TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) is reportedly planning to annex the private Chung Hua University (CHU).

NTHU President Kao Wei-yuan (高為元) confirmed Friday (Nov. 22) that there have been discussions with CHU about consolidation, per BCC News. Kao said Taiwan’s declining birthrate and the government’s promotion of the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli "Asian Silicon Valley" project present a timely opportunity.

However, the plan requires further in-depth discussions within both institutions. CHU President Liu Wei-chi (劉維琪) emphasized that CHU’s finances remain robust and hoped the integration plan could be finalized within a year, potentially ceasing admissions by the 2025 academic year.

Kao pointed out that CHU’s proximity to Hsinchu Science Park offers strategic advantages. Many international universities operate science parks that host startups and collaborate with existing companies to cultivate talent, said Kao. 

NTHU’s initial focus will be through its College of Semiconductor Research, with potential expansion to other colleges in collaboration with CHU. Kao said the consolidation model differs significantly from traditional mergers or institutional amalgamations, citing the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology's past integration with Hwa Hsia University of Technology as an example. 

Kao was optimistic the collaboration could create more opportunities for talent development and strengthen partnerships between industry, academia, and government.

Liu said that CHU prefers to exit proactively while its financial health remains stable rather than being forced to shut down later. He hopes to complete the integration proposal within a year and halt new admissions as soon as next year. 

Discussions with NTHU on collaboration have long been underway, said Liu. The CHU Board of Trustees believes this is a great opportunity to contribute by donating land and assets to support the development of talent for Taiwan's semiconductor industry, said Liu.