2024-06-17
On June 12, a delegation of the Moralogy Foundation, Japan, led by President Mototaka Hiroike, the former president of Reitaku University, a sister school of Tamkang University, including Standing Director Kazuyuki Inoue, International Department Director Kazunobu Horiuchi, International Section Chief Wei-Chi Chiu, and Secretary Mochizuki Hironari, visited our university. They were accompanied by the Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen, Executive Director of Alumni Services and Resource Development, Chun-Young Perng, and Japanese Department Chair, Dr. Pei-Ching Tsai, to meet with President Huan-Chao Keh, aiming to deepen the bilateral exchange and cooperation relationship further. Reitaku University focuses on language education, moral education, and training talents for international work, maintaining close interactions with Tamkang University. The 2 institutions became sister schools in 1982. Recently, Reitaku University established a Faculty of Engineering, emphasizing the integration of AI and the humanities. Mototaka Hiroike mentioned that the friendship between Reitaku University and Tamkang University spans over 40 years, and he warmly welcomed Tamkang University students to study there on exchange programs. He also noted that 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Moral Education Foundation in Japan, and plans are underway to co-host an international conference with Tamkang University and the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation at Tamkang University on September 27, 2025. "With Tamkang's support, I feel very reassured and am looking forward to it," he said. President Keh commended the Moralogy Foundation for its steadfast commitment to promoting moral education, affirmed the long-term success of student exchanges between the 2 universities, and expressed gratitude to Reitaku University for funding the construction of the Reitaku International House at Tamkang, which has advanced the university's internationalization efforts. He also fully supported next year's joint conference to promote moral education. Mototaka Hiroike subsequently visited Chairperson Flora Chia-I Chang. Their conversation began with memories of constructing the Reitaku International House and moved on to the history of exchanges between the 2 universities, interacting warmly like old friends. In addition to personally presenting a ceramic gourd symbolizing good fortune to Hiroike, Chairperson Chang introduced Tamkang University's unique features through the latest version of the "Future Tips" (《未來秘笈》), highlighting the "Future Studies" program, one of the university's Triple Objectives of Education. This program aims to equip students with the fundamental skills needed to face the ever-changing challenges of the future and to plan for a "desirable future." Lastly, Mototaka Hiroike visited the Reitaku International House. Pointing to the construction record on the wall, he recalled attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony on behalf of his father in 1989 to celebrate the completion of the building. He inquired about its current usage and met with Reitaku University students currently on exchange at Tamkang University. He showed concern for their studies and daily lives and encouraged them.
2024-06-11
This semester, the AI International Certification Workshops organized by the College of Artificial Innovative Intelligence attracted 302 registrations, with 288 participants successfully earning certificates from Microsoft and NVIDIA, achieving a pass rate of over 95%. The college stated that students who completed the Microsoft online course content received micro-credits and a joint certificate issued by the Artificial Innovative Intelligence College, the Taiwan AI Alliance, and the Taipei Computer Association, enhancing their future employment competitiveness. In alignment with Tamkang University's "AI+SDGs=∞" development goal, the Artificial Innovative Intelligence College is dedicated to equipping all faculty and students with MS 3AP (MS 365, Azure, Power Platform) application skills. The college has launched a series of courses and certification exams. This semester, it has once again introduced a series of micro-credit "Microsoft Online Courses," micro-credit "AI Practical Experience Workshops," and AI International Certification Workshops while further expanding the related certification exams. Students participating in the 10 micro-credit "Microsoft Online Courses" can learn online through the "Artificial Innovative Intelligence College Learning Platform" after completing course registration. These courses allow participants to learn about various services the Microsoft Azure platform provides, including but not limited to Power BI and Power Platform, and to acquire skills in utilizing AI techniques. In addition to the Microsoft series courses, the Artificial Innovative Intelligence College has again offered Microsoft and NVIDIA AI International Certification Workshops this semester. Dean Tzung-Hang Lee stated that these courses do not require any programming background. Faculty and students from any department can build foundational knowledge of AI services and learn AI application techniques through the workshops, ultimately earning AI international certifications to enhance their future career development.
To assist clubs in smoothly completing their leadership transitions, the Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section held the "2023 Academic Year Club Leadership Transition Series" on June 1 at the Student Activity Center. Successful senior members shared their experiences, continuing the Tamkang spirit and fostering a common understanding between outgoing and incoming leaders on club management. Over 130 people participated in the event. In his speech, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Shih-Jung Wu, stated, "Serving as a club leader is a rare learning experience that helps you mature. It enhances your ability to think and plan comprehensively when managing affairs. The transition of club leadership is a crucial process for the sustainability of the clubs. Everyone here is a legend of the Five-Tiger Hill, and I hope the new club leaders will continue to strive and pass on this legacy." The event was divided into 3 sessions. The morning session, "Heritage and Start," was led by Chao-Wei Lin, a lecturer from the Chinese Recreation Guidance Association. He facilitated interactive exchanges between outgoing and incoming leaders, promoting emotional connection and enhancing mutual understanding and trust. The afternoon session, "Connection and Heart Continuation," involved experience sharing by current leaders to help their successors understand the importance of heritage, recognize what needs to be passed down, and preserve the club's unique characteristics, aiming for better continuous development and growth. The "Heritage and Heart Transmission" Handover Evening Gala was the event's climax. It began with the current club leaders handing over photos of club activities pieced together during the event to their successors, symbolizing the passing of the heritage. Next, in a ritual ceremony, each club advisor presented plaques and honor certificates to the outgoing leaders, expressing gratitude for their contributions over the past year. Dr. Shih-Jung Wu then awarded certificates to the Tan Hai Tong Zhou volunteers. Finally, everyone happily posed for a group photo, marking a successful conclusion to the series of activities. Hao-Cheng Hsu, the current president of the Anime Club and a third-year student from the Department of Diplomacy and International Relations, shared, "I am grateful for the support of all the officers. Thank you all for being willing to accompany me through this year; I wouldn't be who I am today without you. I hope the new leaders will guide the club to even greater achievements and continue to promote team spirit. Just go for it!" Cheng-Chin Yang, who is about to take over as president of the Seeding Study Guidance Service Club and is a first-year public administration student, stated that the most memorable part of the event was reflecting on and discussing the future vision and plans of the club with the current leaders. Through this, he gained a deeper understanding of the club's unique culture and enhanced mutual exchange. Taking on the significant responsibility of the president, he hopes to lead everyone forward, experience the joy of service, and cultivate team motivation.
2024-06-08
On June 8 at 10 AM, Tamkang University held the graduation ceremony for the 2023 academic year in the Shao-Mo Memorial Gymnasium. Over 3,200 participants attended the event, including graduates, faculty, parents, and distinguished guests from various colleges and departments. The ceremony began with an opening dance performance by the competitive cheerleading team and the extreme dance club. This was followed by screening the "TKU Copilot" theme video, aligning with the theme "AI Leadership, Net Zero Sustainability, Employers' Favorite." The video content was entirely generated using AI technology, providing graduates with dynamic and spirited blessings. Additionally, a "Sustainable Care Tamkang LINE@" dynamic community QR code was provided on-site, allowing graduates to receive continuous blessings from faculty and junior classmates. President Keh presided over the ceremony with speeches of encouragement for the graduates delivered by Chairperson Flora Chia-I Chang, Taipei Mayor Wan-An Chiang, and President of the Tamkang University Alumni Association Headquarters, Cang-Jiang Chen. Additionally, the President of the Tamkang University Worldwide Alumni Association, Chin-Tsai Chen, President of the Departmental Alumni Association Federation, Chih-Jen Su, President of the Tamkang University Golden Eagle Club, Chen-Rong Chiang, and 5 international guests, including Paraguayan Ambassador Carlos Jose Fleitas Rodriguez, Haitian Ambassador Roudy Stanley Penn, Guatemalan Ambassador Oscar Adolfo Padilla Lam, and Saint Vincent Ambassador Andrea Bowman, attended to extend their congratulations. In his speech, President Keh pointed out that the rapid development of technology in recent years has led to changes in the talent needed by the market. He started by discussing the topic of Tamkang University's emblem being prominently featured during Jensen Huang's lecture. Since 2019, Tamkang University has actively promoted a series of AI and interdisciplinary courses focusing on digital transformation and sustainable development. In 2021, the university registered the trademark "AI+SDGs= ∞" to symbolize its deep commitment to this initiative. He encouraged graduates to keep pace, develop self-directed learning and interdisciplinary integration skills, and be bold in innovation and transformation. This will enable them to adapt to the ever-changing international market and become professionals in various fields. Chairperson Flora Chia-I Chang thanked the successive boards and presidents for establishing Tamkang University's excellent reputation and nurturing 320,000 outstanding alumni. "The 'Three Circles and Five Disciplines' and AI sustainability are the most highly regarded educational goals of Tamkang University. By including extracurricular activities as mandatory credits, we help students develop independence, dedication, and communication skills, which are highly beneficial for their future employment." Finally, quoting Jensen Huang's words, "Run! Don't walk!" she encouraged the graduates to complete tasks efficiently. Wan-An Chiang praised the graduation theme for fully presenting the school's characteristics and pride, affirming Tamkang University's visionary approach to developing AI courses and cultivating talent that meets industry needs, establishing its foundation as the top private university favored by enterprises. He then shared his experience of being laid off during the U.S. financial crisis, encouraging students that setbacks and failures are inevitable parts of life. He emphasized that "the attitude with which you face setbacks determines your future perspective, scope, and stature." He encouraged everyone to embrace the spirit of Steve Jobs: "Stay hungry, stay foolish," maintaining thirst and passion in the pursuit of ideals and knowledge while approaching life with a humble attitude. Finally, he wished the graduates a bright future, hoping they would become indispensable societal forces. Cang-Jiang Chen expressed his gratitude to Tamkang University for its nurturing, which completely transformed his life, and congratulated the graduates on completing their 4-year journey. He shared with the graduates, "The university's title as the most favored by enterprises is due to the rich assets accumulated by Tamkang over the years. You should be proud to be a part of Tamkang." During the ceremony, awards for academic achievement, conduct, service, sports, and graduation certificates were presented. Yu-Tzu Fan delivered the graduation speech from the Department of English and fluently led the graduates in reminiscing about their university life over the past 4 years in Chinese and English. She shared a quote from Michelle Yeoh: "If you’re at certain way, there’s always going to be someone who’s going to be better, but it shouldn’t put you down, you have to be who you are," to encourage everyone. The ceremony concluded successfully with the school song, traditional Amis and Bunun melodies performed by Indigenous students, and the choir leading Ariel Tsai's "To Youth" amid the burst of confetti cannons, colorful paper flowers, and balloons.
