With the rapid advancement of technology, the shortage of human resources in emerging technologies has become a major obstacle to industrial development. However, both government agencies responsible for economic development in Taiwan and enterprises of all sizes across industries have rapidly embraced new technologies, such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). Compared with traditional Internet technologies, sensor networks, and embedded systems, these technologies require more advanced and in-depth design and verification techniques in order to develop high-quality systems. At present, there is a severe shortage of professionals in this field within the industry. This shortage is clearly reflected in discussions with industry professionals during academic exchanges, as well as in recruitment advertisements posted by various companies.

       Therefore, based on the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Chung Cheng University, hereinafter referred to as the organizing department, which possesses abundant teaching and research capacity and resources in related professional fields and digital learning, the department has taken on the responsibility of cultivating talent for such emerging technologies. Through this program, the department hopes to train outstanding professionals in emerging technologies from among those who are currently employed. The Cloud Computing and Internet of Things Digital Learning Master’s Program for Working Professionals, hereinafter referred to as this program, planned by the organizing department, will focus its curriculum design, faculty, and learning environment on cultivating outstanding talent in emerging technologies, thereby enhancing national competitiveness.

       In addition to filling the current human resource gap in domestic industrial development, this program will also effectively support research, development, and innovation in cloud computing and IoT within Taiwan’s technology industries. Moreover, through the digital learning format of this master’s program, students will be able to balance career development with professional advancement. With the support of high-quality research and development talent, this program can accelerate the advanced development of Taiwan’s cloud computing and IoT technology industries and further increase the output value and market share of Taiwan’s related industries in the global market.

       The professional courses of this program will be delivered entirely through digital learning. This format allows individuals living on offshore islands or in remote areas to study through computer networks, overcoming geographical limitations and meeting their learning needs. This form of recurrent education also provides working professionals with a digital learning pathway for continuing education, expands multiple dimensions of their career planning, and helps them establish the habit of lifelong learning.

       This program provides tuition and miscellaneous fee reductions for students from low-income households and for those holding a disability certificate. To support students from financially disadvantaged families in pursuing their studies with greater peace of mind, this program also cooperates with the university’s Financial Aid Program for Disadvantaged Students, thereby strengthening support for economically disadvantaged students.

       With the assistance of professional staff from the university’s Digital Learning Center, now known as the Qingjiang Learning Center, the design of the digital courses will be presented in an active and engaging manner. Through repeated viewing of course materials and synchronous online instruction, students will be able to achieve learning outcomes equivalent to, or even better than, those of in-person courses.

       This program will be personally guided by Professor Bao-Da Yu and Distinguished Professor Ren-Hong Huang of the organizing department. Professor Yu and Professor Huang have extensive and long-term experience in digital learning, which will effectively enhance the operation and value of this program. In addition, most of the faculty members of this program have many years of experience in digital learning instruction, which is expected to provide significant benefits to the establishment of this program.

       This program will continue to use National Chung Cheng University’s digital learning platform to effectively provide an environment for interaction and discussion among students and between students and instructors. It will also enable timely responses to students’ questions regarding learning and research, enhance students’ professional growth in their fields, and fulfill the educational philosophy of this program.