Image / Confirmed its intention to suspend enrollment in the 114th academic year, to collaborate with Semiconductors and meet with Tsinghua University Culture and Education |
Chung Hua University President Liu Weiki announced the university will voluntarily merge with Tsinghua University instead of facing forced withdrawal. The decision comes as the university’s finances remain stable. Liu stated that the merger plan will be finalized within a year, and enrollment will pause in the 114th school year.
Liu mentioned ongoing discussions regarding collaboration with Tsinghua University, emphasizing the need for land and facilities to support Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. The university aims to donate resources to create a Semiconductor Research Institute, which will nurture high-level talent.
At a recent board meeting, school administrators agreed to proceed with the plan. Liu highlighted that Chung Hua University has over 700 million in assets and seeks to enhance its offerings. All existing faculty members will retain tenure for at least 6+1 years. Future teacher appointments will be based on their preferences due to Tsinghua’s limited faculty quota.
Liu assured that all remaining assets, such as land and funds, will support the new institute, which will operate independently from Tsinghua University’s board. Liu hopes this initiative will transform Chung Hua University into a beacon for Taiwan’s education.
How does President Liu Weiki plan to address concerns from faculty during the merger process?
Interview with President Liu Weiki of Chung Hua University on the Upcoming Merger with Tsinghua University
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, President Liu. Your announcement regarding the voluntary merger with Tsinghua University has generated considerable interest. Can you elaborate on the reasoning behind this decision?
Liu Weiki: Thank you for having me. The decision to merge rather than face forced withdrawal was driven by our desire to maintain autonomy while strategically aligning with a prestigious institution like Tsinghua University. We believe this merger will not only protect our legacy but also enhance our educational offerings. Our finances remain stable, and we are committed to creating opportunities for growth.
ND3: You mentioned the need for collaboration and resources to support Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. How will the merger facilitate this?
Liu: The semiconductor sector is vital for Taiwan’s economic future. Our collaboration with Tsinghua will focus on developing a Semiconductor Research Institute, which we plan to establish using a portion of our resources. This institute will be key to nurturing high-level talent in this critical industry.
ND3: Can you provide details on the timeline for the merger and what current students can expect?
Liu: The merger plan is set to be finalized within a year, but we will pause enrollment during the 114th school year. Existing students can rest assured that they will be able to complete their studies and graduate from Chung Hua University. We are committed to providing them with enhanced resources during this transition.
ND3: What will happen to the faculty during this merger?
Liu: All current faculty members will retain their tenure for at least six plus one years, ensuring job security as we navigate this transition. Additionally, future appointments will be made based on faculty preferences, especially considering Tsinghua’s limited faculty quota.
ND3: How do you plan to manage the assets of Chung Hua University post-merger?
Liu: Our approach is to ensure that all remaining assets, including land and funds, will be directed toward supporting the new Semiconductor Research Institute. Importantly, this institute will operate independently from Tsinghua University’s board, allowing us to maintain our identity and focus on our mission.
ND3: With no public-private merger laws currently in place for students, what assurances can you provide them?
Liu: It’s crucial for students to know that their education is our top priority. While there are no existing public-private merger laws, we assure our students that they will graduate from Chung Hua University, and our ongoing efforts will focus on supporting them and enhancing their educational experience.
ND3: What are the next steps in this consolidation process?
Liu: We plan to present a detailed consolidation proposal to the Ministry of Education by March next year. We are optimistic that once approved, this merger will foster the growth of high-level international talent, benefiting not just our university but Taiwan as a whole.
ND3: Thank you, President Liu, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how this merger unfolds.
Liu: Thank you, and I appreciate the platform to share our vision. We believe this is a pivotal moment for Chung Hua University and Taiwan’s educational landscape.
Currently, no public-private merger laws exist for students, but Liu affirmed that students can still graduate from Chung Hua University. As recruitment efforts end, the university will focus more on supporting current students, providing them with greater resources.
Liu plans to present a detailed consolidation proposal to the Ministry of Education by March next year. He expressed hope that the plan, once approved, will foster the development of high-level international talent.