2024-06-03
On May 25, the Department of Management Sciences held "The 2024 International Conference in Management Sciences and Decision Making " at the Fullon Hotel in Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf. The conference's theme was "Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development in a Polycrisis." To align with the 2050 net-zero carbon emission goal, the conference's and its participants' carbon footprint was assessed, and carbon credits were purchased. This initiative marks a pioneering achievement in international academic conferences in Taiwan, carrying significant innovative value. The conference was inaugurated with a speech by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development and Social Innovation, Dr. Hui-Huang Hsu. The keynote speaker was Professor William Yu Chung Wang from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, who delivered a lecture on "Sustainable Development Goals: The Aspect of Aotearoa and A Research Example." In line with the government's Southbound Policy, the conference invited faculty and students from renowned universities in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia to participate. 43 papers on topics such as marketing, technology, ESG, and green energy were presented in English. The conference's theme reflected current crises such as climate change, environmental degradation, social inequality, and global health emergencies. Addressing these integrated crises requires innovative solutions, and artificial intelligence has significant potential to drive transformative change. Department Chair I-Fei Chen highlighted that the conference's significant features included implementing low-carbon dining and activities, paperless meetings, and zero waste during the event. The hotel pastries and snacks are supplied utilizing a green supply chain, with practices such as 100% recycling and a circular economy. Essential items like conference badges were recycled, and souvenir bags were made from cotton. They have entrusted an international organization to meticulously assess the venue's air conditioning, water, electricity, and various activities for carbon auditing. Through the purchase of international carbon credits, the symposium achieved carbon neutrality, making it the first international conference in the country to do so. It is estimated that the entire conference emitted 10.3t CO₂e.
A delegation of 75 members from sister school Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand, led by Vice President Dr. Tanin Kongsila, visited Tamkang University for educational administrative observation on the morning of May 30. Aside from touring the campus and relevant facilities, discussions were held on various academic and administrative matters. The International and Cross-Strait Affairs Office of Tamkang University hosted the delegation, arranging for relevant department heads to introduce their operations and exchange opinions on the designated themes to enhance mutual understanding and expand the scope of cooperation and exchange. The delegation first explored the environment and relevant facilities at the Tamsui campus, followed by a welcoming ceremony at the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center. Vice President of International Affairs, Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen, first introduced the attending supervisors. Subsequently, gratitude was expressed for the invitation from KU to participate in their 80th-anniversary celebration. A brief history of Tamkang University and the philosophy of holistic education were also introduced, expressing hopes for mutual understanding and strengthened cooperation through exchanges between the two institutions. Dr. Tanin Kongsila then introduced the attending executives, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and hoping that this visit would deepen the friendship between the two schools and facilitate more exchanges and collaborations beyond the fields of science and technology. The group discussions were held separately in rooms HC306, 307, 405, and 406. Dr. Yi-Nan Lin, Dean of Human Resources; Dr. Chien-Mu Yeh, Dean of International Affairs; Dr. Bo-Shen Pan, Chief of the Research and Industrial-Collaboration Section at the Office of Research and Development; Dr. Yen-Ling Lin, Chief Audit Executive, and Dr. Ruey-Shiang Shaw, Dean of General Affairs, respectively presented on 4 themes: “Human Resources,” “Teaching and Exchange Student Affairs,” “Research and Innovation,” and “Campus Affairs Management.” They introduced the implementation overview of Tamkang University to the visiting delegation members. Discussions covered topics including teacher research incentives, recruitment of researchers, personnel scale, interdisciplinary collaboration among teachers, research on campus data, proposal improvement mechanisms, and energy-saving measures. Kasetsart University expressed interest in Tamkang University's practices of involving students in campus research and proposals. Regarding the visit to campus facilities, the group was led by Dr. Tzung-Hang Lee, Dean of the Colleges of Engineering and Artificial Innovative Intelligence and Precision Healthcare, to visit the Artificial Innovative Intelligence College's virtual reality field. They also wrote down their wishes for blessings on ema in front of the Main Engineering Building.
2024-05-27
On May 20, a delegation from Tamkang University’s sister school, Temple University, visited our campus. The delegation included Dr. Richard M. Englert, President; Dr. Gregory N. Mandel, Senior Vice President; Dr. Emilla Zankina, Dean of Temple University Rome; Erika Clemons, Assistant Vice President for International Programs and Admissions; and Irene Tsai, Managing Director of Temple University Taiwan Office. They were received by the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs, which arranged for them to tour the campus and the Gallery of Tamkang History & The Founder Dr. Clement C.P. Chang’s Memorial Hall. The delegation also met with President Huan-Chao Keh to discuss the current status of exchanges between the two schools and plans. Dr. Richard M. Englert praised the Tamsui campus's beautiful environment and pointed out several similarities between the two schools. For instance, both schools have names that start with the letter “T,” and the perseverance embodied in Tamkang's motto, “Simplicity, Truthfulness, Firmness, Perseverance,” is similar to Temple University's motto, “Perseverance Conquers.” Additionally, the representative animals of both schools, the dolphin and the owl, are considered very wise. He emphasized Temple University's commitment to long-term cooperative relationships, which benefit both parties. He also praised the excellent performance of Tamkang University’s exchange students and expressed hope that more students would study at Temple University, thereby expanding cooperation and deepening exchanges. Moreover, he welcomed visits not only to their main campus in the United States but also to their campuses in Tokyo, Japan, and Rome, Italy. President Keh expressed his gratitude for the visit and hoped for the planning of more exchange activities between the two institutions. He also invited the delegation to attend Tamkang University's 75th anniversary celebration. Additionally, he suggested that Dr. Richard M. Englert, who enjoys Taiwan's scenery and cuisine, should arrange more time to appreciate Taiwan's beautiful landscapes and savor its delicious food.
On May 20, 12 members of the Goodwill Ambassador Team went to the Presidential Office to serve as reception personnel for the inauguration ceremony of the 16th President and Vice President. Dressed in refreshing and sleek pantsuits that broke from traditions, they provided professional and friendly service to assist with the reception in the North 2nd District. This participation showcased the results of their regular training at Tamkang University. It was the team's first participation in the reception for an inauguration ceremony. Now in its 26th year, the TKU Goodwill Ambassador Team is a well-trained, service-oriented club. They assist with various ceremonial activities at the university, including the opening ceremony, anniversary celebrations, and graduation ceremonies, as well as hosting important guests. Last year, they also served as reception personnel for the National Day Ceremony. Combining solid foundational training with experience from numerous significant occasions, the team arranged intensive training sessions to ensure high-quality performance at the inauguration ceremony on May 20th. These sessions included etiquette and poise, foreign language reception skills, scenario simulations for the inauguration ceremony, and first aid training. In addition to learning from professional instructors, team members also engaged in proactive self-practice outside of scheduled courses. Ultimately, they successfully represented Tamkang University by assisting with reception duties at the inauguration ceremony. Ruo-Ya Chen, the leader of the Goodwill Ambassador Team and a 3rd-year economics student, stated, "Through this mission, we not only gained a deeper understanding of reception at grand events but also exchanged experiences with other schools, seeing many areas worth learning." It was their first time participating in an inauguration ceremony, so they had to respond hastily to unexpected situations. Fortunately, team members from different schools helped each other, allowing them to learn various coping strategies and fully utilize their leadership skills during the event. "We've been practicing to achieve team balance, aiming to be lively and friendly without losing order." Over the past year, Chen has worked hard to balance the team's style and, after exchanging experiences with other schools, has gained a clearer vision of the team's direction. Event leader and 4th-year accounting student Wei-Chi Fan shared that they must gracefully and calmly welcome guests regardless of the weather, whether under the scorching sun or in strong wind and rain. In addition to learning reception skills, physical fitness is also essential for the team. Therefore, they have wall training exercises and encourage members to engage in physical activities to strengthen their bodies. "With the experience from the National Day reception, we were more adept at handling this inauguration ceremony. Despite the tough training process, all team members cooperated diligently to achieve the best results. We hope everyone will seize the opportunity to pass on this legacy."
