A Vibrant Evening of Culture, Connection, and Conversation at NSYSU      IBMBA & GHRM MBA Alumni back on Campus 

Kaohsiung, May 20th, 2026

On a vibrant evening at NSYSU, students, alumni, the International Program Student Association, and the Office of International Affairs gathered for a unique cultural exchange event that brought together participants from twelve countries across four continents. Representing Taiwan, Vietnam, Russia, Japan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, France, the Philippines, Norway, and Singapore, the event showcased the university's growing global reach and its commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and international friendship.

The event opened with a warm welcome address by Haley, President of the NSYSU Student Association. Speaking to an audience filled with excitement and anticipation, Haley emphasized the importance of openness, curiosity, and meaningful connections across cultures. His remarks resonated with participants, many of whom were meeting peers from different countries for the first time, setting the stage for an evening of friendship and cultural exchange.

Remarks from the Office of International Affairs

Following the opening remarks, the floor was graciously handed to Director Kang Si-zheng (康斯証組長) of the Student Exchange Division, Office of International Affairs. In a warm and encouraging speech, Director Kang expressed sincere appreciation for all attendees and underscored the university's dedication to building bridges between international and local students. He highlighted the role such events play in preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world and in making NSYSU a truly global campus.

Three Rounds of Table Conversations Switching

The highlight of the afternoon was a World Cafe-style career-sharing session featuring three distinguished NSYSU alumni. Through three rounds of table rotations, participants had the opportunity to engage in close and meaningful conversations with each speaker, creating a more interactive experience than a traditional panel discussion.

Despite their different career paths and industries, all three alumni shared a common message: building a successful career in Taiwan as an international professional is entirely possible with the right mindset, determination, and openness to opportunities.

Table 1. Jan Stava - Navigating Taiwan's Semiconductor Industry as an International Professional

Jan Stava shared valuable insights from his experience as an international professional working in Taiwan's semiconductor industry. He provided practical advice on job searching, including resume preparation, language considerations, and interview expectations, while highlighting the importance of understanding local workplace culture. Drawing from his own career journey, Jan emphasized resilience, adaptability, and willingness to learn as key factors for success. His message reassured students that, with the right preparation and mindset, meaningful career opportunities in Taiwan's semiconductor sector are within reach for international talent. 

Table 2. Vigor Lin - Ten Years, Many Roles: A Journey from Local Industry to Global Product Leadership

NSYSU alumnus Vigor Lin shared his decade-long career journey, illustrating how continuous learning and adaptability can open doors to global opportunities. From his early years in Taiwan's technology industry to his current roles in product management and agile leadership, Vigor highlighted the importance of building both technical expertise and strategic thinking. He encouraged students to embrace cross-cultural collaboration, user-centered innovation, and lifelong learning, emphasizing that the skills required for global product leadership transcend nationality. His experience demonstrated how Taiwan's dynamic tech ecosystem can serve as an excellent platform for developing an international career. 

Table 3.  Grace Kuo - The HR Manager's Lens: What Really Matters in an Interview 

Of the three tables, Grace Kuo drew perhaps the most furious note-taking. As an experienced HR Manager with a background in marketing-side talent acquisition, Grace offered something students rarely get access to: the unfiltered perspective of the person sitting across the interview table. Grace began by challenging a common misconception: that getting a job is primarily about credentials. While academic qualifications open doors, she explained what keeps candidates in the room. Ultimately, the way they earn the offer is the quality of their self-awareness and communication. "I can teach someone a skill," she said, " but I cannot teach them how to reflect on their own experiences and articulate what they've learned. "For HR managers, the interview is less a quiz and more a window into how a candidate thinks, handles ambiguity, and fits into a team's culture. She walked students through the qualities she values most: genuine curiosity about the company and its challenges, the ability to tell a coherent story about one's career trajectory, and the emotional intelligence to listen as much as speak. Grace also addressed the specific context of international candidates, noting that cultural adaptability is demonstrated not just in words but in concrete examples. It's a powerful differentiator in a Taiwanese workplace where global collaboration is increasingly the norm.

Networking and Closing Remarks

The event concluded with a relaxed networking session over light refreshments, where participants continued conversations, exchanged contact information, and strengthened new friendships. Alumni shared valuable insights from their experiences living and working in Taiwan, while staff from the Office of International Affairs engaged warmly with attendees, fostering a strong sense of community and support.

More than just an evening of cultural exchange, the event reflected NSYSU's commitment to building an inclusive and globally connected campus. Bringing together participants from twelve countries, it showcased the power of meaningful conversations, cross-cultural understanding, and lasting friendships. As the evening came to a close, attendees left with new connections, shared memories, and a stronger sense of belonging within NSYSU's international community.