Minister Audrey Tang of moda visited the Overseas Chinese University (O.C.U.) Chairman Bo-Tao Chen and President Chilik Yu experienced the Five-axis CNC Simulation Training System within the 5G Metaverse Vocational Training Platform" developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) supervised under moda. The goal is to strengthen vocational education through technology, meanwhile, expanding the application of 5G communication technology by introducing Private 5G Networks into operation training. This allows students to learn practical operations through Metaverse digital courses, reducing training costs, and enhancing training safety.

Minister Tang stated that the Ministry subsidizes interdisciplinary collaboration between ITRI, O.C.U., and training institutions, which has amounted to over 200 trainees annually. Through the innovative way of the 5G Metaverse Vocational Training Platform, lecture preparation time is reduced, and learning efficiency is expected to reach 200%. Additionally, training costs, including venue equipment, manpower, and consumables, are projected to decrease by 40%.

Minister Tang further stated that the application of 5G technology in education demonstrates its uniqueness. With the assistance of ITRI, O.C.U. successfully passed moda’s examination in September 2023 and became the first university in Taiwan to obtain a permit for Private 5G Networks construction of a demonstration site. Moreover, O.C.U. successfully obtained a license for a mobile broadband dedicated telecommunications networks in December 2023. The Private 5G Networks site has three major features: high bandwidth, low latency, and wide connectivity. It can integrate AR/VR technology to provide brand-new Metaverse teaching courses, enabling students to learn and operate simultaneously. Teachers can monitor students' training progress through screens, providing instruction and guidance. Additionally, an AI virtual secretary can be introduced to assist students in technical operations, breaking through the learning effectiveness limitations of traditional classes.

Director-General Jang-Hwa Leu of Administration for Digital Industries (ADI) also mentioned that ADI is promoting digital transformation across industries. By integrating Metaverse courses into the Technological and Vocational Education System, students can gain more hands-on experience through repeated practice. Please enable them to expedite the learning curve when entering the workforce and drive the effectiveness of digital transformation in industries.