The Department of Chinese and the Chinese Language Center of the Office of Continuing Education at Tamkang University co-hosted the “2024 International Conference on Chinese Teaching and Material Development in the Digital Age.” The event was held on May 23, starting at 9 a.m. in room HC306 of the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center. Scholars and experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Taiwan are invited to participate. The conference includes 2 keynote speeches and 11 paper presentations, with an afternoon forum on “The Current Status and Prospects of Chinese Teaching in Taiwan.” Vice President for Academic Affairs Hui-Huang Hsu delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, encouraging using digital resources in Chinese language courses and teaching to keep up with current development trends and not fall behind. Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Huei-Chun Chi stated, “Chinese can become a language that the whole world needs to learn.” The College of Liberal Arts is also promoting the study of digital humanities and hopes to facilitate the exchange of ideas on Chinese teaching and the development of digital teaching materials, working together to make progress. The conference includes 2 keynote speeches. Professor Maeng Joo Oeck from the Korean University of Foreign Studies, South Korea, gave the first speech, titled “The Limitations of Correspondence in Intercultural Communication.” He used examples of similar vocabulary in Korean and Chinese to explore how different contexts in intercultural environments can lead to other meanings. For instance, the word “技巧” (technique) has a negative connotation in Korean, whereas it has a positive sense in Chinese. The second keynote speech was delivered online by Duo Luan, Head of Chinese Language in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Edinburgh and a partner in Tamkang University's Taiwan Huayu BEST Program. The topic was “Development and Design of Localized Chinese Language Teaching Programs Overseas,” using the UK as an example to share the current state of overseas teaching. The paper presentations discussed various topics, including the continuation of localized Chinese teaching programs, intercultural perspectives, research on elderly learners, applications of digital technology, teaching material design, and grammar and vocabulary instruction. This conference provides a broad platform for exchanging Chinese teaching and material development ideas. Dr. Te-Fen Ou, professor and director of the Department of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU). Panelists included alum Dr. Yufen Chang, Director of the Chinese Flagship Program at the University of Minnesota; Dr. Hsiang-Hua Chou, Director of Chinese Language Center at Tamkang University; Dr. Chi-Yi Hsieh, Director of the Graduate Institute of Teaching Chinese as a Second/Foreign Language at National Kaohsiung Normal University; and Dr. Peng Ni-Se, Professor and Dean of the College of Humanities and Education at CYCU. They discussed various topics together. The Chair of the Department of Chinese, Dr. Shan-Pei Yin, stated that this conference provides a rich academic exchange platform for Chinese teaching and material development, bringing forward-looking and practical insights to the participants.
On May 17, the Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section held the “2023 Academic Year Club Leaders Forum” at the Chueh Sheng International Conference Hall, hosted by President Huan-Chao Keh. More than 100 attendees participated in the event, including Vice President for Administrative Affairs Chun-Hung Lin, first- and second-level supervisors from relevant units, and club leaders. During the meeting, President Keh presented the National College and University Student Club Evaluation and Observation Activity Excellence Award to the Robotics Research Club, the Wind Ensemble Club, and the 2024 Outstanding Youth certificates to the award-winning students. In his speech, President Keh stated that participating in club activities helps students develop soft skills such as creative thinking and communication, providing a diverse set of abilities that offer an advantage in the future job market. This year, Tamkang University performed excellently in various corporate indicator surveys, demonstrating outstanding achievements in enhancing students' employability. He expressed hope that communication in this forum will address and improve the suggestions from club leaders. During the Q&A session, Jun-Hao Hu, the president of the Choir Club and a sophomore in the Department of Industrial Economics, asked about the correlation between the reduction in the number of clubs and the decrease in subsidy funds. The Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Shih-Jung Wu, responded that the funds for student activities are allocated according to the Ministry of Education's regulations based on the number of students. A decrease in student numbers consequently reduces club subsidies and the total revenue from tuition fees. Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section Chief Te-Cheng Cheng added that the school will consider each club's evaluation performance when allocating funds. Clubs are encouraged to seek subsidies through this channel actively. Additionally, external subsidy opportunities are available from organizations such as the New Taipei City Government Youth Bureau and various foundations. Once the information for applying for these subsidies is confirmed for the year, the Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section will announce it and assist with the application process. Bang-Hong Yu, the leader of the Experimental Theater Club and a 3rd-year French major, requested coordination of the usage times for the L209 Experimental Theater. The Experimental Theater Club has difficulty using the venue between classes and hopes for flexible time allocation with the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures. President Keh stated that the allocation of the venue would be improved and that it would be made available to the club without disrupting the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures’ teaching activities. Wong Tsz Lok, the leader of the Aikido Club and a junior in Information Management, raised the issue of damaged mats in the dojo of the Shao-Mo Memorial Gymnasium and requested the school's assistance in improving the situation. Jin-Tong Huang, the Chief of the Energy Conservation and Space Section, responded that they would have the supplier inspect the equipment, and any issues could be reported to the staff on duty for immediate handling. Dean of Physical Education I-Cheng Chen added that, following the President's instructions, the mats were completely replaced 2 years ago. After the meeting, he will visit the site with students to assess the extent and cause of the damage and then proceed with repairs. Ching-Lin Huang, the leader of the Softball Club and a 2nd-year Transportation Management major, expressed that the club frequently needs to use the field for practice and hopes to have priority over external users during weekends. I-Cheng Chen responded that the university is an open campus, and residents and external visitors often visit the campus for activities. In the future, the university will assist the club in completing the application process for field use, ensuring that students' rights are protected and they can practice without issues.
2024-05-20
Under the encouragement of Adjunct Lecturer Chih-I Lai, Wang Ting-Yu, a junior in the Department of Information and Communication, participated in the 2024 Taiwan Young Lions/Young Spikes/RHSA 24 combined competition. Only 30 students were selected worldwide. The project "Destined," which she created with her teammates, was chosen for its unique field research approach. Their self-introduction video was also rich and comprehensive, earning recognition from the Founders Academy selection committee. Wang will travel to Cannes in June to attend the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and related activities at the RHSA Founders Academy. "Destined" interviews people who have adopted stray dogs, exploring the fate of their encounters. The storylines they arranged give stray dogs a family and people a sense of belonging. "Fate is emotional; it requires a bit of impulsiveness," said Wang. She mentioned, "When I learned about this on the MRT, I was exhausted, but hearing the news instantly energized me. I was so happy! I kept checking to ensure I hadn't misheard and was screaming inside joyfully." Due to the tight schedule for preparing the project, which coincided with final exams, Wang and her team had to use every spare moment for discussion and planning. They had only one week to complete the project, from interviews to the finished product, and also had to submit an English self-introduction video. It was indeed a busy time. When visiting a shelter, they initially faced rejection, but fortunately, the "ZhuoMama Dog Shelter" agreed to let them conduct interviews and film. Ting-Yu Wang explained that true creativity isn't about how sophisticated video production is; it's about capturing immediate moments with a phone camera. The spontaneous recordings became the critical insights of their video, which impressed the judges. She remarked, "It's my first time going to France, and I'm participating in such a major competition. I'm very grateful for Ms. Chih-I Lai's support. It's a pity that only one person can go, so I can't attend with my teammates." She also advised other students who aspire to Cannes: "Seize opportunities when they come, try new things, and don't give up too easily." She mentioned that Ms. Chih-I Lai strongly recommended that she participate. Although she initially hesitated due to the tight schedule and feeling that her chances were slim, she said, "I'm glad I seized this opportunity. Preparing for the competition helped me improve a lot and made me more aware of what I enjoy."
