News and Events 淡江大小事

News and Events

A Welcoming Ceremony at TKU

2011-08-01

At 10am today, August 1, a ceremony to welcome new department chairs and inaugurate new TKU departments, administrative sections, and research centers was held at the the Chueh Sheng International Memorial Hall, Tamsui Campus. Among the newly established organizations were the Intelligent Automation and Robotics Center, the Information Technology and Behavioral Research Center, the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs, along with the International and Cross-Strait Exchange Section and the International and Mainland Student Guidance Section. A total of 22 changes have been made to first and second level management positions. During the ceremony, the President of TKU, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, delivered a brief speech. She took the chance to thank the former department heads for their long-term commitment to TKU. She also encouraged the new leaders to continue working to improve Tamkang. President Chang last week attended a gathering for Cross-Strait universities, which included the most respected universities from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. She noted that Tamkang’s attendance at the event reflected its close relationship with leading universities in Mainland China. Also at the ceremony, President Chang asserted TKU’s four major directions for the 2011-2012 academic year. These are as follows: 1. Improving guidance services offered to Mainland Chinese students and strengthening the foundations of Mainland Chinese student recruitment. 2. Implementing development plans for teaching and research; augmenting Tamkang’s unique characteristics. 3. Enhancing opportunities for research and future development through increased funding and closer cooperation with industry. 4. Drawing on a broad range of resources to construct a new Information Education building.
Tamkang Moves Up to 272

2011-07-30

According to recent figures released by Webometrics’ Ranking Web of World Universities on July 30, out of over 20,000 institutes of higher education around the world, Tamkang is now ranked 272 – up 13 places from its ranking of 285 earlier this year. Locally, TKU’s ranking moved up one place, to 9th. In terms of private universities in Taiwan, Tamkang again took top spot, and was the only Taiwanese private university to be ranked among the world’s top 300. For more details, please refer to the websites: http://www.webometrics.info/ http://www.webometrics.info/rank_by_country.asp?country=tw
A New Center and a Better Future for the Blind

2011-07-28

In Taiwan, there are laws and regulations that guarantee work for the blind and visually impaired in the massage industry. This is set to change. Starting this October, the safety blanket that once protected the blind and visually impaired will shift to an entirely different industry: the telephone-based customer service industry. To ensure that this transition goes smoothly, the TKU Center of Resources for the Blind teamed up with Chunghwa Telecom to develop a comprehensive range of products for use by blind customer service representatives. This includes a leading-edge, blind-friendly telephone headset system, as well as specialized personnel training and counseling services. The system has already been tested by 15 blind and visually impaired Chunghwa Telecom customer service representatives, who together conducted an average of around 5,500 telephone-based customer satisfaction surveys per month. One of these service representatives has now been promoted to manager. The new telephone headset systems are set to be used by blind customer service representatives at the newly established “Eye Innovation Customer Service Center”. A joint venture between TKU and Chunghwa Telecom, the center was officially inaugurated on July 28 at a ceremony held in the World Trade Center, Taipei. The center will provide consulting services to customer service companies looking to hire blind or visually impaired employees, as well as offering customer service outsourcing solutions. Although still in its initial stages, the center stands to redefine the role of blind and visually impaired in today’s society.
TKU Students Take Learning to the Country

2011-07-25

Recently, a handful of TKU student associations came together to make a difference. They set out to Taidong, in remote Eastern Taiwan, where they held a free 7-day camp for underprivileged aboriginal children. The camp taught the children a range of skills and featured fun classes on general science knowledge, computer know-how, and a plethora of amusing games. Camp volunteers consisted of members of TKU student associations, including the Union Dolphin Club, the Hualian Alumni Association, and the TKU Aboriginal Club, with 17 volunteers in total. The camp leader, Li Qing-fang, commented: “the children’s enthusiasm to learn and their eager participation in all of the activities made it a truly memorable experience”.
The Annual Enterprises Environmental Protection Award

