A delegation from the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice embarked on a journey to Taiwan and Japan. The university's Rector, Pavel Kozák, together with the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Vladimír Žlábek, and the Head of the International Relations Office, Zdeňka Novotná, participated in an educational and networking mission of Czech higher education institutions. In both Asian countries, they opened new opportunities for students and research. The event took place from July 21–25, 2025, under the auspices of the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research.
In Taipei, over 120 individual meetings took place between Czech and Taiwanese universities. The University of South Bohemia established new contacts and discussed possibilities for student exchanges, academic internships, and joint research projects. The delegation visited three significant institutions: National Taiwan University (NTU), National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), and National Chengchi University (NCCU).
In Osaka, Japan, the delegation participated in the Czech National Day at the World Expo 2025. In the Czech pavilion on Yumeshima Island, art, diplomacy, and education converged. Representatives from the university visited Kansai University and held talks with Japanese academic partners.
Part of the program was a gala reception where representatives of Czech higher education briefly met with the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel.
The mission culminated on July 25 with EDU Day, where the University of South Bohemia showcased its research activities, innovations, and openness to international collaboration. The event included panel discussions, presentations of university spin-off companies, and individual meetings. Personal meetings with Japanese partners promised the expansion of existing projects and new partnership opportunities.
From Taiwan and Japan, the university leadership brought back valuable contacts, inspiration, and concrete cooperation proposals that can enrich both the university and the region. The mission confirmed the growing interest in Czech higher education in Asia and opened new opportunities for students, educators, and researchers.
