An online admissions information session changed the course of Derick Ferdinand’s life. Four years ago, the Indonesian overseas Chinese student traveled to Taiwan to pursue a degree in the Department of Business Administration. Making the most of the University’s outstanding faculty and supportive learning environment, he steadily strengthened his proficiency in Chinese, English, and Korean while maintaining excellent academic performance. In recognition of his achievements, he received numerous academic excellence awards and was twice awarded the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Scholarship. He also represented the University in international exchange programs and overseas student recruitment initiatives. Equipped with exceptional language proficiency and strong cross-cultural communication skills, Derick has grown from an international student into a key contributor to the University’s global engagement efforts, writing an inspiring chapter in his academic journey.
Growing up in Indonesia, Derick Ferdinand was raised in a family with deep ties to the Chinese language. His grandmother was a Chinese language teacher, while his mother has devoted many years to teaching Chinese, giving him a strong foundation from an early age. However, studying in Taiwan was not initially part of his plan. It was not until his final year of high school, when he attended Kun Shan University’s online admissions information session through the University Entrance Committee for Overseas Chinese Students (UECOCS), that he was introduced to Taiwan’s higher education system and the opportunities it could offer. Inspired by the possibilities for both academic and career development, he decided to leave his hometown and pursue his studies in Taiwan. For Derick, this decision was not only an important step toward a better education and future career, but also a journey to reconnect with his cultural roots.
After arriving in Taiwan, Derick enrolled in the University’s degree program for overseas Chinese students, where all courses are taught in Chinese. Immersed in a fully Chinese-speaking academic environment, he continuously strengthened both his language proficiency and professional expertise. Throughout his studies, he consistently ranked among the top three students in his class and received multiple Academic Excellence Awards in recognition of his outstanding academic performance. He also earned the TQC E-Commerce Certification and completed the Department of Business Administration’s Micro Program in Digital Marketing and Applied Technology, receiving a certificate of completion. In recognition of his exceptional achievements, he was twice awarded a scholarship by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC).
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Derick actively developed his foreign language skills. He won first place in both the English Presentation and the One-Minute English Self-Introduction categories at the University’s Workplace English Competition, as well as second place in the English Résumé Competition. He also earned third place in the 6th Kun Shan Cup Short Speech Competition and further demonstrated his creativity by participating in the National English Graded Reader Story Writing Competition.
In addition to his outstanding academic achievements, Derick Ferdinand has been actively involved in campus affairs. For the past four years, he has worked part-time at the Office of International Affairs, where he has assisted with receiving international visitors, providing interpretation services, and supporting overseas student recruitment initiatives. He has also accompanied University recruitment delegations to Indonesia on multiple occasions, serving as both an interpreter and student ambassador, making him a valuable contributor to the University’s international engagement efforts.
In 2025, Derick was invited to speak at the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Taiwan Study Tour for Overseas Youth, where he delivered a presentation entirely in Chinese, sharing his study experience in Taiwan with more than 100 students and distinguished guests from various countries. As the only international student selected to address the audience, the experience left a lasting impression on him. It not only deepened his appreciation of the importance of cross-cultural communication but also greatly strengthened his confidence and public speaking skills.
Derick Ferdinand’s passion for languages has also inspired him to continuously expand his linguistic abilities. Fascinated by Korean popular culture, he began teaching himself Korean in 2018. During his studies at Kun Shan University, he further strengthened his language skills through systematic training at the Tainan King Sejong Institute and the University’s Language Center, completing a series of Korean language courses.
At the same time, Derick worked part-time at both institutions, where his daily interactions with Korean instructors and fellow learners further enhanced his spoken Korean proficiency. Through years of dedicated study and hands-on experience, he gradually identified language and cultural exchange as his future career path. Thanks to his proactive attitude toward learning and solid language skills, he secured a position with the University’s Language Center and the King Sejong Institute before graduation. In his new role, he will contribute to the promotion of the Korean language and culture, continuing to apply his expertise and passion in the field.
Over the past four years, Derick Ferdinand has achieved remarkable growth and accomplishments. From overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new language, culture, and living environment when he first arrived in Taiwan to gradually building confidence and realizing his full potential, his academic journey has been both transformative and rewarding. In addition to strengthening his professional knowledge and multilingual communication skills, he has also discovered a clear direction for his future career through continuous learning and personal growth.
Reflecting on his experience, Derick believes that the Department of Business Administration offers far more than professional knowledge—it provides an environment where students can develop their character, broaden their perspectives, and realize their full potential. As he prepares to graduate this year, he plans to remain in Taiwan to gain professional experience before pursuing a master’s degree, further enhancing his expertise and competitiveness in the global job market.
Lu Te-Tsai, Chair of the Department of Business Administration, praised Derick Ferdinand for his outstanding achievements throughout his studies. In addition to his excellent academic performance, Derick actively participated in international exchange programs, academic competitions, and overseas student recruitment initiatives, fully demonstrating his language proficiency and strengths in cross-cultural communication. According to Professor Lu, Derick serves as an exemplary role model for fellow students and embodies the Department’s commitment to cultivating graduates with strong professional expertise, multilingual competence, and global mobility. He also expressed confidence that Derick will continue to leverage his language skills and shine on the international stage in the years to come.