2011-07-21

Every year, the Environmental Protection Administration of the Republic of China holds the 'Annual Enterprises Environmental Protection Award' (AEEPA). The award is designed to encourage enterprises or organizations who implement environmentally-friendly methods of operation; and, in doing so, to spur enterprises with less environmentally-friendly policies to follow suit. Competition for the award is intense, and evaluation of the vying organizations is divided into two separate phases: preliminary evaluation and final evaluation. The former involves an analysis of the organization's attributes on paper; the latter comprises an "on-site" assessment. Only a handful of organizations make it into the final evaluation. And this year, Tamkang was one of them. On July 21, nine "assessment commissioners" arrived at the TKU Tamsui Campus. They were received by the President of TKU, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, and the TKU Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Po-yuan Kao. The commissioners listened to a briefing by the Dean of General Affairs, Dr. Jeng Hoang-ell, who explained the difficulties TKU faced in implementing environmental policies given the locations of the Tamsui and Lanyang Campuses, and the subsequent solutions sought. Such solutions have culminated in a range of substantive advances, like the establishment of the TKU Center for Environment Protection, Safety, and Health, and recognition in the form of a "Green Building Award", issued by the Ministry of the Interior for TKU's building of the Lanyang Campus. Following the briefing, the commissioners were taken on a tour of the Tamsui Campus' various facilities. The winner of this year's AEEPA will be announced in October.
The 2011 Language Study Program for Expatriate Youth

2011-07-11

The Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission (OCAC) holds regular activities that encourage overseas Chinese students to learn Mandarin and better understand Taiwan’s unique customs and culture. One such activity is the 2011 Language Study Program for Expatriate Youth, which is being jointly held by Tamkang University and will last for a total of six weeks. Its focal point lies in improving students’ proficiency in Mandarin. But that’s not all: they’ll learn about traditional arts and crafts and take “cultural classes” on Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, knot arts, paper arts, and how to spin a ‘diabolo’ (Chinese yoyo). During the calligraphy class, special guest teacher and calligraphy master, Chang Bing-huang, will demonstrate how to use TKU’s leading-edge e-calligraphy system. The camp program will also comprise a number of Mandarin speaking and singing competitions, as well as daytrips to various cultural and sightseeing destinations. The students will travel to Pingxi Railway, the Northern Coastline; take a Monga cultural trip and daytrips to Central and South Taiwan. Also worthy of mention are the 219 team leaders, who will guide the students throughout the camp. To become team leaders, they underwent a stringent screening process followed by three months of intensive training.
The 2011 Taiwanese Culture Camp for Cross-Strait Universities

2011-07-06

From July 3-8, a total of 61 students, faculty and staff came to TKU to take part in what has now become an annual event: the Taiwanese Culture Camp for Cross-Strait Universities. The visiting group consisted of 13 faculty and staff members and 48 students from a handful of prestigious university in Mainland China. These universities included Shandong University, Sichuan University, Tianjin University, Peking University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Xian Jiaotong University, Jilin University, Nanjing University, Nankai University, Zhejiang University, Fudan University, and Xiamen University. The culture camp provided the visiting teachers and students with a chance to learn about and appreciate Taiwanese culture. They were taken to well-known tourist destinations, such as Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, and the famous Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. They also had the rare opportunity to listen to lectures by renowned Taiwanese scholars, like Han Pao-teh and Dr. Wu Ming Yung. The visiting group was enthralled by the lectures and captivated by Taiwan’s beauty. But what they will cherish the most are the memories of the fun times they had, the knowledge they gleaned, and the friends they made.
2011 EU Summer School

2011-07-04

The 2011 EU Summer School activity, which is jointly organized by Tamkang University and the European Union Center in Taiwan, is currently being held at the TKU Tamsui Campus. It commenced with a large-scale opening ceremony on July 4, which attracted the likes of the TKU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gwo-hsin Yu, and the Director General of the European Union Center in Taiwan, Dr. Hungdah Su, both of whom delivered brief speeches. The former (Vice President Yu) commended students on their decision to participate in the event, which he said not only provides students with a firm foundation in EU-related knowledge and enables them to keep abreast of the most current EU issues, but also strengthens their ability to analyze European economic and financial trends. The latter (Director General Su) emphasized the need to develop an international perspective, and added that such a perspective comes from exploring issues to do with the European Union. This year, a total of 45 participants are taking part in the EU Summer School. They include students from Tamkang University, National Chengchi University, and Soochow University, as well as employees from DHL, Quanta Computer, and various medical clinics. The unique aspect of the EU Summer School is that it features speakers with extensive experience in a range of industries, who pass on their expert knowledge to participants in areas such as trade, finance, currency, investment, and law. The Summer School activity will end on the 6th July.
TKU Faculty Triumph in Volleyball Competition

