International Master's Program in Asia-Pacific Studies - IMAS

Earlier today, IMAS had the pleasure of welcoming our alumnus Ronald Van Velzen for a talk on “Tracing Disease in 17th-Century Taiwan.”

His presentation offered a fascinating look into Taiwan’s early history through the lens of disease, archives, and historical research. We are grateful to Ronald for sharing his work and for returning to IMAS to engage with our students and community.

IMAS is delighted to welcome back our alumnus, Ronald van Velzen, for a special talk titled Invisible Frontiers: Tracing Disease in 17th-century Taiwan. We are very happy to have him back at IMAS and to hear about his work and academic journey since graduation.

Ronald van Velzen is an IMAS 2022 graduate, currently a PhD Candidate at KU Leuven and a Lecturer at Erasmus University Rotterdam (2023–2025). His talk will explore the movement of disease in 17th-century Taiwan and offer a fascinating historical perspective on mobility, contact, and disease in early Taiwan.

🗓 Date: May 6, 2026 (Wednesday)
⏰ Time: 11:00–12:30
📍 Venue: Room 270723, 7F, North Wing, General Building

Lunch will be provided. Registration deadline is May 4 at 4:00 PM.

We hope to see you there as we warmly welcome Ronald back to IMAS.

Last Saturday, IMAS students joined the cross-departmental sports event, where they had the chance to meet new friends and take part in the events alongside students from other programs.

📸 by Angel & Katie

Thinking about sustainability goes beyond the classroom when you get to experience it firsthand 🌊

IMAS is bringing students out for a full-day field experience focused on coastal communities, marine science, and nearshore fishing practices. It is a chance to step into real environments, connect what you study with what you see, and explore how sustainability plays out along the sea.

From learning the history behind the National Museum of Marine Science & Technology to visiting a former coastal community site, the day is designed to give you both context and perspective.

🗓 May 31, 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Open to IMAS students. Limited slots available through selection.

Deadline: April 30, 2026 (4:00 PM)

Dear IMAS family,

Hope everyone is doing well!

We wanted to check in and learn a little about where you are now since graduating from IMAS. The survey takes only 2–3 minutes and focuses on your current path. There is also an optional space at the end if you would like to leave a few words or wishes for IMAS.

IMAS Alumni Pathways Survey:
👉https://forms.gle/UUkZMgimiUp8vHeP6

We have also recently set up new spaces for the IMAS community, including an official LinkedIn page, alongside our existing platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. You can find everything in one place through our Linktree — we would be very happy to have you drop by and reconnect with IMAS.

Linktree:
👉https://linktr.ee/Nccu_Imas

LinkedIn:
👉https://www.linkedin.com/company/nccu-imas

Sports Day is back! 🔵🏃‍♂️🪢💪

We had so much fun last year, and we’re excited to make this year even better with everyone.

Mark your calendars for May 20–21 and get ready to join in.

To sign up, reach out to your class president for details.

See you on the field!

Repositioning Publicness in the AI Era: New Directions for Governing Polity, Society, and Economy in Taiwan and Beyond

The program features discussions on topics such as AI ethics and democracy, algorithmic bias and justice, automation in policy decision making, Indigenous knowledge in hazard governance, and the evolving relationship between AI development and public trust. Speakers and discussants include leading researchers and policymakers engaging with the societal impacts of AI.

📅 Date: March 20, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00–17:00
📍 Venue: Conference Room 1, College of Social Sciences (13F, South Wing, General Building of Colleges), National Chengchi University

Students, researchers, and members of the public interested in the intersection of technology, society, and governance are welcome to attend.

🔗 Register via the QR code on the poster.

Hope everyone had a great winter break!
As we ease back into the rhythm of the new semester, February is a good time to get organized and stay on track. The school schedule for the month is now available, both here and on your I NCCU account. Showing up to class consistently makes a difference, and if anything is unclear or you need support, feel free to reach out. We have got your back this semester.

🎉✨ Happy New Year from IMAS!

Wishing all our students, faculty, and friends a joyful and inspiring 2026! May the new year bring new opportunities, growth, and memorable experiences in learning and beyond. 🌏📚

#2026

Farming on Coral Atolls 🌱🌊

IMAS student Catherine Tadlock recently took part in a seven-day field practicum in the Marshall Islands as part of NCCU’s partnership with the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF). Through hands-on experiences in pig farming, vegetable cultivation on coral atolls, school nutrition programs, environmental protection efforts, and community engagement, Catherine gained real-world insight into how Taiwan’s international cooperation translates into sustainable development.

From learning livestock management techniques and adapting crops to challenging soils, to participating in beach cleanups and observing educational initiatives, this immersive experience highlights how academic training meets global practice. Programs like this strengthen students’ understanding of Taiwan’s diplomacy and broaden their perspectives on development work across the Asia-Pacific region.

🎞More videos are available in the comments.
📖 Read more here: https://imas.nccu.edu.tw/PageDoc/Detail?fid=13477&id=35932

❄️✨ Season’s Greetings from IMAS!

Wishing all our students, faculty, and friends a joyful Christmas and a relaxing winter break! May this festive season bring warmth, reflection, and inspiration for the year ahead. 🎄🌏

Friendly Reminder:
📌 December 25 and January 2 are university-wide holidays. Administrative offices will be closed on these days. Please plan accordingly.