Mor Pal Vikram

Choosing Taiwan for Advanced Research

After completing my master's degree at IIT Delhi in New Delhi, India, I was eager to delve deeper into my research field. Taiwan, an island nation renowned for its semiconductor-related technology and research, caught my attention. Through online research, I discovered Prof. Chu Shi-Wei at National Taiwan University (NTU), whose research field perfectly aligned with my interests. After impressing him with my past performance, he agreed to supervise me for the NTU Ph.D. program.

My decision to study in Taiwan was further solidified when I was granted both the NTU Doctoral Scholarship for international students and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Taiwan Project funding. These opportunities enabled me to pursue my Ph.D. research without financial constraints.

NTU: A Hub for Semiconductor Research

I chose NTU for its worldwide reputation in academic and research excellence, particularly in semiconductor areas. NTU offers well-equipped laboratories, strong industrial connections, generous research funding, and a wide array of research opportunities. My research focuses on semiconductor nanostructures and defects super-resolution imaging, utilizing nonlinear optical techniques. This field has numerous applications, including optical switches, super-resolution imaging, and optical bistability in silicon nanophotonics.

My time at NTU has allowed me to connect with the global research community through conferences, collaborations, and industrial meetings. I've had the opportunity to attend several international conferences and present my research work, even receiving the Best Poster award at the Optics & Photonics Taiwan International Conference.

Campus Life: Charming Campus and A Welcoming Community

NTU's campus offers serene spots for relaxation amidst the rigorous academic environment. After a demanding day of research, I often take a walk beside the Drunken Moon Lake, enjoying the gentle breeze and breathtaking view. This helps alleviate fatigue and stress, providing inner peace. Another favorite spot is the NTU main library, where I can watch the marvelous sunset view of the Royal Palm Boulevard.

Besides my studies, I participate in football matches with students from the electrical engineering department two or three times a week. Although I used to play cricket in India, I've adapted to soccer's popularity here. I also enjoy exploring Taiwan's unique and beautiful landscapes with friends from my lab and the NTU Indian Association, visiting outdoor spots like Wulai Waterfall and Ci Sing Tan.

Experiencing the Unique and Interesting Taiwanese Culture

Despite NTU's international environment allowing easy communication in English, I'm making efforts to improve my Mandarin. This is not only to become more involved in local society but also because I plan to continue research in Taiwan after graduation.

I find the culture of Taiwan unique and interesting. For instance, the practice of burning incense sticks to worship gods is unique, as we don't have burning in any Indian ceremony. The concept of Ghost Month is also quite intriguing and unusual to me. I've embraced these cultural differences with an open mind, viewing them as an extra gain during my study journey.

Cultural festivals have been a highlight of my experience. I participated in the Dragon Boat Festival, cheering for Professor Chu and learning about the celebration's origins. During the Lunar New Year festival, I joined a big dinner gathering held by the Office of International Affairs, which was memorable for the opportunity to try unfamiliar local cuisines with a large crowd.

Recommending Taiwan: Excellent Education in a Safe Environment

What I love most about life in Taiwan is the warmth and helpfulness of the people, and their respect for strangers. Taiwan's safety is impressive; once, when a friend forgot valuable belongings on public transportation, they were able to recover them, which I found quite remarkable.

I wholeheartedly recommend Taiwan for its excellent study opportunities and the beauty of this island nation. The combination of academic excellence and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for international students.

After graduation, I intend to continue my research and industrial career in Taiwan, building upon the strong foundation and connections I've established during my Ph.D. studies.