As the AI wave accelerates, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has launched the "AI New Talent Program." As one of the four partner universities for the program, National Formosa University has launched the "Drone AI-Empowered Credit Program," guiding 40 college graduates through an 8-month free drone specialization course starting in August, with participants eligible to receive up to NT$240,000 in stipends, aiming to cultivate job-ready AI talent for the future.
NFU President Chang Hsin-Liang stated that this drone specialization program targets students from engineering and electrical/information technology-related departments who have graduated from university within the past 2 years, offering 4 months of professional training at the university followed by 4 months of corporate internship. He noted that the university's expertise spans more than 10 faculty members across departments including Aircraft Engineering, Automation Engineering, and Computer Science and Information Engineering, offering courses in areas such as hands-on training for multirotor drone licensing, manufacturing applications, and AI system modeling and application, strengthening students' capabilities in systems integration and practical application.
Assistant Professor Wang Cheng-Hsien of the Department of Aircraft Engineering pointed out that, in his own course, students are first introduced to drone structures and components, and by around weeks 8 or 9, they are required to independently design and manufacture their own drone parts — a task he describes as "quite challenging" for students, but one that prepares them to demonstrate their capabilities during the internship phase.
A female student surnamed Liang, who just graduated this year from the Department of Photonics, stated that she had already been exposed to AI and drone-related courses during her studies, sparking a strong interest in the field. She noted that smart technology is the trend of the future, and that she plans to pursue a career in AI drone technology.
Chang pointed out that program participants can receive a monthly stipend of NT$20,000 while attending classes, and NT$30,000 per month during the internship phase, all fully subsidized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, with tuition fully waived. In addition, 26 companies have offered more than 60 internship positions, and to compete for talent, companies are offering signing bonuses of NT$40,000, meaning each student can receive up to NT$240,000 in total. He expressed hope that this combination of coursework and incentives will cultivate job-ready AI talent for the future, and revealed that the university is currently planning a second phase of specialized courses, which will focus on smart vehicles, allowing students to learn industry knowledge related to AI-powered electric vehicles.
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The Ministry of Economic Affairs has launched the "AI New Talent Program." As a partner university for the program, National Formosa University has launched the "Drone AI-Empowered Credit Program," leading 40 participants through an 8-month course and internship program. (Photo/Liberty Times reporter Lee Wen-Te) |
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