ISU: A Hub for Global Talent, Empowered by AI Education
As AI technology advances rapidly and new models emerge continuously, tech giants invest heavily in AI learning and applications. However, one university had already foreseen this trend in 2018 amidst the current AI boom. By introducing the “X+AI” concept, it integrated an interdisciplinary curriculum with AI-related technologies, paving the way for the development of well-rounded AI talent. That forward-thinking institution is ISU.
Advancing to “X+AI” 2.0: Building Professional Learning Clusters
“We have now entered the upgraded version of X+AI 2.0, expanding from individual integrations to professional learning clusters,” said ISU President Guu. The university has successfully implemented interdisciplinary AI-integrated learning for years, proving its effectiveness. It is no coincidence that Jensen Huang, the “Godfather of AI,” recognized ISU as a partner. With AI education enhancing students’ expertise, ISU graduates have become highly sought-after talents in various industries. Building on this solid foundation, ISU is confident in launching “X+AI” 2.0 in the academic year 2024.
For example, in the College of Medical Science and Technology, traditional medical expertise is now complemented by big data analytics and generative AI technologies, equipping students with the ability to integrate technology into real-world healthcare problem-solving. This approach ensures they meet the diverse demands of clinical work. Similarly, the newly established Department of Visual Arts and Design actively incorporates AI into art and design, enhancing students’ creative capabilities and enabling their ideas to be realized more effectively and efficiently.
Using AI tools to connect different fields and create synergy is precisely what President Guu calls professional clusters. “With intense industry competition, employers often expect new hires to contribute immediately. As educators, we are responsible for ensuring that every student is job-ready upon graduation.” Given ISU’s strategic location within southern Taiwan’s S-shaped strip of semiconductors, graduates have more significant employment opportunities nearby. This makes equipping students with the necessary skills even more crucial, leaving no gaps in their professional development.
Comprehensive Faculty, Facilities, and Learning Environments Ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation is no easy task. Beyond requiring faculty members to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously enhance teaching quality, students must also have access to cutting-edge, industry-aligned equipment. This is why ISU invested in NVIDIA supercomputers years ago and has since continued to expand its AI-integrated learning environments. Recent investments include the Semiconductor Advanced Process Virtual-Physical Laboratory and the NVIDIA Studio x GIGABYTE Collaboration Hub, ensuring that students across disciplines receive well-rounded AI-driven education with hands-on experience.
Within the Semiconductor Advanced Process Virtual-Physical Laboratory, students can engage with industry-grade equipment, including professional glove boxes, vapor deposition systems, and photolithography processing systems—currently used in leading semiconductor facilities. Meanwhile, the NVIDIA Studio, supported by GIGA-BYTE Technology Co., Ltd., provides an optimized learning environment for students in the Department of Visual Arts and Design, enabling them to hone their skills in digital and visual design, UI/UX interaction design, and more.
Students Flock to ISU: Entering a Global Future ISU’s comprehensive AI learning infrastructure, semiconductor process integration, and AI-driven arts and culture programs form the university’s three-pronged approach to industry-ready talent cultivation. Additionally, specialized programs like the Post-Baccalaureate 2-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program in Equipment Engineering, launched in response to Ministry of Education initiatives, provide students with hands-on training and career pathways. For example, ISU’s MOU with ASE Kaohsiung offers valuable internship and employment opportunities. President Guu emphasizes that Taiwanese talent must adopt a global mindset, whether staying local or venturing abroad. Given AI’s rapid evolution, staying updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Engaging in cross-border collaborations enriches perspectives and enhances competitiveness in a tangible way.
With nearly 1,500 international students enrolled across various departments, ISU resembles a miniature United Nations. The campus environment provides students with constant opportunities to practice English and intellectually exchange with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. These advantages make ISU an ideal destination for students seeking a dynamic and globally connected learning experience, solidifying its reputation as the top choice for studying in southern Taiwan.
