President Lih J. Chen is the proud recipient of this year's Electronics and Photonics Division Award from The Electrochemical Society (ECS) of America. President Chen went to Vancouver on April 25 to accept the award for his continuous contribution to the field of metal thin film, thin film reaction, nano material structure and dynamics.

ECS, an international organization with more than 8,000 members from more than 70 countries, was established in 1902. In its 108 year history, ECS has provided an excellent platform for members to exchange technical information through various publications, journals and forums.

The Electronics and Photonics Division Award was established in 1970 to recognize individual excellence in electronics research and outstanding technical contribution to the field of electronics science. President Chen is the first recipient from Taiwan.

After the award ceremony, President Chen, accompanied by Prof. W. C. Wang of the Office of International Affairs, visited The University of British Columbia and The University of Victoria, for the signing of sister-university agreements with both universities. According to a 2009 Times' survey, UBC ranked 40^th in the world, and The University of Victoria is among the top five universities in Canada.

On his way back to Taiwan, President Chen attended an alumni gathering in the Bay Area on April 29. Mr. Y. J. Chao, the head of the alumni association, said NTHU alumni were delighted with the president's visit, and they were extremely proud with their alma mate.