Education officials from the Philippines and Taiwan with students from Bulacan State University

There are currently more than 6,500 Filipinos studying in Taiwan to develop their academic and professional potential, and educational cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines has taken a significant step forward. A new International Talent Circulation Base, the INTACT Base – Philippines, has been established at Bulacan State University, one of the largest and most reputable higher education institutions in Region III. It was opened with a ceremony held on October 13, 2025.

The Base will offer preparatory Chinese courses, academic exchange platforms, and resources for international cooperation, which will all assist more Filipino students to undertake higher education and work in Taiwan. It will also facilitate collaboration between universities in Taiwan and in the Philippines, as part of the Ministry of Education’s International Industrial Talents Education Special Program—the INTENSE program. This program, which integrates resources from the government, industry, and partner universities, is designed to expand the recruitment of international students to Taiwan to study and then work after graduation.

The launch ceremony was accompanied by the opening of an exhibition about the INTENSE program designed to give university students information about the program. They could visit the booths of participating universities in Taiwan and speak with university representatives about opportunities for advanced academic training and then working in an associated industry.

Dr. Desiderio Apam III, one of the four Commissioners of CHED—the Commission on Higher Education; Taiwan's Deputy Representative in the Philippines Dustin Yang 楊登仕 ; Dr. Lora Yusei, Director IV of CHED Regional Office III; Dr. Toed San Andres, president of Bulacan State University; Dr. Chan Fuh-Jyh詹富智, president of National Chung Hsing University; Dr. Jywe Wen-Yuh 覺文郁, director of the INTENSE program, and high-ranking officials from universities in Taiwan and from universities in the Philippines were among the dignitaries who attended.

Deputy Representative Dustin Yang spoke at the launch ceremony about the significance of the INTENSE program scholarships: these provide Filipino students with access to world-class education, practical training, and opportunities for employment in Taiwan’s advanced industries, particularly in STEM, finance, and semiconductor fields. He pointed out that the program equips students with essential skills, hands-on experience, and global perspectives. It prepares them for careers in a competitive job market, and they can choose between employment in Taiwan or returning to the Philippines with valuable skills and experience. He also confirmed Taiwan’s ongoing commitment to continuing the other scholarship programs that Filipino students can apply for.

The establishment of the INTACT Base – Philippines and the INTENSE program opportunities presented in the exhibition are both a testament to the transformative educational cooperation underway between Taiwan and the Philippines. This cooperation is creating more opportunities for students, fostering global skills and competencies, and strengthening long-term academic and industrial partnerships.