The annual meeting of the Institute of Information & Computing Machinery (iICM) was held on April 21 at the former residence of Kuo-Ting Li in Taipei. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of iICM, Professor Han-Chieh Chao, a distinguished chair professor from Tamkang University's Artificial Intelligence Department and honorary president of National Dong Hwa University. Our alum, Dr. Jung-Kuei Chang, who holds a master’s degree in management sciences and a doctorate in Computer Science from Tamkang University, as well as being a Golden Eagle Award recipient, received the inaugural K.T. Li AI Special Contribution Award. Dr. Chi-Chao Wan, the secretary-general of the K.T. Li Foundation for Development of Science and Technology, personally presented the award. This year, the "K.T. Li AI Special Contribution Award” and the " K.T. Li Sustainable Development Award" have been added to inspire domestic AI scholars and industry experts. These awards recognize significant contributions to AI technology research and practical work and individuals who demonstrate sustainable practices in information technology planning and implementation. Other awards include the K.T. Li Fellow Award, the K.T. Li Cornerstone Award, the K.T. Li Young Researcher Award, and the K.T. Li Women’s Outstanding Research Award. President Huan-Chao Keh of Tamkang University received the K.T. Li Fellow Award in 2021. Dr. Jung-Kuei Chang, Chairman of Ai3 Co., and Professor Chin-Feng Lai from the Department of Engineering Science at National Cheng Kung University jointly received the K.T. Li AI Special Contribution Award. Dr. Chang mentioned that in 2017 when AI began to emerge, he believed that AI could change human life, but it needed a driving force. He firmly decided to contribute to Taiwan's AI industry. Over the past 6 years, his company has become a leader in providing technical service platforms for Taiwan's customer service industry, specializing in developing AI technology and cloud applications for customer service. In 2021, Dr. Chang received the "WITSA Global ICT Excellence Award" at the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT). In the same year, he was also recommended by the international consulting company Gartner as a benchmark AI enterprise in Greater China, showcasing Taiwan's information technology strength. He has served as a director of iICM and the founding president of the AI Big Data Intelligent Application Promotion Association (AI大數據智慧應用促進會). In these roles, he has been a critical driver in the digital transformation wave for Taiwanese SMEs, actively promoting the application of AI in industries. He has engaged with government agencies to understand industry needs and foster cooperation between the public sector, private sector, academia, and research institutions. He has facilitated over a hundred collaborations in AI technology within the information services industry.
Our Tamsui campus has a rich ecosystem. The path in front of the Main Engineering Building and the College of Education is a territory of the Taiwan Blue Magpie. These blue beauties are often seen flying among the trees. Their breeding season is from April to August each year. Their strong protective instincts drive them to attack when they feel that they or their nests are threatened. The Taiwan Blue Magpie, also known as the Taiwan Magpie, Formosan Blue Magpie, or Long-tailed Mountain Lady, is an endemic bird species of Taiwan. They must not be disturbed or driven away. Attacking them may violate the Wildlife Conservation Act. The Student Affairs Office and the General Affairs Office have increased awareness efforts and posted warning signs at the Five-Tiger Hill Parking Lot and the sidewalk in front of the Main Engineering Building. Faculty, staff, and students can protect themselves by using umbrellas, wearing hats, or taking a detour when passing through areas with Taiwan Blue Magpie nests. They should avoid turning their backs on the magpies to prevent attacks. It is advisable to remain calm while walking and avoid threatening gestures towards the magpies. If attacked, please visit the Sanitation and Fitness Section or a relevant medical facility to examine and treat any injuries. Ping-Jun Chen, a junior from the Information and Library Science Department, stated, "The school has already provided relevant information regarding the Blue Magpie incidents, which clearly shows the richness of the campus's natural ecosystem. I understand the protective nature of the Blue Magpie mothers. Next time I pass through areas with Blue Magpie nests, I will use an umbrella to protect myself and avoid being attacked."
On May 15, the Office of Physical Education held the "2023 Academic Year School-wide Water Sports Competition" at the Shao Mo Memorial Natatorium Complex. The competitive events included individual races for men and women in the 50-meter freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly; 100-meter freestyle and breaststroke; and the 500-meter mixed-gender freestyle relay. The fun competitions featured events such as "Rowing Together," "Underwater Treasure Hunt," "Mannequin Relay," "Rope Throwing Rescue," "Water Volleyball," and "Water Basketball." These events attracted many spectators who came to cheer on the participants. This time, 3 students broke event records. Jun Hou, a senior in global politics and economics, set a new record for the men's 50-meter butterfly with a time of 28.6 seconds. Bo-Ya Chuang, a freshman in accounting, broke the women's 50-meter backstroke record with a time of 35.49 seconds. Ting-An Chou, a water resources and environmental engineering senior, set a new record for the men's 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1 minute 19.72 seconds. Both Jun Hou and Ting-An Chou broke their previously-held event records. In addition to the exciting competitions, the Water Lifesaving Club conducted a water safety presentation, which was simultaneously broadcast live on Facebook. They explained what to do in case of drowning during water activities, demonstrating the correct rescue and emergency procedures. They also held a quiz with prizes to reinforce these principles, helping students remember the lifesaving techniques. Last year, Jun Hou won 2 golds and 1 silver at the Water Sports Competition, breaking 2 event records. This year, he won 2 golds and 1 bronze, breaking his event record. He expressed his surprise and excitement over his achievements this time, especially since he had surgery at the beginning of the year and couldn't engage in intense exercise, leading to insufficient training. As a result, he was very nervous during the pre-race inspection. In the 50-meter freestyle event, his opponent in the adjacent lane was neck and neck with him, pushing him to give it his all. Ultimately, he won the gold medal with a time of 27.36 seconds. This year marks Hou's last participation in the Water Sports Competition. He hopes to see Tamkang University's swimming culture flourish and looks forward to seeing his records broken next year. Shin-Yau Huang, captain of the swimming team and a sophomore in banking and finance, who won the gold medal in the women's 50-meter freestyle, said that she is accustomed to swimming competitions, so she participated with a calm mindset and performed her best. She mentioned that the fun competitions were activities she was less familiar with, but she and her teammates thoroughly enjoyed the fun and excitement of the events.
2024-05-13
On May 3rd at 5:20 PM, the Guitar Club held the finals of the 35th Tamkang University Jin-Shaw Awards for Composition and Singing Contest. 17 groups competed in the Solo Singing, Duet/Solo, and Composition categories at the Student Activity Center, attracting over 300 spectators. The host of this year's finals was YouTuber Happyhao (快樂寶賤), with music composer Eurupa Huang, singer-songwriter and actor Nien-Hsien Ma, lead vocalist and guitarist of Wonfu Band Xiao-Min Yao, music producer Chien-Chi Chen, and founder of Riverside Message Geddy Lin serving as judges. Yao encouraged participants to discover their style and enjoy the beauty of the stage while striving to create. Ma praised all the participants who took the stage, highlighting the invaluable opportunity to compete with heroes and heroines from all walks of life during the finals and suggested focusing more on the connection between lyrics and melody. After contestants showcased their full potential, the results of each category were announced: In the Solo Singing category, I-Jen Kuo from Tamkang University's Department of International Business won the championship with the song “Child Born in the Night” (《夜晚出生的小孩》); in the Duet/Solo category, the champions were “Gao Gao and Zhuang Zhuang” (高高與壯壯) from the Chihlee University of Technology; the winner of the Composition category was Chia-Tian Huang from National Ilan University, who also received the Best Arrangement Award and the Best Composition Award; the Best Musician Award went to Wen-Yuan Lin from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; the Popularity Award was won by “Nameless Hero” (無名超人) formed by students from Tamkang University; and the First Sound Proof Award went to Pei-Hsin Lai from Fu Jen Catholic University. Chia-Tian Huang expressed gratitude for the affirmation from each judge. She mentioned that she pieced together her life story in fragments to create “Blossoming Before Withering” (《盛放前凋零》). She emphasized the importance of presenting details during the performance. As a musician, she believes it's essential to immerse oneself in the music industry to find inspiration. Zih-Wei Zeng, a Water Resources and Environmental Engineering freshman, shared that the band “Youngpeople”’s (仰風人) performance in the Composition category left a deep impression. The upbeat rhythm and overall performance deeply captivated him. Winning the top prize was utterly unexpected, and he was shocked and delighted! During the break of the competition, the highly anticipated raffle was held. The grand prize, AirPods Pro2, was won by Zih-Wei Zeng, while the second prize, a guitar, was won by Ting-Yin Luo, a third-year Accounting student. With cheers and applause, this year's music extravaganza, the Jin-Shaw Awards, came to a successful conclusion.
According to the newly emerging university ranking institution EduRank.org, the "World's Best University Rankings" announced on February 29, 2024, Tamkang University ranks 12th among 144 universities in Taiwan, ranking first among non-medical private schools; globally, Tamkang ranks 1,079th. In terms of academic fields, Tamkang University excels particularly in economics and business, ranking at the top among private schools in Taiwan. In the rankings by subject, Tamkang University demonstrates its strength in Economics and Business, ranking first among private schools domestically in both areas. In Mathematics, Tamkang stands as the top non-medical private school. In the field of Computer Science, it ranks 14th. EduRank.org is an emerging ranking institution. Its rankings are based on credible online databases and actual information from university websites, among other sources. It ranks 14,131 universities from 183 countries globally, focusing on regions and subject areas. The rankings are based on 3 categories of indicators: academic performance (journal publications and paper citations), accounting for 45%; non-academic performance (university website enrollment information and link influence), accounting for 45%; and alum influence, accounting for 10%.
