Experts in social innovation and futures studies from the University of Osaka, Associate Professor Yuya Nishimura, who also serves as Representative Director of NPO Miratuku, and colleague Kumi Naruse visited Tamkang University on the morning of March 11 to engage in academic exchanges with faculty and students from the College of Education. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on futures studies methodologies and AI applications in education, reaching a preliminary consensus on international collaboration. Both parties expressed their intention to further formalize cooperation through the signing of an MOU, paving the way for more substantial and in-depth academic partnerships.

Nishimura noted that the University of Osaka is currently preparing to establish an “Institute for Co-Creation of the Universe” and a “Center for Earth Futures Studies,” aiming to build a foundation for futures studies in Japan through global collaboration and the integration of traditional scientific knowledge. He highly praised the depth of students’ research at Tamkang University and expressed interest in fostering long-term partnerships through faculty and student exchanges, as well as shared data platforms with the College of Education.

Dean Kuo-Hua Chen remarked that “this meeting with the University of Osaka represents a concrete convergence of international perspectives on futures studies.” He highlighted the College of Education’s successful transformation, integrating four core pillars—technology, design, psychology, and futures—and emphasized that its mission extends beyond training traditional teachers to cultivating forward-looking talent capable of addressing complex societal challenges with vision and strategy.

Discussions during the visit covered a wide range of topics, including technology and AI, futures and gender, and methodological innovation. Participants explored how AI can be applied in instructional design and data analysis to significantly enhance research efficiency. They also examined evolving concepts of masculinity in Japanese and Taiwanese societies and their potential impacts on future family structures and workplaces. Additionally, the dialogue addressed how the “emotional turn” in psychology can be incorporated into futures forecasting and how integrative analysis can further strengthen the scientific rigor of futures studies.

During the exchange, Associate Professor Nur Anisah Binti Abdullah from the Department of Education and Futures Design led a doctoral research team in discussions, demonstrating strong and diverse research capabilities. Assistant Professors June S. Chen and Chun-Ta Chiu also participated. The event concluded with continued exchanges among participants in a warm and friendly dinner setting.

The meeting also announced that the Asia-Pacific Futures Network Conference (APFN) will be held in Bangkok this September. Dean Chen encouraged master’s and doctoral students to actively submit papers, supporting their participation on the international stage and enhancing Tamkang University’s academic visibility.

SDGs #SDG03 Good Health and Well-Being #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG09 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

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