President Ma Ying-jeou took part in an open discussion with a group of students from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, questioning their takes on allowing Chinese students to Taiwan this fall. The nation's leader also talked about relevant strategies in attracting more Mainlanders to come to the island to pursue their studies.

President Ma Ying-jeou was happy to comply when a student asked for a hug. Ma arrived at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology on Friday evening for a brainstorming session with students,

and NTUST students took advantage of the rare opportunity to ask for additional funding.

Ma praised the school's design program, and discussed the government's cultural and innovation policies.

The president also asked the hundreds of students in attendance for their thoughts on and level of acceptance towards the arrival of Chinese students to Taiwan this fall,

and expressed hopes that Chinese students taking part in study abroad programs can recommend and promote schools in Taiwan to their friends and classmates upon returning home.