To implement quality assurance in higher education, review academic effectiveness, and uphold university social responsibility, the Ministry of Education has entrusted the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT) to conduct on-site visits for institutional accreditation. In the third cycle of institutional accreditation for the 2024 academic year, Tamkang University conducted on-site visits for self-assessment on May 8 at the Tamsui campus. President Huan-Chao Keh and 3 vice presidents and first-level supervisors attended the event. This self-assessment was conducted by a total of 8 external committee members. Dr. Wei-Jung Chen, the Academic Vice President of National Ilan University, served as the convener. They focused on 4 significant aspects of institutional development: "institutional governance and management," "teacher instruction and academic professionalism," "student learning and effectiveness," and "social responsibility and sustainable development." The presentation was held at 9:10 a.m. in rooms HC305 and 306 of the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center. President Keh first expressed gratitude to the visiting committee members and hoped that through this self-assessment process, they could examine whether various school tasks have achieved the expected results. He also hoped that the committee members could provide valuable suggestions for the school's work through on-site visits, facilitating continuous improvement in the future. President Keh first presented, introducing Tamkang University's history, characteristics, general situation, and critical features of school development. Additionally, he elaborated on each of the 4 significant indicators one by one. Subsequently, there were discussions with supervisors, facility visits, conversations with board representatives and external stakeholders, meetings with faculty and students, and a review of materials. During the comprehensive discussions, committee members raised questions for clarification, which were then addressed by relevant school units to confirm the content of the visit. In the facility visit part, they toured the Chueh-Sheng Memorial Library, Main Engineering Building, and Shao-Mo Memorial Gymnasium, gaining insights into student library resources, resources for the visually impaired, operation of AI virtual reality fields, energy-saving systems, and club activities. During the comprehensive discussion, the committee members expressed profound impressions of the visit process. They highly praised aspects such as alum cohesion, high satisfaction and cohesion among faculty, staff, and students towards the school, substantial rewards for teachers publishing academic papers, promotion of flexible academic systems, conducting annual school satisfaction surveys, staff rotation mechanisms, Mandarin teaching, opportunities for students to study abroad in their junior year, and campus safety and maintenance. However, they noted some areas that were not highlighted as distinctive, which they considered regrettable and suggested further consideration. Additionally, they provided recommendations for strengthening industry-academia cooperation, personnel adjustments, integrating AI+SDGs=∞ further into teaching, prioritizing students' living needs, enhancing content for all-English-instructed courses, and promoting active interaction between local and international students. They hoped that the school could showcase better performance during the formal evaluation.
The National Intercollegiate Athletic Games (NIAG) 2024 concluded on May 8, with Tamkang University fielding 11 representative teams. We secured 5 gold, 7 silver, and 11 bronze medals. Our achievements include 5th place in the Women's General Woodball Team competition, 1st place in Men's General Karate Team, 5th place in Women's Open Karate Team, 1st place in Women's General Soft Tennis Team, 2nd place in Men's General Soft Tennis Team, 3rd place in Men's General Fencing Team, and 5th place in Women's General Fencing Team. In recent years, Tamkang University has achieved remarkable results in competitions. 2020 we secured 10 gold, 4 silver, and 8 bronze medals. In 2021, we obtained 4 gold, 1 silver, and 6 bronze medals. In 2022, our achievements included 4 gold, 2 silver, and 10 bronze medals. In 2023, we achieved 6 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals. This year, our performance ranks 20th among 131 schools. We are proud to be ranked first among private universities without sports-related departments or organized athletic scholarships. In the karate event, Ji-Chien Yang, a first-year Chemical and Materials Engineering graduate student, won the gold medal in the "Men's General Individual Kata" and the bronze medal in the "Men's General 5th Weight Class". Po-Wei Lu, an Electrical and Computer Engineering sophomore, secured the gold medal in the "Men's General 2nd Weight Class". Wei-Che Hsu, a Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering junior, once again claimed the gold medal in the "Men's General 4th Weight Class". Chia-Shuan Wu, a freshman in Aerospace Engineering, earned the bronze medal in the "Open Women's 4th Weight Class". In the badminton event, Yu-Chi Chang, a junior in Information Management, and Yu-Ting Lin, a senior in Russian, won the gold medal in the "Mixed Doubles" of the "General Men's and Women's Combined Group". Chang also secured the bronze medal in the "Men's Singles" of the "General Men's Group". In the soft tennis event, the Tamkang University team won the gold medal in the "General Women's Team Competition" and the silver medal in the "General Men's Team Competition." Po-Hsuan Wu, a fourth-year student in French, and Yamasaki Ichika, a third-year student in International Tourism Management, secured the silver medal in the "Women's Doubles" of the "General Women's Group". In the fencing event, Tamkang University obtained the silver medal in the "General Women's Sabre Team Competition" and the "General Men's Blunt Sword Team Competition" in the fencing event. We also secured the bronze medal in the "General Women's Blunt Sword Team Competition," "General Men's Foil Team Competition," and "General Men's Sabre Team Competition." In the swimming event, Fang-Chieh Chen, a sophomore in Architecture, won the silver medal in both the "Women's General 100-meter Breaststroke" and "Women's General 200-meter Breaststroke", as well as the bronze medal in the "Women's General 50-meter Breaststroke". In the Taekwondo event, Tsung-Lin Wang, a junior in Economics, won the silver medal in the "Men's General Over 87kg Weight Class". Ting-Wei Chang, a junior in Mathematics, secured the bronze medal in the "Men's General 74kg Weight Class". In the track and field event, Yi-Xuan Huang, a senior in Information Management, won the bronze medal in the "Women's General Shot Put." In contrast, Jun-Ren Yang, a senior in Mathematics, secured the bronze medal in the "Men's General 800-meter Run". In the Judo event, Jun-Wei Huang, a junior English student, won the "Men's General 6th Grade" bronze medal. This year, after winning one gold medal and one bronze medal, Ji-Chien Yang expressed that he was overwhelmed with joy after learning of his consecutive victory in the individual kata event. However, he regretted not being able to secure the top position again. From this experience, he learned the importance of never underestimating any challenge. Due to a previous ankle injury, he devoted considerable effort to strengthening the stability of his lower body during training, and he expressed gratitude to Coach Cheng-Hui Kao for his meticulous guidance. With summer approaching and an upcoming internship, this competition might be his final one. Despite the pressure to perform exceptionally, he was thankful for securing a medal and bringing honor to Tamkang University. He hopes future students will wholeheartedly engage in competitions and enjoy the moment's happiness. The captain of the karate team, Wei-Che Hsu, expressed great joy at winning the gold medal again this year. Faced with everyone's expectations, he feared disappointing them with a loss. He thanked the senior team member, Ji-Chien Yang, for his guidance, especially the psychological adjustment before the competition. He is determined to pass on this warmth and responsibility to the juniors. Yamasaki Ichika and Po-Hsuan Wu achieved good results in both the women's doubles and team competitions in soft tennis this time. Yamaki Ichika expressed her gratitude to the seniors and teachers for their companionship. She mentioned that the women's doubles team in soft tennis won third place last year, and she was worried about not meeting expectations this year. Despite eventually losing to players equivalent to the level of the Japan Prefectural and settling for second place, she was pleased to win the team championship with the joint efforts of her teammates. Po-Hsuan Wu shared that this was her last participation in the NIAG before graduation. She felt fortunate to represent the team in the competition. This time, the competition was thrilling, and she thanked her teammates for tightly grasping every match, leaving her with beautiful memories. She hopes that more people will join the sport of soft tennis in the future and enjoy this beauty together.
2024-05-12
Come and kickstart your interdisciplinary learning to enhance your competitiveness upon graduation! Applications for minors, double majors, and minor specialties are now being accepted for the 2024 academic year. Interested students are welcome to apply online before 5:00 PM on May 21. You can first watch the registration tutorial video (URL: https://youtu.be/7-JLLYk5-pE). The Registration Section reminds us that according to the "TKU Implementation Guidelines for Interdisciplinary Courses", "TKU Regulations on Students Undertaking an Academic Minor", and "TKU Regulations for Students Undertaking an Academic Double Major", starting from the new students enrolled in 2023 academic year, students may apply for a minor specialty in a department other than their major departments for the following academic year. Once students have enrolled in a minor specialty program in one department, they cannot apply for the minor or double major of that department. Students may apply for one minor and one double major for the following academic year in the second semester of each academic year. Students who have enrolled in a minor or double major program in one department cannot apply for the minor specialty of the same department. Mainland Chinese students may apply for minors or double majors within the departments approved to recruit mainland Chinese students in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education. In order to encourage students to obtain a second specialization from a department other than their major one, all departments of Tamkang University have implemented a flexible minor specialty system. The advantage of this system is that students can more smoothly acquire a second specialization within the 4 years of their undergraduate studies. Those who successfully complete the requirements for a minor will have the name of the minor specialty added to their degree certificate and transcripts, providing them with the most advantageous proof of their accomplishments.
