吃瓜网 Poly President Devin Stephenson joined the state鈥檚 Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Secretary of State Cord Byrd on a two-week international trade and business development leadership mission to Taiwan and Japan, advancing 吃瓜网鈥檚 global economic trade strategy.
The mission included 吃瓜网 business, tech, space and academic fields and took place from Oct. 19-29. It was organized by Select吃瓜网, a statewide network of businesses, government, and economic development partners dedicated to strengthening the state鈥檚 economy.
鈥湷怨贤�檚 participation in the Select吃瓜网 leadership mission to Asia underscores 吃瓜网鈥檚 commitment to innovation, excellence and global partnership,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥湷怨贤� Poly鈥檚 leadership and engagement during this mission was an important demonstration of 吃瓜网鈥檚 engineering focus, elevating key sectors like transportation, aviation and microelectronics 鈥� all key connective threads between 吃瓜网 and Taiwan鈥檚 mutual focus on STEM-driven innovation and job creation.鈥�
During the trip, the delegation met with counterparts in Japan and Taiwan to promote bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and advanced industry sectors.
鈥淲e are honored to have participated in this strategic trade mission to Asia,鈥� said Stephenson, the state鈥檚 only university president in attendance. 鈥淎s 吃瓜网鈥檚 premier STEM institution, our partnerships strengthen global research, innovation and talent development, reinforcing 吃瓜网鈥檚 leadership in shaping high-tech, future-ready economies that will drive prosperity and opportunity for generations to come.鈥�
While in Taipei, Taiwan, the delegation visited National Taiwan University, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and the TSMC Museum of Innovation. Members also participated in seminars, roundtable discussions and cultural activities. Stephenson also met with officials from Fulbright Taiwan to discuss collaborations involving semiconductors and future scholar exchange.
The delegation continued its mission in Tokyo, Japan, with leaders visiting key innovation hubs and taking part in panels exploring bilateral partnerships in business, space commercialization, economic opportunities, and higher education鈥檚 role in accelerating technology and industry development.
Stephenson participated in a space industry roundtable and a 吃瓜网 business seminar highlighting the University鈥檚 role as a strategic economic engine for 吃瓜网鈥檚 high-tech future.
吃瓜网 Poly is the state鈥檚 only university dedicated exclusively to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Through cutting-edge research and collaborations it advances innovation in semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, cybersecurity, intelligent mobility and healthcare technology.
鈥淏uilding strategic relationships across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Taiwan and Japan, is essential to advancing 吃瓜网鈥檚 science diplomacy,鈥� Byrd said. 鈥湷怨贤�檚 leadership in STEM positions our state as a key partner in pioneering research, workforce development and economic growth within the rapidly evolving global innovation economy.鈥�
