Prof. Helen Liu, Research Coordinator and Assistant Professor at the University of Saint Joseph’s Macao (USJ) Faculty of Health Sciences, visited three Catholic Universities in Taiwan during the Christmas break in 2022, namely Providence University, located in Taichung city, Fu Jen Catholic University, located in New Taipei city, and Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, located in Kaohsiung city.

The purpose of the visit was to seek more cooperation among members of Catholic Universities in Taiwan on matters related to the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU) and to ensure sufficient support of the activities towards its vision and value. In addition, the visit was to propose collaboration with USJ, particularly in the field of Social Work, expanding this into a pilot sub-network of ASEACCU in this area.

USJ is looking to promote more joint research activities such as the upcoming “International Symposium on Children and Youth Health and Well-being” this November 2023, hosted by its Faculty of Health Sciences. Prof. Liu stated that “beyond, we also would like to see more student exchange opportunity, especially at the Master level. Overall, the visits went well and there are great possibilities for collaborations. 

Providence University

The Catholic Universities in Taiwan are members of the ASEACCU, and Providence University being the representative at the Executive Board of the Association. 

Prof. Liu was warmly welcomed by the President Dr Lucia Lin, Dr. Yang An-Jen, Director of Campus Ministry, Dr. Philip Lin, Dean of International Office, Kelly Chiu, Director of Academic Exchange Affairs, Mr. Carlos Huang, Director of Chinese Language Education Center, and Mr. Mark Lan, Coordinator of Academic Exchange Affairs. Dr. Lin, who showed her positive attitude to make the most of future collaboration possibilities by forming the Catholic Universities partnership, and yet Dr Lin is committed to support the association initiatives. Likewise, Dr Lin considers that this visit is an opportunity to explore areas of common interest and strengthen both institution’s  relationship.

Fu Jen Catholic University

Since 1998 USJ has a deep, rich partnership with Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU) in Taiwan. During the visit to FJCU, Prof. Liu was warmly welcomed by Father Inna Reddy, Edara, SVD Vice-President for Mission, Dean Connie Chun-Chi Yang, and Deputy Dean Mr. Mike Ma, Office of International Education. 

In the meeting, both parties expressed their willingness to maintain cooperation to promote collaboration, Master student exchange programme, and Alumni engagement activities as there are Fu Jen alums in Macao. Prof. Liu said she also wants to involve these alums in future USJ alums events.

During this visit to Fu Jen Catholic University, Prof. Liu connected the USJ Department of Social Work with the FJCU Department of Child and Family Studies to seek members collaboration and participation for the “International Symposium on Children and Youth Health and Well-being”, organized by USJ in November this year. 

Wenzao Ursuline University

Lastly, the Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, actively engaged in connecting colleges and universities globally, has been the predecessor of USJ on the editorial team role of the ASEACCU Newsletter.  Furthermore, during the visit Prof. Liu had the opportunity to met with  Prof. Chen, Dean of the Office of International and Cross-strait Cooperation (OICC), Hui-Keng Kuo, Dean of Ursuline College of Liberal Arts, Te-fan Huang, Director, Center for Ursuline Education to explore avenues for future collaboration with USJ. 

Nevertheless, it is relevant to mention the willingness support of the Fu Jen Catholic University and Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in support the possibility of host the ASEACCU Annual Conference for 2025 in Taiwan.