2024-05-06
On April 23, the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo (Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, UAEH) in Mexico entered into a sister school partnership with Tamkang University, becoming our second sister school in Mexico since our initial agreement with the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico in 1992. Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen, personally traveled to Mexico to represent Tamkang University in signing the agreement and to accept the International Honorary Visiting Professor certificate bestowed by the university. Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen, recommended by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Mexico, accepted the invitation from UAEH to participate in the 13th International Image Festival (Festival Internacional de Imagen, FINI) held from April 18 to 26. During the “Master Lecture” attended by over 400 students and faculty, she delivered a speech on “The Essence of Taiwanese Literature.” Following the lecture, in a grand ceremony, Dr. Chen received the International Honorary Visiting Professor certificate from Dr. Octavio Castillo Acosta, President of UAEH, and was adorned with the university's prestigious sash, conferred with the title of “Honorary International Professor.” After the certificate presentation ceremony, following the university's tradition, Dr. Chen signed the prestigious professor's registry and left a quote in Spanish, which translated to Chinese means: “By joining the family of the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, it's like a drop of water falling into the vast ocean, ensuring not to lose one's essence.” She then read this quote aloud to the audience, receiving enthusiastic applause from the attendees. During this visit, Dr. Chen also gave a lecture titled "Taiwan: Prelude to East Asia" at the College of Social Sciences and Humanities as part of the 13th International Image Festival, showcasing our cultural soft power. UAEH provided high-level reception arrangements, including interviews with the university's student-run radio station and SUMA TV, which broadcasts externally and within the State of Hidalgo. Additionally, visits to the library and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities were organized. One of Tamkang University's Spanish Department alums, Director General Armando Cheng from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Mexico, also facilitated cultural exchanges at this event. Dr. Chen expressed that in the context of the 13th International Image Festival focusing on "Taiwan" as its theme, she felt the curiosity of UAEH faculty and students towards Taiwan, a country known for its developed information technology industry and being a major global producer of semiconductor materials. They also showed keen interest in recent earthquake updates. With the signing of the sister school agreement, the exchange of students between the two universities is seen as advantageous news. As someone studying in Mexico herself, she encouraged students to consider Mexico a study abroad option, stating, "Now is the perfect time to study in Latin America.”
On April 26, the National Central Library held the "Taiwan Academic Resource Energy Report for the Year 2023 Release Conference." The "Journal of Educational Media & Library Sciences," edited by the Department of Information and Library Science of Tamkang University, was honored with the "Five-Year Citation" and "Long-Term Citation" awards for selected journal dissemination. This marks the 4th time this journal has received such recognition. Additionally, the "Tamkang Japanese Journal," edited by the Department of Japanese, received the "Popular Journal Dissemination" five-year citation award. Furthermore, the "Journal of Japanese Language Education in Taiwan," edited by Professor Tseng from the Department of Japanese, also received the "Five-Year Citation" and "Long-Term Citation" awards for selected journal dissemination. Dr. Jin-Yuan Liu, Chair Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the Center for Ocean and Underwater Technology Research, established the "Journal of General Education: Concept & Practice," which is issued by the Taiwan General Education Strategic Alliance and Quality Strategy Association, and received the "Popular Journal Dissemination" five-year citation award. The "Taiwan Academic Resource Energy Report" utilizes the National Central Library's 3 major systems: the National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations in Taiwan, NCL Taiwan Periodical Literature, and Taiwan Citation Index-Humanities and Social Sciences. It analyzes the authorization and reader usage of archived theses and journal articles over the past year, observes the dissemination process of cited theses and journals, and analyzes the keywords used in journal and thesis usage to understand popular research topics. The awards are divided into 2 categories: the "Selected Group," which focuses on core journals, and the "Popular Group," which focuses on non-core journals. Awards are given based on comparing the total citations of journals, theses, books, and book chapters within 5 and 30 years, respectively, for each category. Professor Jeong-Yeou Chiu, the editor-in-chief of the "Journal of Educational Media & Library Sciences" and a professor at the Graduate Institute of Library, Information & Archival Studies at National Chengchi University, stated that the journal received funding from the Research Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, National Science and Technology Council last year. This funding was explicitly used to revamp the journal's official website to enhance retrieval demands. Within four months after the revamp, the web page views surpassed previous records for the same period. He further explained that the journal features an "open peer review mechanism," "brief point briefing presentations," and "academic writing format guidelines," among other characteristics. The download volume has also reached nearly ten thousand times, proving its significant role in academic dissemination. Dr. Yu-Ching Liao, the editor-in-chief of "Tamkang Japanese Journal" and an associate professor in the Department of Japanese, explained that the journal covers diverse submission topics spanning literature, linguistics, socio-cultural studies, and political economy. Given the competition from similar journals, winning awards is no easy feat. Therefore, the journal actively establishes its uniqueness. For instance, the Department of Japanese hosts an annual international academic conference, and participants, including students and scholars, are encouraged to submit papers related to the conference theme to the journal, thus enhancing the quality and professionalism of the papers. There are plans to create dedicated columns for master's and doctoral students to expand the overall academic capacity. Besides celebrating the award, Dr. Liao also promotes the journal's ongoing call for submissions, with a deadline in September. Interested parties are welcome to submit their work. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Association of Japanese Language Education in Taiwan, Dr. Tseng expressed not only joy at the recognition received by the "Journal of Japanese Language Education in Taiwan" but also noted that the journal's inclusion in the THCI index reflects the cumulative efforts of past chairpersons and members. She emphasized that the ongoing challenge is how to sustain this progress in the future. Dr. Liu particularly thanked the editorial team for their hard work, which led to such outstanding results, and stated the intention to continue striving to be included in the TSSCI index. He pointed out that although many universities have established general education centers, they still lack platforms for teachers' academic development. "By providing a venue for teachers to publish papers, we hope to accumulate resources for promotion," he added. He also commended the fruitful results of encouraging teachers at the university to apply for teaching practice research projects in recent years and promoting diverse promotions. This approach is particularly suitable for general education teachers to plan for promotion through teaching research. "General education is the foundation of diverse professions. Improving teaching quality and student learning outcomes through teaching practice research will further enhance students' competitiveness upon graduation."
On April 19 to 21, Professor Ching-Chang Wong, Assistant Professor Chih-Cheng Liu, and Postdoctoral Researcher Yi-Chung Lin from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering led a team of 29 students to participate in the "2024 International Intelligent RoboSports Cup" hosted by the Ministry of Education at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. Continuing the team's legacy of excellence over the years, they achieved outstanding results with 14 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals. The International Intelligent RoboSports Cup has been held for 13 years. Nearly 200 teams participated this year, comprising around 600 contestants and coaches. With 22 competitions, including adult-size and kid-size humanoid robot categories and an autonomous driving challenge, Tamkang University participated in 18 events and achieved outstanding results with 14 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Particularly noteworthy is the performance of the graduate student team in the adult-size humanoid robot category, which secured first place in all 6 events of the HuroCup: archery, marathon, weightlifting, obstacle run, and Sparta race. The undergraduate team also excelled, winning 5 gold medals (archery, basketball, marathon, weightlifting, and Spartan race), 2 silver medals (obstacle run and Spartan race), and 1 bronze medal (HuroCup) in the kid-size humanoid robot category. Furthermore, in the autonomous driving challenge, they obtained 3 gold medals (omnium, image recognition, obstacle run parking) and 1 bronze medal (HuroCup). In addition to the adult-size robot competition, all other events were led by undergraduate students. Professor Wong stated that teamwork, time management, and adaptability are essential for students, but "the most important thing is the inheritance of technology." He mentioned that graduate students pass on their expertise to undergraduate students and continue to study on campus during summer and winter breaks. Apart from maintaining technical proficiency, learning hardware and software is crucial, as it ensures good performance. Pin-Chen Chou, a senior from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who has previous competition experience, shared, "We first cultivate the ability of our junior students to solve problems." This year, the approach adopted was to initially teach undergraduate team members how to operate the robots, ensuring they have a sufficient understanding of the robots and learn how to repair them. They seek assistance from senior students when encountering issues, enabling them to solve problems on the day of the competition independently. Pin-Ju Chen, a junior from the Department, mentioned, "After going through various trial and error processes, adaptability improves with learning efficiency, which is a very beneficial experience." Last year, senior students led the undergraduate team members and directly assisted them when problems arose. However, this year's approach has yielded better learning outcomes. She also sees this competition as an opportunity for peer learning and mutual improvement.