2011-06-24

Da-Yeh University, located in Central Taiwan, was recently the site of an intercollegiate faculty and staff volleyball competition that extended from June 20-22. For three days, men’s and women’s mixed teams from nine universities around the country vied fiercely for the chance to be crowned champions. In the end (as with last year), the championship went to Tamkang University. The National Intercollegiate Faculty and Staff Volleyball Cup was designed to promote exercise among faculty and staff at Taiwanese universities. Participating universities in this year’s competition included Tamkang University, the De Lin Institute of Technology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, National Central University, Chinese Cultural University, Chung Yuan Christian University, Providence University, Ming Chi University of Technology, and Da-Yeh University. This year’s competition adopted a best-of-three-sets, round robin format and featured many seasoned volleyball players. Yet the Tamkang contingent displayed team spirit to outplay and overwhelm all opposition, and return home as deserved champions.
A Farewell to TKU Summer Volunteers

2011-06-23

In summer this year, a vast legion of community volunteers from TKU societies and external service clubs will go out into the community to help those in need. A total of 260 teachers and students have formed 20 groups, who will head to rural areas around Taiwan to provide free service and care to the locals. The volunteers comprise largely of Tamkang University alumni associations and societies, as well as a melee of community groups including environmental teams, counseling service organizations, and the Union Dolphins work team. In addition, this year 24 Tamkang University students were selected by the Ministry of Education to represent Taiwan as international youth ambassadors. They will be sent to various countries in Central and South America, where they will learn about and serve the local communities. To farewell the soon-to-be-departing students and teachers, a Flag Presentation Ceremony was held, in which the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, Dr. Ko Chih-en, encouraged the volunteer groups to keep in mind and pass on the Tamkang spirit of altruism. This year, the Cambodia Volunteer Group, made up of Tamkang students, will for the fifth time head to Cambodia, where they will hold classes related to computer skills and the Chinese language. Lee Mei-lan, of the TKU Extracurricular Activities and Guidance Section, stated that “the students will do their best to pass on all they have learned to local Cambodian students”.
A Flag Ceremony to Farewell Tomorrow’s Global Citizens

2011-06-21

At 2:30 pm on the 21st of June, a flag presentation ceremony was held at the Student Activity Centre, TKU Tamsui Campus. The ceremony had a dual purpose: to farewell local students who will soon be departing for a year of study abroad; and to farewell the groups of TKU students selected to represent Taiwan as international youth ambassadors. This year approximately 428 TKU students will study abroad under student exchange programs, while 24 youth ambassadors will be sent to various countries in Central and South America, where they will learn about and serve the local communities. The ceremony was hosted by the TKU Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Wan-chin Tai, and was attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Mme Valentine Gigaudaut from the Institut Francais de Taipei, Sergey Chudodeev from the Representative Office in Taipei for the Moscow-Taipei Economic and Cultural Coordination Commission, and Roberto Machado, the Foreign Trade Advisor from the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. In recent years, Tamkang University has become known as a truly international university. It was the first Taiwanese institute of higher education to implement a Junior Study Abroad Program, in which 3rd year students at the TKU Lanyang Campus are required to venture abroad for a year of overseas study. To date, a total of 4523 students have done so. At the Lanyang Campus, 90% of courses are taught primarily in English. Moreover, TKU now has 110 sister universities in 28 countries worldwide. TKU has initiated dual degree programs with renowned overseas universities, such as Australia’s Curtin University, among others. Vice President Tai explained that learning to be a global citizen is a vital lesson for today’s youth. Many overseas universities as early as several decades ago were encouraging students to undertake student exchange programs that allow students to gain international perspectives. During the ceremony, he wished students the best for their coming year of study, and expressed his hope that in their year abroad, students will write a memorable chapter in the story of their lives.
Tunghai and Tamkang Exchange Administrative Know-how

