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• Date : 2026-05-18

As the wave of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the world, education remains the key to future competitiveness. To empower students from rural areas in Taiwan to engage with the global community, the inaugural “Taiwan–Singapore Columbus AI International Education Program” has officially been launched.

The inaugural “Taiwan–Singapore Columbus AI International Education Program” officially launches, bringing 16 rural students to Singapore for immersive learning in English, AI, and global culture.

Sixteen students from rural schools traveled to Singapore to participate in an immersive learning experience integrating English, AI, and international cultural exchange. Shen Chung-Yuan, Executive Director of the You Rong-Ji Education Foundation, remarked,

“After visiting more than 60 rural elementary schools, what we observed was never a lack of ability among students, but rather the absence of a clear and accessible pathway to international learning.”

Jointly initiated by the You Rong-Ji Education Foundation (New Taipei City) and Tunghai University, in collaboration with the Youth Sustainability Leadership Development Association and the Taiwan Association for New Media Technology and Education, the “2026 Taiwan–Singapore Columbus AI International Rural Education Program” held its international forum and institutional visits on March 3rd and 4th at Singapore Management University (SMU) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

International forums and institutional visits were held at Singapore Management University and Nanyang Technological University, gathering educators and scholars from Taiwan, Singapore, and Southeast Asia.
 

The forum brought together leading educators and scholars from Taiwan, Singapore, and Southeast Asia, including Associate Dean Chen Chih-Jui from NTU’s National Institute of Education, Professor Chen Pei-Hsiu from National Chi Nan University, Vice President Chang Chia-Hsiu of Tunghai University, Director Huang Chao-Hsi, Director Hsieh Tsung-Shun of the Thailand Education Center, Distinguished Professors Chang Shao-Hsi and Ho Kang-Kuo from National Taiwan Normal University, as well as principals and educators from rural schools in New Taipei City. Together, participants explored how AI and English education can be leveraged in the digital era to bridge the urban–rural divide and to create a “Columbus route” that leads rural students toward the world.

The Columbus Program is centered on technology, English learning, and international cultural exchange, expanding students’ perspectives and promoting educational equity.

Shen emphasized that the Columbus Program is built upon three core pillars: technology, English learning, and international cultural exchange. The initiative aims to broaden students’ learning perspectives while fulfilling Chairman Yu Chung-Chien’s long-standing commitment to educational equity. For the foundation, established just one year ago, the program also marks a significant milestone—transforming vision into global action. He further noted that true transformation is not achieved through one-way resource input, but through cultivating a two-way expansion of perspectives that brings students closer to the world.

Through this “big hands guiding small hands” journey, the program aims to instill a global vision in rural students.

Professor Chang Shao-Hsi pointed out that higher education institutions should not only serve as centers of knowledge but also act as agents of social responsibility. Through this “big hands guiding small hands” cross-national learning journey, the program aspires to instill in rural students a global mindset. Educational equity, he emphasized, should not remain a slogan but become an expanding pathway—one that showcases the resilience and warmth of Taiwan’s education system.

By connecting classroom knowledge with real-world experiences, the program rekindles students’ motivation to learn.

Vice President Chang Chia-Hsiu highlighted the role of universities as driving forces for sustainable international development. Through long-term engagement in University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives, higher education can provide stable and systematic support for rural students. Associate Dean Chen Chih-Jui further addressed how higher education can serve as a pillar of resilience for rural education. Reflecting on past initiatives, Professor Huang Chao-Hsi noted:

“From the ‘Confucius Walking Project,’ which brought university students into rural communities, to today’s Columbus Program, which brings children out into the world—our goal is to let children see the world first, so that learning can truly come alive again.”

Professor Huang also presented findings from the Survey on Learning Engagement Among Rural Students in Taiwan, revealing that 23.2% of students remain in a state of low engagement or disengagement. Mathematics and English were identified as “high-pressure zones” for learning. He emphasized that when learning loses its warmth, the solution often lies beyond textbooks—outside the classroom walls. By taking students abroad, the Columbus Program connects academic knowledge with real-world experiences and reignites students’ motivation to learn.

Ambassador Tung Chen-Yuan (center) recognizes the forum as a meaningful practice of education diplomacy that supports rural education.

Professor Chen Pei-Hsiu noted that Singapore, as an economic hub of Southeast Asia, possesses a highly developed and globally competitive education system, making it an ideal gateway for Taiwanese students to enter the international stage. Taiwan’s Representative to Singapore, Ambassador Tung Chen-Yuan, also affirmed the significance of the forum, highlighting its role in advancing rural education and demonstrating “education diplomacy” in action through both dialogue and practical learning opportunities for disadvantaged students. Professor Ho Kang-Kuo added:

“In the age of AI, it is essential to continue promoting aesthetic education and artistic experiences. These enhance cognitive abilities, enabling students to apply technology creatively and adapt to future global changes.”

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