At the recent Outstanding Research Scholarship (ORS) Award Ceremony, ERGU YARED ABERA, a doctoral student in the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Chung Cheng University (CCU), shared his inspiring journey from Ethiopia to Taiwan. His story highlighted perseverance, gratitude, and the transformative impact of academic support and mentorship.

When Yared first arrived in Taiwan to pursue his doctoral studies at CCU, he carried both excitement and uncertainty. Like many international students, he faced the challenges of adapting to a new academic environment, a different culture, and life far from home. He often wondered whether he could meet the high academic standards expected of him.

After completing his first semester, Yared was awarded the Outstanding Research Scholarship (ORS) at Level C. Encouraged by the recognition and guided by his advisor, Prof. Van-Linh Nguyen, he remained committed to his studies and research. Through consistent effort, patience, and determination, he steadily advanced through the scholarship levels and has now achieved the prestigious ORS Level A award for three consecutive terms. For Yared, this achievement represents far more than financial support—it symbolizes personal growth, academic progress, and recognition of his hard work.

During the second semester of his first year, Yared was also offered the highly competitive Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) Scholarship at Academia Sinica, one of Taiwan’s most prestigious scholarship opportunities for international doctoral students. Faced with a difficult decision, he ultimately chose to remain at CCU, where he had already developed a strong interest in his research topic and built a meaningful academic relationship with his advisor.

Reflecting on that decision, Yared expressed deep gratitude to Prof. Nguyen, who assured him that Taiwan's academic system rewards dedication and perseverance wherever students choose to study. More importantly, the professor promised to support and guide him if he decided to stay at CCU. Looking back, Yared believes that promise was fulfilled, as his advisor patiently mentored him throughout his academic journey and helped him develop into a confident researcher.

Since then, Yared has devoted himself fully to his studies and research. His efforts have resulted in excellent academic performance and research publications in leading international conferences and journals. Achievements that once seemed beyond reach gradually became reality through the combined support of his advisor, the university's academic environment, and the encouragement provided by the ORS program.

As a father supporting family members back home in Ethiopia, the scholarship has carried special significance. Beyond easing financial pressures, it has provided stability, peace of mind, and the opportunity to focus wholeheartedly on academic and research pursuits. Yared emphasized that for many international students, financial support is about more than money—it enables them to concentrate on learning, research, and personal development without the burden of constant financial concerns.

In his speech, Yared noted that the Outstanding Research Scholarship stands out not only because of its generous support but also because of its philosophy. As a performance-based and highly competitive scholarship, ORS motivates students to continually improve and rewards academic excellence. Furthermore, the scholarship is provided directly to students without being reduced by tuition deductions, allowing recipients to better manage their academic, personal, and family responsibilities.

Yared also highlighted the broader support system available at CCU. Through the Office of International Affairs (OIA) and various university initiatives, he has been able to experience Taiwan's culture, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and represent the university internationally. Among his most memorable experiences were participating in the Geneva Leadership Program and being selected to introduce CCU through a promotional video project supported by Taiwan's Ministry of Education.

Addressing fellow scholarship recipients, Yared encouraged them to remain patient, work diligently, and trust the process. He acknowledged that there will be moments of doubt and challenges along the way, but emphasized that consistent effort and perseverance eventually lead to meaningful opportunities and achievements.

Concluding his remarks, Yared expressed his sincere appreciation to National Chung Cheng University, the Office of International Affairs, Prof. Van-Linh Nguyen, and everyone who has contributed to the success of the Outstanding Research Scholarship program. He hopes that ORS scholarship will continue to inspire future generations of international students to pursue excellence, overcome challenges, and make meaningful contributions to academia, Taiwan community.

Yared's story exemplifies the spirit of determination, gratitude, and academic excellence that the Outstanding Research Scholarship seeks to cultivate, demonstrating how support, mentorship, and perseverance can transform aspirations into achievements.