2024-04-29
The College of Engineering's Advanced Quantum Computing Research Center (CAQC) held its inaugural ceremony on April 25 in Room Sa108 of the Liou-Hsien Memorial Science Hall, symbolizing Tamkang University's formal entry into the quantum era. CAQC, jointly organized by the Colleges of Science, Engineering, and Artificial Innovative Intelligence, is affiliated with the College of Engineering. It utilizes the space of the Science Building as its operational platform, with 3 quantum computer devices set up in the College of Science. Personnel expenses are provided by Tamkang alum and Chairman of Skywentex International Corp., Andy Chen, by offering a million-dollar research fund. The 3 colleges collaborate across disciplines and will continue to recruit talents from various fields across the university. Following the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Junyi Wu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Executive Director of the Center, briefed attendees, stating that the center's vision is to focus on research output and quantum talent cultivation using the center's resources. It will actively apply for and execute key research projects of the university, undertake relevant research projects commissioned by external organizations, collaborate with international scholars and institutions in related research, and expand the center's influence through a virtuous cycle. After the unveiling, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hui-Huang Hsu, delivered the opening remarks, stating that although quantum computing processing has advanced significantly, it is currently limited to specific operations. This indicates that quantum computing cannot yet be widely utilized, hence the need for the center to invest in more research. He expressed his anticipation for collaboration among the three colleges to encourage more faculty members to engage in quantum research. Andy Chen delivered a speech, stating that quantum technology is one of the future's star industries. He expressed his hope that CAQC could harness the combined efforts of teachers and graduate students to establish a firm footing in the field of quantum research. He also wished for Tamkang University to shine brightly on the world stage. The director of CAQC and Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Tzenge-Lien Shih, expressed gratitude to the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Tzung-Hang Lee, and Andy Chen for their assistance. He hoped to rally colleagues from across the university with a strong interest in scientific research to engage in this challenging research endeavor collectively. He stated that the center aims to cultivate outstanding graduate students to conduct fundamental research. He looks forward to the future publication of significant research papers and achieving remarkable results. In his presentation, Dr. Wu explained the famous quantum mechanics thought experiment “Schrödinger's cat” to the distinguished guests present, accompanied by an image depicting the concept of “Clear Distinction as the waters of the Jinghe and the Weihe, while water waves are both from the Jinghe and the Weihe,” to delve into the principle of “quantum superposition.” He humorously used the probability problem of proposing to his wife as an example to illustrate the astonishing difference between quantum computing and conventional computing. Dr. Wu was previously selected as a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Foreign Postdoctoral Fellowship and currently serves as a co-principal investigator of the “Quantum National Team” project on light quantum computing. He is also the principal investigator for the Taiwan side of the Taiwan-Netherlands Collaboration in Quantum Computing, jointly funded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). This collaboration brings together leading teams from both countries in quantum computing, quantum optics, and silicon photonics to advance the forefront of optical quantum computing. Dr. Wu stated that CAQC, established by Tamkang University, is one of the few teams in the country engaged in the theoretical verification of optical quantum computing. At the end of last year, IBM Q introduced a quantum computing module for distributed quantum computing using multiple quantum processors, aiming to break through the physical limit and achieve large-scale quantum computing. Currently, the primary development direction of CAQC is distributed quantum computing. The initial goal is to propose a novel framework for distributed quantum computing, combining AI machine learning to achieve efficient, high-speed, and stable distributed quantum computing. Therefore, the center is also one of the few research teams in the country focusing on distributed quantum computing.
The Gender Equality Education Committee held a Gender Mainstreaming Seminar titled “Seeing Gender Blindness” on April 24 in the Main Engineering Building. Associate Professor Yi-Chun Lin from the Center for Teacher Education was invited to lead the session, inviting participants to understand gender blindness and enhance their gender awareness. Nearly 40 faculty and staff attended the event, including Vice President for Administrative Affairs Chun-Hung Lin. Dr. Yi-Chun Lin began by illustrating practical examples derived from the term "gender-blind," highlighting how the lack of gender awareness and sensitivity has led to pervasive gender biases and stereotypes in society. She pointed out that with the progress of time and the enactment of laws, gender issues have gradually gained attention. Establishing a societal foundation based on "gender perspectives" and "gender care" and enhancing gender equality requires collaborative efforts from everyone to realize gender equity. Then, Dr. Lin combined practical experience with theory. She first explained the formation of children's gender roles by integrating Freud's stages of psychosexual development, followed by the explanation of gender role learning through social learning theory, which is shaped by social constraints. Subsequently, she utilized Kohlberg's cognitive development theory to explore children's awareness and cognitive abilities regarding self-gender classification. Additionally, she applied gender schema theory to emphasize that children growing up in a culture with gender stereotypes will influence their learning. It is hoped that shaping these foundational concepts will contribute to breaking down the pervasive gender discrimination and myths in society. As a member of the Gender Equality Committee and Associate Professor in the Department of International Tourism Management, Dr. Pin-Ju Juan strongly resonated with the participants' suggestions regarding student dormitory planning during the interactive Q&A session. She believed it to be a diverse and worthy consideration, although it may also pose managerial challenges. Addressing these challenges would require initiatives in education, legal systems, regular training sessions, and increased communication with students. Wei-Ling Wu, an assistant in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, expressed her hope for more participation in gender equality issues. She stated, "The speaker encouraged participants to think about the daily behavior patterns of women and men, which sparked lively discussions. I found it very interesting."
On April 23, Dean Tzung-Hang Lee (second from left) of the College of Engineering, accompanied by Chair Fu-Yuen Hsiao (first from left) of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, made a special visit to the Taiwan-Asahi Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. They presented a rocket model and a certificate of appreciation to TKU Elite Club President Chen-Rong Chian (third from left), expressing gratitude for his generous donation of 700,000 NT dollars from last year to this year, which supported the research and development funds for rockets and drones at Tamkang University, aiding in the advancement of aerospace research.
On April 25, Tamkang University signed a research project contract titled "Skywentex HDP Simulation Board Carbon Footprint Verification" with Skywentex International Corp. (SIC). The contract signing was represented by Dean Tzung-Hang Lee of the Colleges of Engineering and Artificial Innovative Intelligence and SIC President Johnny Chien. The signing ceremony took place in Artificial Innovative Intelligence College's virtual reality field. Also present at the ceremony were Chairman Andy Chen of SIC, Dean Li-Ren Yang of the College of Business and Management, as well as project members including Professor Sue-Huai Gau from the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Associate Professor Isaac Yijia Tsai from the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Associate Professor Hui-Chiung Lo from the Department of Business Administration, along with chairs from various departments of the Colleges of Engineering and Artificial Innovative Intelligence. The HDP (High Definition Printing) simulation board is a building material produced by SIC. This time, with a million-dollar budget, SIC commissioned a team of teachers from Tamkang University's College of Engineering and College of Business and Management to conduct a carbon footprint verification research project. This initiative is in response to the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission's requirements for carbon disclosure and global demands for product carbon emissions audits, accelerating the transition to net zero emissions. Dr. Gau stated that the TKU team had visited SIC and hosted an initial meeting with relevant members and training the day before the signing ceremony. This commissioned project is expected to be completed by the end of March next year.
On April 25, the Student Affairs Office's Guidance Section held a "Second- and Third-Year Class Representatives Forum" at the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center, chaired by President Huan-Chao Keh. Vice President for Academic Affairs Hui-Huang Hsu, Vice President for Administrative Affairs Chun-Hung Lin, relevant academic and administrative unit heads, and over a hundred class representatives attended. President Keh expressed in his speech that both important school matters and students' suggestions are conveyed through class representatives. Therefore, communication channels need to remain open. Heads of various units attend the class representatives' forum, ensuring real-time communication effectiveness. "Feel free to voice any suggestions or opinions about the school. If it falls within the school's responsibility, we will strive to improve immediately." Class representatives successively raised issues regarding optimizing the information system, campus safety maintenance, and course selection. Members of the Tamkang University Student Parliament (TKUSP) expressed that when students organize activities and need to rent facilities, it's challenging to find the "Price List for Rental and Maintenance of Facilities and Equipment." They hoped that this information could be made publicly available comprehensively. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Shih-Jung Wu, responded that they would compile information on facility charges from various units and present it on the homepage of the Extracurricular Activities Guidance Section or the Student Affairs website to facilitate student access. The TKUSP member also expressed the hope of restarting the "Live Video" feature of Tamkang i-Life to facilitate everyone checking the queue for buses. In response, Chief Information Officer Kuei-Ping Shih stated that the technology was not an issue and that they planned to integrate surveillance system information into Tamkang i-Life. The Tamkang University Student Association (TKUSA) representative reflected that the motorcycle parking spaces at the Five-Tiger-Hill parking lot are too small, and the lanes are narrow. Dean of General Affairs, Dr. Ruey-Shiang Shaw, explained that the parking spaces were designed to be smaller to accommodate more students' parking needs. They will now consider comprehensively addressing the parking issues for students’ heavy motorcycles. The first-year class representative of the Japanese Graduate Institute inquired whether the school regularly inspects the multimedia equipment in each classroom. Dr. Shih stated that before the start of each semester, colleagues and student workers conduct a comprehensive inspection of the classroom equipment. If any issues arise during everyday use, they can call extensions 2310 or 2311 within the campus, and the Office of Information Affairs will provide immediate assistance. Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Tzong-Ru Tsai, added that the "Repair Reporting" (修繕便利通) feature in “TKU i Life” app has a classroom repair reporting function, and users can also check the records to confirm if the equipment has been repaired. He reminded teachers and students to make good use of this app or call to report, and the school will promptly make improvements.
