UOG students study smart agriculture tech in Taiwan

The University of Guam student participants of the Smart Agriculture Technology & Culture Experience Study Abroad Program sit for a photo with Dr. Lee Yudin, dean of UOG’s College of Natural & Applied Sciences; Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, acting president of UOG; Dr. Kuan-Ju Chen, assistant professor of agricultural economics; Dr. Jeng-Hung Liu, assistant professor of animal sciences; and Dr. Liang-Kuang Chen, visiting scholar from National Taiwan Normal University. (UNIVERSITY OF GUAM)

Ten University of Guam students are in Taiwan this month to explore the latest in agricultural practices and technologies.

The students were selected and awarded travel scholarships for the Smart Agriculture Technology & Culture Experience Study Abroad Program through a grant received last year by the UOG College of Natural & Applied Sciences from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food & Agriculture. The grant program aims to advance agriculture and food science education in insular institutions with the use of virtual reality technology.

The students began the program with Chinese language lessons taught by Dr. Liang-Kuang Chen, a visiting scholar from National Taiwan Normal University, to enhance their experience in Taiwan.

“Our teacher has been very helpful and understanding—especially at the [accelerated] pace we’re going,” said Cecilia Pangelinan, a junior in UOG’s Agriculture & Life Sciences Program.

The students arrived in Taiwan last July 3, where they will spend two weeks getting hands-on experience both using virtual reality technology and in the field, operating farm implements.

“Through this program, the students will gain a deep understanding of the challenges and solutions faced by farmers from around the world,” said Dr. Kuan-Ju Chen, assistant professor of agricultural economics at UOG. “They will have the opportunity to experience different philosophies concerning land use, get hands-on experience with time-honored agricultural methods, and witness the cutting-edge future of farming.”

Their study abroad experience includes visits to the Smart Agriculture Center, the Known-You Seed Co., the Fengshan Tropical Horticulture Experimental Branch, Cacao Farm Formosa, the National Science & Technology Museum, and traditional markets.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the difference in agriculture between Taiwan and Guam,” said Aubrie Uson, a senior agriculture major and public administration minor. “I want to see how they implement technology into their agriculture.”

The study broad program highlights the Smart Agricultural Technology program at National Pingtung University of Sciences & Technology and the Taiwan Huayu Bilingual Exchanges of Selected Talent Program at the National Taiwan Normal University, two new sister colleges of UOG’s College of Natural & Applied Sciences. The program is also supported by Honhui Group (Taiwan), which has donated laptops for the students to use. (PR)