[Epoch Times, August 3, 2026] (Epoch Times reporter Xu Manyuan, Los Angeles) A new chapter has begun in Taiwan-US exchanges. With the continued development of internationalization in higher education, Ming Chuan University in Taiwan established its US office at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) on July 31 (Friday), symbolizing a new stage in Taiwan-US higher education cooperation.
Ma Boyuan, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, stated that Ming Chuan’s decision to relocate its US base from Michigan to Southern California is an important decision that aligns with the university’s development needs. Long Beach and Taoyuan City established a sister city relationship in 2017, and Taiwan has been promoting Chinese language education at CSULB through a Chinese language learning program in recent years; the establishment of a physical office now is expected to further deepen Taiwan-US educational exchanges.
The Ming Chuan US office is located in the CSULB Research Foundation Building and will serve as an important base for Ming Chuan’s recruitment, alumni services, and academic cooperation in North America. The two universities plan to launch two dual master’s programs in August 2027: a CSULB Master of Business Administration (MBA) combined with Ming Chuan University’s Master of International Business and Trade, and a CSULB Master of Asian Studies combined with Ming Chuan University’s Master of Chinese Language Teaching. Students will receive degrees from both universities upon completion. This unveiling ceremony marks exactly one year since the signing of the cooperation agreement, which was jointly signed by former CSULB President Jane Close Conoley and Ming Chuan University President Lee, Hsuan-Shih.
Chancellor of MCU Global Education System Dr. Chuan Lee stated that this collaboration is the first of its kind within the California State University system, and that they will jointly promote dual master’s degrees, academic research, student exchange, and Chinese language education, deepening trans-Pacific educational cooperation.
Dr. Lee, Hsuan-Shih stated that the opening of Ming Chuan University’s US office coincides with the university’s 70th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the school’s international development strategy. The two universities have been exchanging ideas for over 20 years, both emphasizing interdisciplinary talent cultivation, faculty development, and international internships, aiming to cultivate globally-minded and competitive talent. He also invited representatives from various sectors to Taiwan next March to participate in the 70th anniversary celebrations.
CSULB President Dr. Loren Blanchard stated that the 31st was not the starting point of the collaboration, but rather the first time in over 20 years of partnership that a physical location has been established. Last year, Ming Chuan University students studied at CSULB, and this spring, visiting professors also taught there. While plans for dual master’s programs, credit transfers, and a Chinese language learning center are still awaiting formal approval, both sides have built a strong mutual trust and will continue to promote cooperation in the future.
UCSU System Trustee Wenda Fong stated that this establishment is not just the opening of an office, but a significant milestone for the UCSU system, marking the first time an overseas university has set up a campus. It is expected to create more opportunities for exchange among students, faculty, and researchers from both sides of the Pacific.
Ming Chuan University established its U.S. campus in Michigan in 2014, a first for Taiwanese higher education. This year, the relocation of its campus to California was primarily driven by considerations of convenience for Taiwanese and Asian students, as well as the resources of the Taiwanese and Asian communities in Southern California. Ming Chuan University currently has overseas campuses in Mongolia, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, with over 4,500 international students.
CSULB holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC), while Ming Chuan is the first university in Asia to receive accreditation from the Midwestern Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Both universities’ business schools are also AACSB accredited, laying the foundation for future degree collaborations.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Leanne Eyerman, Director of Ming Chuan’s US Office. Wenda Fong, Loren Blanchard, Ma Boyuan, Chuan Lee, and Lee, Hsuan-Shih cut the ribbon. Representatives from the Long Beach Mayor’s Office, members of sister city associations, Tian Yihong, Wen Yuling, and Chen Linghua, political advisors to the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), as well as nearly 40 leaders from the Southern California overseas Chinese community and Ming Chuan University alumni were present to witness the event.