“Oh no, Mr. Kozuka may have been murdered!" Officer Yuno nervously said to Officer Kitao. The Chueh-Sheng Memorial Library, the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures, and the Department of Japanese jointly organized the 2024 "World Book & Copyright Day" event with the theme "Crack the Code & Solve the Mystery: Secrets of Japanese Detective Literature." The opening ceremony was held on April 24 on the 2nd floor of the library, with nearly 50 faculty and students participating. During her speech, Dean of Library Sheue-Fang Song first expressed gratitude to the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures for their support. They collaborate with the library every year to plan World Book and Copyright Day activities, leading faculty and students to experience cultures worldwide. This year, in cooperation with the Department of Japanese, they introduced Japanese detective literature. In addition to lectures, they added 3 student-led detective novel book clubs, tabletop games, and mystery games designed by the librarians. Everyone is welcome to come and experience the joy of reading detective stories. Dean of the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Dr. Wan-Bau Wu, explained that World Book and Copyright Day activities have a long history and commended the systematic and high-quality presentation of Japanese detective literature at this event. He fully appreciated his colleagues' dedication and encouraged everyone to participate enthusiastically, enjoying the thrill of uncovering mysteries. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hui-Huang Hsu, stated that reading is the simplest way to understand a country's society and culture. He shared his experience of reading Keigo HIGASHINO's works, such as "Hakugin Jack" and "The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps," and felt the suspense and excitement of detective novels. He further encouraged faculty and students to make full use of the library's collection for reading, enriching their knowledge and spirits. Chair of the Japanese Department, Dr. Pei-Ching Tsai, made a striking appearance in detective attire, joining Associate Professor Yu-Ching Liao and junior student Marilyn Man Ling Chan from the Japanese Department to collectively interpret Seicho MATSUMOTO's well-known short story "Railway Ports." They led the participants through the investigative process of the detectives in the story, gradually uncovering the truth behind the case. Dr. Tsai explained the distinctive features of Seicho MATSUMOTO 's works, which delve into the societal roots of crime, exposing social contradictions and vices. Matsumoto broke away from the fixed patterns of early Japanese detective novels, with no series or famous detectives, allowing readers to closely follow the footsteps of police officers or newspaper reporters to unravel the mysteries. Although the plots are grounded in everyday life and may seem commonplace, they focus on human psychology and elements of daily life, pioneering the world of social detective fiction, often referred to as the "Seicho MATSUMOTO spirit." His works have been widely adapted into TV dramas or movies, standing the test of time. The exhibition will run until May 31, with audiovisual materials displayed in the 2nd-floor reading area and the 5th-floor non-book materials room of the library. A total of 366 books and 84 films are on display, featuring works by Japanese detective fiction writers with a focus on social realism and similar themes, including representative works by authors such as Seicho MATSUMOTO, Kyotaro NISHIMURA, Hideo YOKOYAMA, Miyuki MIYABE, Keigo HIGASHINO, Kanae MINATO, and Kotaro ISAKA, as well as related award-winning works. Salon lectures were held on April 30, May 1, and May 2 in the reading area, where experts and scholars interpreted Taiwanese-published detective novels and the classic works of authors. A particular highlight is the library's immersive puzzle-solving game "Missing Person Notice," designed to enhance the interactivity and fun of the event, inviting everyone to join in the search for the mysterious Mr. X. On May 8 and 10, the "In the Bamboo Grove" (竹藪中) tabletop game is also an intellectual challenge not to be missed. Additionally, there will be a Thought Market Book Club, with discussions on May 7 and 21, respectively, focusing on sharing Keigo HIGASHINO's works "Samayou Yaiba" and "The Big Bee." All are welcome to join in brainstorming and exchange. For more details on these activities, please visit the event webpage. (URL: https://reurl.cc/703K5k)
2024-04-22
Chia-Huai Li, a first-year doctoral student in the Department of Chinese Literature and an associate professor in the Department of Film and Video Production at the China University of Technology, produced the documentary “Painted Hopeful.” Following the 3 awards received in the United States in 2023, on April 15, it won the Gold Award for Best Documentary Short at the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival. “Painted Hopeful” was publicly screened at the Houston Film Festival from April 24 to 28. Chia-Huai Li hopes this film will “inspire those still struggling with their goals, encourage those who are striving, and comfort those who have succeeded and are now supporting the younger generation.” The Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival has been held annually in April in Houston, Texas, since 1961. It is dedicated to discovering outstanding independent film and television productions in various forms, making it the world's oldest independent film festival. Alongside the San Francisco Film Festival and the New York Film Festival, it is considered one of North America's 3 major selective film festivals. Director Chia-Huai Li stated that “Painted Hopeful” has a runtime of approximately 46 minutes and documents the life changes of artist agent and owner of Petit Deer Cinema, Milu Huang (real name Ying-Chie Huang), and picture book creator and director of the Ching Shui Bay Picture Book Museum, Corn Chen (real name Min-Yu Chen), after turning 30. They bravely embarked on new journeys after resigning from their civil service and urban design jobs, dedicating themselves to cultural construction as their lifelong career. Through the power of painting, they integrate "art education," "business operation," "cultural cultivation," and "environmental protection" into a mutually complementary process. The documentary “Painted Hopeful” premiered globally at the 10th Chiayi International Art Documentary Film Festival in 2023 and has since received numerous awards at international film festivals. Initially, it won 2 major awards at the Accolade Global Film Competition, including Best Original Music and Best Documentary Short, and was also listed on the International Movie Database (IMDb). In December 2023, it received the prestigious award for Best Sound Design at the San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival, further recognizing the outstanding performance of “Painted Hopeful.” Li holds a master's degree from the Graduate Institute of Applied Media Arts at the National Taiwan University of Arts. Since 2000, he has been involved in the film and television industry. In 2014, he released his first feature-length documentary, "Movie‧Taichung" (《目靡‧臺中》), marking the beginning of the plan to create a series of 10 documentary films related to Taichung's history, culture, and art in 20 years. “Painted Hopeful” is one of the works under the theme of "Cultural and Creative Taichung" (文創臺中). Li wears multiple hats in this film, serving as a planner, director, cinematographer, editor, and publicity editor. He has directed many documentaries, each with its unique characteristics, including "Xiluo Qikan" (《西螺七崁》) on the history of Taiwanese martial arts, "Tianyang‧Teresa Teng‧Wolong Mountain" (《田洋‧小鄧‧臥龍山》)on local revitalization, "Movie• Taichung" depicting the history of film in Taichung, "The Power of Ruins: The Legend of the Art Treasures in Beigou" (《廢墟的力度——北溝藏寶傳奇》) on the relocation of cultural relics from the National Palace Museum to Taiwan, "Armed Taichung: 27 Brigade, 1947" (《武裝台中——二七部隊,1947》) on the 228 Incident in Taichung, "Taiwan Can Help" (《罩福‧照拂》) on mask-wearing and epidemic prevention, "The Power of Ruins: Beigou II" (《廢墟的力度——北溝二部曲》) on cultural preservation movements, and "2021 Taijiang Welcoming the Deity Ritual: The Founding Luermen Matsu Pilgrimage" (《2021台江迎神祭——開基鹿耳門媽祖出巡》) on cultural and religious activities. A sign language version of “Painted Hopeful” has also been produced. He also revealed plans to release 2 documentaries in 2025, "The Power of Ruins: A Legend or a Myth" (《廢墟的力度——是傳說還是傳奇》) with a runtime of 70 minutes and "Jin Zhu‧Harris" (《金珠‧哈里斯》) with a runtime of 30 minutes.
Physics Professor and Dean of Research and Development, Dr. Hung-Chung Hsueh, along with doctoral student Chih-En Hsu, alum I-An Lin, Professor Chih-Wei Luo from the Department of Electrophysics at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Distinguished Professor Chin-Shan Lue from National Cheng Kung University, Deputy Director and Distinguished Research Fellow of the Center for Condensed Matter Sciences at National Taiwan University (NTU), Dr. Ming-Wen Chu, Distinguished Research Fellow Yu-Ming Chang, Group Leader Cheng-Mao Cheng, and Dr. Ping-Hui Lin from Condensed Matter Physics Group at National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, completed the paper titled "Three-dimensional ultrafast charge-density-wave dynamics in CuTe," which was published in the highly-cited international journal "Nature Communications" on March 16. This journal ranks 6th among 73 renowned SCI journals in various multidisciplinary science fields, including Nature and Science, with a five-year average impact factor of 17. As one of the corresponding authors, Dr. Hsueh explained, this collaboration brought together the latest experiments by Dr. Luo, measurement techniques from NTU, and the advanced physics computational capabilities of Tamkang University. In the low-dimensional material copper telluride (CuTe), a series of novel physical phenomena—Charge Density Wave (CDW) states—were discovered, along with the dimensional evolution of CDW and its stabilization mechanisms at different temperature ranges. Due to the unique conditions created by low-dimensional materials, the order parameters (including electronic, spin, lattice, etc.) interact and compete. In this study, precise temperature modulation and a combination of various cutting-edge experimental and theoretical techniques were employed, such as axial and time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, high-resolution Raman spectroscopy, and first-principles spectroscopic calculations, to verify CDW states of different dimensions and identify new regularities and structures. CDW materials have various applications, such as electronic components, thermoelectric or optoelectronic energy converters, high-speed, low-power new memory devices, low-temperature superconducting electromagnetic motors or maglev trains, pressure or temperature sensors, etc. Chih-En Hsu has received the Overseas Project for Post Graduate Research of the National Science and Technology Council and is currently studying at the University of Southern California in the United States. I-An Lin has graduated with a master's degree and is now employed. Dr. Hsueh stated that the students and scholars involved in this academic paper are mainly middle-aged and young. "By participating in the Physical Society of Taiwan, I can collaborate with scholars from national and private universities in this field, contribute our expertise, conduct joint research, expand cooperation, submit manuscripts to high-level international journals, and increase international visibility. I also hope to cultivate outstanding students so that even if they are admitted to top national universities in the future, they can still engage in collaborative research."