A new chapter of exchange between Taiwan and the United States has been launched. With the continuous internationalization of higher education, Ming Chuan University in Taiwan officially established its American office at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) on July 31st, symbolizing a new phase in higher education cooperation between Taiwan and the United States.
The director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, Ma Bo-yuan, expressed that the relocation of Ming Chuan University’s American office from Michigan to Southern California is an important decision that aligns with the school’s development needs. Long Beach and Taoyuan became sister cities in 2017, and in recent years, Taiwan has been promoting Chinese language education at CSULB through the Chinese Language Learning Program. The establishment of a physical office is expected to further deepen educational exchanges between Taiwan and the United States.
The Ming Chuan University American office is situated at the CSULB Research Foundation Building and will serve as a key location for Ming Chuan University to promote enrollment, alumni services, and academic cooperation in North America. Both universities plan to launch two dual-master’s degree programs in August 2027, including the integration of CSULB’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with Ming Chuan’s International Business and Trade Master’s program, as well as CSULB’s Master’s in Asian Studies with Ming Chuan’s Master’s in Teaching Chinese. Upon completion of the programs, students will be able to obtain degrees from both universities simultaneously. The unveiling of the office coincided with the one-year anniversary of the signing of the cooperation agreement between the two institutions, signed by former CSULB President Jane Close Conoley and Ming Chuan University President Lee Shuen-shi.
Lee Chuan, the overall president of Ming Chuan Global Education System, mentioned that this collaboration marks the first case within the California State University system and will promote dual master’s degree programs, academic research, student exchanges, and Chinese language education to deepen trans-Pacific educational cooperation.
Lee Shuen-shi stated that the inauguration of the Ming Chuan University American office aligns with the school’s 70th anniversary, marking a crucial milestone in the school’s international layout. With over 20 years of exchanges, both universities emphasize interdisciplinary talent cultivation, faculty development, and international internships, aiming to nurture globally competitive talents. They invited stakeholders to participate in the 70th-anniversary celebrations in Taiwan in March next year.
CSULB President Loren Blanchard noted that July 31st was not the start of the cooperation but a significant moment in the over 20-year partnership, marking the first physical office. Ming Chuan students had already participated in research programs at CSULB last year, and guest professors had taught courses during the spring semester. Formal approval is still pending for the dual master’s programs, credit transfers, and the Chinese Language Learning Center. However, both institutions have established a strong mutual trust and will continue to drive various collaborative initiatives in the future.
Wenda Fong, a trustee of the California State University system, highlighted that the establishment of the office is not just an office opening but a crucial milestone for the system, marking the first time an overseas university has set foot on campus, creating more opportunities for student, faculty, and researcher exchanges between the Pacific shores.
Ming Chuan University established its American campus in Michigan in 2014, a pioneering move in Taiwanese higher education. This year’s relocation to California considered the convenience for Taiwanese and Asian students traveling back and forth, as well as the resources in the Taiwanese and Asian communities in Southern California. Ming Chuan has established overseas offices in Mongolia, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, with over 4,500 international students.
CSULB holds accreditation from the WSCUC while Ming Chuan is the first university in Asia accredited by the MSCHE. Both business schools are also accredited by AACSB International, laying the foundation for future degree collaborations.
The opening ceremony led by Leanne Eyerman, the director of the Ming Chuan University American office, saw Wenda Fong, Loren Blanchard, Ma Bo-yuan, Lee Chuan, and Lee Shuen-shi jointly cutting the ribbon. Representatives from the Long Beach Mayor’s Office, sister city associations, and members of the Taiwan Executive Yuan, including political advisors Tian Yi-hong, Wen Yu-ling, and Chen Ling-hua, as well as nearly 40 leaders from the Southern California overseas community and Ming Chuan University alumni, were present to witness the milestone event.