue.

• July 2025: Prof. Fong-Chin Su, the director of TTSTC, led a delegation to KMITL to meet with the VP of International Affairs and the Faculty of Engineering to discuss the cooperation framework.

• November 2025: Invited by TTSTC, Prof. Sarinporn participated in the FHED International Conference in Taiwan to deepen discussions on cutting-edge technologies.

• February 2026: Prof. Sarinporn completed a one-month residency at NCKU, finalizing high-level strategic alignments and core laboratory integrations.

Img 4: TTSTC visits KMITL

Img 6: KMITL visit NCKU BME / TTSTC

• News/Photos provided by TTSTC