TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Fertilizer Co. awarded NT$600,000 (US$18,800) in scholarships to 20 students from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology in June, aiming to promote collaboration between industry and academia and developing tech talent, CNA reported on Monday.

The scholarships were given to high-achieving students from the university's Chemical Engineering Department, Materials Science and Engineering Department, and Applied Science and Technology Graduate Institute. All recipients also came from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, including international students from Southeast Asia.

Following the scholarship awards, Taiwan Fertilizer organized facility visits for the students. This allowed them to learn about the company's automation technologies, environmentally friendly chemical processes, and the impact of various fertilizers on crop growth. 

Students also participated in planting and DIY fertilizer activities to gain a deeper understanding of the company's efforts in agricultural development and food security.

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Vice President Liu Jhy-chern (劉志成) said that Taiwan Fertilizer has transformed traditional fertilizer manufacturing into a high-value chemical industry. 

He noted the university signed a cooperation agreement with the company in October. The collaboration aims to support Taiwan's 2050 net-zero carbon emissions policy, with both sides working to develop clean energy and chemical technologies for agricultural applications.

In June, Taiwan Fertilizer Co. Chair Li Sun-jung (李孫榮) said the company’s hydrogen research center at its Miaoli plant had developed new ammonia cracking technology for hydrogen production. Taiwan mainly relies on hydrogen imports and petrochemical-based production for its hydrogen supply. He added the new method could cut import costs and lower carbon emissions from petrochemical ammonia cracking.

Yeh Chung-hsin (葉忠信), an Indonesian doctoral student at the university's Chemical Engineering Graduate Institute and one of the scholarship recipients, said that he plans to use the funds to develop devices that convert energy more efficiently. These devices will use metal structures and inorganic materials to create special porous membranes, which help improve energy conversion technology.