FCU Receives Ministry of Economic Affairs Funding for the Second Consecutive Year: National Convention and Exhibition Training Program Connects Students with the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center

As the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center (TICEC) continues to develop, demand for convention and exhibition (MICE) professionals in central Taiwan is growing rapidly. Responding to this national industry trend, the College of Business at Feng Chia University successfully secured funding from the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, for the National Convention and Exhibition Talent Development Program in both 2024 and 2025. Through its University Convention and Exhibition Training Program, FCU is actively cultivating the next generation of Taiwan’s MICE professionals.

On April 24, Joan C. Huang, Dean of the College of Business, led 72 faculty members and students on a field visit to the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, providing students with direct exposure to the operations and development of the MICE industry.

Joan C. Huang, Dean of the College of Business at Feng Chia University, led faculty members and students on a visit to the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, providing firsthand insights into the convention and exhibition industry.

With support from the International Trade Administration over two consecutive years, FCU’s Convention and Exhibition Training Program has successfully integrated industry mentors, résumé and interview coaching, and professional skills training into the classroom.

The University's Meetings and Exhibition Management course also provides intensive preparation for the Certified Convention and Exhibition Professional (CCEP) credential issued by the International Trade Administration. In 2024, 57 students earned certification, and the number increased to 60 students in 2025. FCU has consistently achieved one of the highest certification pass rates nationwide, further strengthening students’ professional qualifications.

These resources have also helped students gain international exposure. Under the guidance of Professor Kuan-Wen Lin from the Department of International Business, FCU students successfully advanced through national selection processes for two consecutive years and represented Taiwan in the Asia MICE Youth Challenge (AMYC) organized by the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA), competing in Malaysia and Indonesia.

During the visit, FCU students formally presented a professional English-language exhibition proposal titled “Re-Sense the South: F.A.I.T.H. EXPO” to the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center. Designed with TICEC as the host venue, the proposal combined religious culture, wellness tourism, international trade exhibitions, and local attractions such as the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, demonstrating students’ vision for city branding and the future of Asia’s MICE market.

Yi-Chieh Chen (center), a student from the Department of International Business and a finalist in the 2025 AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge, presents the team’s English-language exhibition proposal, developed for the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, to representatives of the venue.

Supported by the National Convention and Exhibition Talent Development Program in both 2024 and 2025, the College of Business at Feng Chia University has established a comprehensive MICE talent development pathway linking professional certification, competitions, industry visits, internships, and employment opportunities.

One of the program’s primary goals is to ensure that industry recognizes student talent. The results have been tangible. Students who participated in the training program and related competitions have successfully secured employment with leading convention and exhibition organizations, including GIS Group and Elite Professional Conference Organizer (EPCO). Others have obtained paid semester-long internships with exhibition companies such as Chan Chao International Co., Ltd.

From professional certifications and competitions to internships and employment opportunities, FCU has established a comprehensive talent development pathway for the convention and exhibition industry.

Dean Joan C. Huang noted that FCU enjoys a unique geographic advantage, as the campus is located only five minutes from the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center. Building on this strength, the University plans to launch an International MICE Micro-Credential Program that will integrate courses such as:

International MICE EnglishMeetings and Exhibition ManagementInternational Trade Exhibition PracticeInternational Business Communication

The curriculum will focus on exhibition project management, international communication, logistics integration, destination marketing, English presentation skills, and industry competitions. Beginning with professional certification, students will be prepared to meet the growing workforce needs of the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center and the broader MICE industry in central Taiwan.

Through continued participation in national funding initiatives and industry partnerships, Feng Chia University aims not only to provide students with opportunities to learn in real-world venues but also to cultivate internationally minded convention and exhibition professionals equipped with strong practical skills and industry expertise.