International PBL Project-Based Practical Exchange at Shibaura Institute of Technology

From February 25 to March 6, 2024, the Department of Electronic Engineering at Ming Chih University of Technology, led by Department Chair Professor Ya-Fen Wu, traveled to Shibaura Institute of Technology in Tokyo, Japan, to participate in an international PBL practical exchange activity.

The event invited students from Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan, with a total of six schools and 58 students participating. During the activity, students were randomly grouped, and project topics were determined by lottery. The themes included Health Care, Environment, Agriculture, and Quality of Life. Each team was tasked with planning their project content based on the drawn topic and producing a corresponding practical product. Additionally, every afternoon, each group submitted a brief report outlining their progress, challenges encountered, and proposed solutions. Teaching Assistants reviewed these reports and provided suggestions to ensure smooth progress.

Professor Ya-Fen Wu noted that the activity was closely aligned with the SDGs. Students were required to conduct in-depth research on each theme, explore the shortcomings of current solutions, and propose improvements that would eventually culminate in a tangible product. For the participating students, this was an extremely challenging task. Although providing an all-English environment remains difficult in Taiwan, the university’s recent efforts toward internationalization have encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace learning, even if their English proficiency is still developing.

Six of the participating students mentioned that they made significant progress in just a few days. Collaborating with peers from other countries required not only effective communication but also hands-on practical work—a considerable challenge that also offered an excellent opportunity for rapid personal and professional growth.

Student Chen Pei-Jun shared that completing a cross-border project was both challenging and rewarding. Through this experience, he learned the importance of international collaboration in problem-solving. The event also deepened his understanding of how to integrate systems effectively within a short timeframe—from identifying suitable topics to drafting detailed reports—each step demanding patient and clear communication with his teammates. This process reinforced his appreciation for teamwork, as they collectively overcame obstacles and exchanged ideas and experiences from their respective countries.

Through this international PBL practical exchange, students from Ming Chih University of Technology demonstrated their commitment to SDGs-related issues and active engagement in addressing global challenges. By collaborating with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, they overcame language barriers, learned to appreciate cultural differences, enhanced their teamwork abilities, and developed vital skills for their future careers. This event was not only a challenge but also a valuable growth experience that underscored the importance of international cooperation and laid a solid foundation for their future contributions to the workplace and society.