In response to the urgent demands of global supply chain restructuring and the advancement of high-end manufacturing technologies, National Formosa University (NFU), in collaboration with Victor Taichung Machinery Works Co., Ltd. and the Changhua–Nantou–Taichung Branch of the Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor, hosted the finals and awards ceremony of the “2026 Victor Taichung Cup CNC Multi-Axis Machining Skills Competition” on May 24. With total prize money exceeding NT$900,000, the competition attracted 66 outstanding contestants from 20 senior high schools, vocational schools, and universities across Taiwan, showcasing the nation’s strong capacity for cultivating talent as manufacturing evolves from traditional machining toward digital integration and intelligent manufacturing.
Moving beyond conventional machine operation training, the competition focused on developing engineers capable of system integration and immediate industry application. The event featured two categories: the “Turn-Mill Center Division” and the “Five-Axis Machining Division.” Competition tasks were specifically designed to address the most critical technical challenges faced by today’s manufacturing industry. Unlike traditional machining contests that primarily evaluate machine operation skills, this competition’s challenges were developed by Victor Taichung’s Customer Value Creation Application Center and required participants to demonstrate a strong understanding of digital twin concepts. Contestants were assessed on CAM software applications, machining path simulation, process optimization, precision machining, and real-time problem-solving. These requirements reflect the growing industry demand for system integration engineers capable of managing complex manufacturing environments rather than conventional machine operators.
As Taiwan actively develops strategic industries such as unmanned vehicles, advanced aerospace components, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, demand for precision machining of lightweight, high-strength materials and complex geometric components continues to rise. Five-axis machining and turn-mill technologies are key to overcoming the manufacturing challenges associated with these critical components. Through competitions such as this, academia and industry jointly guide young talent while building the advanced manufacturing capabilities necessary to support Taiwan’s future independent supply chains.
This year’s winning teams demonstrated expertise in a wide range of disciplines, including materials analysis, mechatronic integration, microforming, and digital manufacturing processes. In the Turn-Mill Center Division, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, and National Formosa University claimed first, second, and third place, respectively. At the senior high school level, Hsiushui Industrial High School, Dajia Industrial High School, and Caotun Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School achieved top-eight finishes, highlighting the strong foundation of Taiwan’s vocational education system. In the Five-Axis Machining Division, first place was awarded to a team composed of trainees from the Changhua–Nantou–Taichung Branch of the Workforce Development Agency and National Chin-Yi University of Technology. Another team from National Chin-Yi University of Technology earned second place, while National Formosa University secured third place.
NFU President Hsin-Liang Chang stated that the university has long been committed to cultivating talent in intelligent machinery and precision manufacturing while supporting industrial transformation. Now entering its fourth year, the Victor Taichung Cup serves as an outstanding example of translating real industry needs into hands-on learning experiences. Looking ahead, NFU will continue integrating government resources and industrial expertise to cultivate professionals equipped with systems integration and automation capabilities, enabling them to become a driving force behind future industrial transformation.
Victor Taichung Chairman Ming-Ho Huang noted that global manufacturing is rapidly advancing toward greater intelligence, precision, and automation. Multi-axis machining technology has become a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing. By integrating five-axis machining, turn-mill technology, CAM applications, and process planning, the Victor Taichung Cup closely aligns with real-world industry needs. The competition provides students with early exposure to cutting-edge equipment and technologies while cultivating professionals capable of process integration and on-site problem-solving, continuously injecting new technological momentum into Taiwan’s machine tool industry.
Hsiu-Chen Liu, Director of the Changhua–Nantou–Taichung Branch of the Workforce Development Agency, emphasized that aligning technical and vocational education with industry needs is essential for talent development. Through competitions such as this, students gain valuable opportunities for technical exchange, hands-on practice, and early exposure to industry trends and workplace expectations. Such initiatives help cultivate more advanced technical professionals and strengthen the foundation of Taiwan’s intelligent manufacturing sector.
Article and photos provided by: Career Development Center
