Collaboration between industry and academia shapes future talents

        The digital economy dominates, and information technology has become a competitive advantage for the new generation of talents. Cloud and digital skills are particularly valued; However, the rapid application of technology is also testing the speed of updating school teaching content, and how to solve the gap between learning and application has become a common challenge faced by industry and academia. To this end, Yuan Ze University collaborates with Far EasTone Telecommunications and DRIVE Office to connect the digital resources of global cloud giants Microsoft and Google, and jointly carry out talent cultivation.

                Collaborate with enterprises to introduce international resources

        The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the trajectory of industrial development. Yuan Ze University aims for a smart campus and is committed to innovative education and cultivating international digital cross domain talents based on abundant resources such as teachers, students, and facilities. Among them, top-notch teaching quality is a prerequisite for cultivating talents. In addition to providing academic research training, the school actively seeks external resources, hoping to meet practical needs and plan comprehensive digital courses to enhance students' professional abilities.

                To truly grasp the demands of the industry, Far EasTone Telecommunications, as a pioneer in Far Eastern Group technology, is undoubtedly the first choice for cooperation. Far EasTone Telecommunications has strong capabilities in emerging fields such as Big Data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), with excellent integration capabilities. It has also delved into areas such as smart cities, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and retail. In recent years, it has actively partnered with Microsoft to assist enterprises and campuses in digital transformation, viewing experience inheritance as a part of corporate social responsibility. Both parties have therefore launched the "Microsoft Cloud Campus Cultivation Service" project, with technical guidance from the Far EasTone Telecommunications team, to assist Yuan Ze University in offering Microsoft's international artificial intelligence courses, as well as training seed teachers to enhance teaching capacity. In addition, considering the increasing demand for certification, we have specially planned to establish the first Microsoft Technology International Certification Examination Center in Taoyuan City to encourage students to apply and increase their competitiveness in employment.

        In addition to Microsoft, technology leader Google also plays a key role in digital development. To this end, Yuan Ze University is recommended by the DRIVE Office, the locomotive of Far Eastern Group's transformation and innovation, to sign a "Joint Business Cooperation Plan" with Google Cloud. Google will assist in building the Google Cloud Platform application platform on campus, providing rich teaching resources such as course materials, teaching briefs, test question banks, innovative experimental courses, and global cloud certification programs, The goal is to assist 1500 students in obtaining internationally recognized Google Cloud cloud basic certification within 3 years, in order to prioritize obtaining admission tickets for Google partner recruitment.

        Strengthen communication and standardize problem-solving

        A new way of collaboration breaks through the previous curriculum design framework, while also testing the tacit understanding among partners. In the initial stage of cooperation between Yuan Ze University and Far EasTone Telecommunications, due to the vastly different organizational structures of the school and the enterprise, the pace of internal communication was inevitably inconsistent. In addition, the project involved multiple departments within the school, and the responsible unit took relatively long to integrate opinions from all parties. Fortunately, after sufficient communication, the mutual understanding gradually increased, and the plan could continue to be promoted in a more flexible mode.

        After the official launch of digital cloud courses, how frontline teachers can effectively guide students to learn and leverage the value of resources is another challenging task. Fortunately, the professors at Yuan Ze University are full of enthusiasm and have become familiar with new teaching tools in a short period of time. They have adjusted the existing curriculum structure and teaching methods, integrated advanced technology applications and solutions into teaching, and the school has also planned a reward mechanism to encourage more teachers to participate in training.

        Not only will Microsoft International courses be launched and certification offices be established, but Yuan Ze University and Far EasTone Telecommunications have also agreed to further develop projects such as "5G Smart Campus Heart Life", "All Cloud Campus", and "Metaverse Collaboration between Industry and School" to create a smart campus. Despite the significant cost of time, funds, and manpower required, which may not be achievable overnight, both sides remain steadfast in moving towards a common goal.

        After going through multiple levels, Yuan Ze University, Far EasTone Telecommunications, and DRIVE Office have worked together to complete the first phase of digital campus transformation. The "Digital Cloud Course" cooperation program has been recognized by the Ministry of Education and has received funding for the Higher Education Deepening Program. The construction of an international certification examination center has also officially started, and it is expected to attract more newcomers to join in the future, Promote the development of schools in the field of information technology and align with international standards.

        On the other hand, the implementation of the curriculum has gradually entered the right track. Taking Microsoft courses as an example, four related courses will be offered in the first quarter of 2023, with a total of 281 students taking them; In the second season, two certification training camps were held, with a total of 188 people participating. Among them, 154 people obtained certification, with a pass rate of 81%. Representatives from Microsoft Taiwan R&D Office were specially invited to the school to share their work experience. In terms of Google digital courses, the first quarter of 2023 focuses on tutoring students to complete Google Cloud Computing Foundations (GCCF) basic training, offering 9 courses and attracting nearly 350 students to take courses; The second season focuses on thematic achievement exhibitions and workshops, and begins planning Google Cloud mid-level courses.

                Cross disciplinary talent cultivation and diffusion of social influence

                With the support of international technology giants, Yuan Ze University further facilitates exchanges between academia, industry, and government departments. On October 5, 2022, the "Industry Pioneer Forum" Digital, Innovation, and Sustainability "and Joint Talent Recruitment Event were held, inviting VIPs from Far EasTone Telecommunications, Microsoft Taiwan, and the Economic Development Bureau of Taoyuan City Government to engage in cross domain discussions on digital transformation and sustainability development, while planning the" Industry and Vision Joint Talent Recruitment Event ", Arrange Far Eastern New Century Corporation and multiple industrial zone manufacturers to come to the site for talent hunting, attracting 300 students to participate in the grand event. In addition, in 2023, the school also collaborated with Microsoft on the "Taoyuan City Community Development Plan". Yuan Ze University designed safety materials and promoted them to the community to promote employment and certification for tutoring students. Caroline McGrath Manager from Microsoft's Asian Data Center also visited the campus to pay tribute. The good performance has led the Taoyuan City Government to invite schools to participate in the "National Capital Security Protection" project and jointly assist in promoting capital security education.

        Through the integration of internal and external resources within the group, Yuan Ze University has successfully created a highlight course, bringing the latest technology and experience from the industry into the classroom, opening up students' international perspectives, cultivating soft power, and laying a solid foundation for the transformation of a "5G cloud smart campus". As the relationship between enterprises and schools becomes closer, students also have more internship opportunities, which can help them grasp the needs of enterprises early, improve their problem-solving abilities, and become digital and cross domain talents. In the future, related course resources can also be extended to community education, high school students or vocational training, etc., to enhance the information technology literacy of the whole population and grow together with society.

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