2011-06-20

In order to better understand the administrative processes in place at Tamkang University, a delegation from Central Taiwan’s Tunghai University visited the Tamsui Campus yesterday, June 20. The delegation was received by a number of senior TKU staff, including the Secretary-General of Tamkang University, Dr. Hsu Ting-chi, the Director of the Office of Quality Assurance and Audit, Dr. Pai Ti-ching, the Dean of the Office of Research and Development, Dr. Shung-wen Kang, and the Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Tamkang Times weekly publication, Ms. Ma Yu-pei. The schedule for the visit was organized by Secretary-General Hsu, and included an initial briefing, an informal discussion, a group photograph, and a lunch banquet. Secretary-General Hsu explained that in November 2005, TKU President Chang led a delegation of TKU faculty and staff to Tunghai University, where they were greeted warmly and were offered the local specialty of fresh full-cream milk and hand-made yoghurt. At the time, President Chang noted that Tunghai’s exemplary system of administration and its wealth of humanity-related activities were areas in which Tamkang could observe, learn, and improve. This time, it was Tunghai’s turn to observe and learn from TKU. In particular, the visitors were briefed on the status and operation of: the TKU Regulations Review Committee, the Tamkang system of secretary-level conferences and discussions, the processes through which TKU implements resolutions passed in administrative conferences, internal control and auditing mechanisms, public relations systems, and procedures for university evaluation and research development. Secretary-General Hsu said that the visit is just the beginning of what will be a close administrative relationship. In the future, after faculty and staff from both universities become well acquainted, “we will be able to exchange ideas and administrative practices in a number of areas”. Toward the end of the visit, before the scheduled lunch banquet, a group photo was taken at the TKU Fu Yuan Gardens. It captured a significant moment in time, as two universities came together to observe, learn, and improve.
The 2011 Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office

2011-06-14

In the recent ‘2011 Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office’, Tamkang University dominated the field to claim first place in the categories Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The competition was held at the National Changhua University of Education, Central Taiwan, on the 12th June. Out of 348 entrants (from 66 schools), Tamkang students clinched a total of seven placings. Tamkang students to take first place included Tseng Ting-ya, Department of Banking and Finance (Microsoft Word); Lin Pei-en, Department of Statistics (Microsoft Excel); Liao Ru-hsuan, Department of Statistics (PowerPoint). The other placings include second in Word (Lin Hsin-yi), second in Excel (Cheng Yu-ting), third in Excel (Lin Yi-jie), and fourth in Excel (Chang Fu-chi). The seven successful entrants will represent Taiwan in the upcoming world championships in San Diego, America, where the world’s elite from over 60 countries will meet for a shot at the world title. TKU’s outstanding result can be attributed to the ongoing efforts of the TKU Career Planning and Placement Section, which each year holds a number of Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Techficiency Quotient Certification (TQC) courses. The courses are taught by students who earned placings in Microsoft Office competitions in previous years. The Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, Dr. Ko Chih-en, noted that in TKU’s annual student survey, students emphasized the importance of accreditation courses and expressed their hope that TKU may provide more such courses in the future. In response, three years ago the TKU Career Planning and Placement Section introduced courses to train students on a range of professional and career-based skills. Tamkang’s above-par performance in the recent Microsoft Office competition was a direct result of its commitment to equip students with an array of professional skills.
2011 Tamsui Campus Commencement

2011-06-11

On the 11th June, over 7,000 TKU students officially graduated in a large-scale graduation ceremony held at the TKU Tamsui Campus. The main ceremony was held in the Shao-Mo Memorial Gymnasium and was broadcast simultaneously on large TV screens across the campus and online. The ceremony took the theme “the TKU Diamond Jubilee, a Milestone for You and Me”. It commenced to the thundering beat of drums, and proceeded with a colourful and lively dance display and magic show performed by members from various TKU clubs and societies. The unique magic show consisted of a series of card tricks in which the magician cut to cards in the deck that conveyed touching messages and well wishes for the graduating students. His act was followed by speeches from the President of TKU, Dr. Flora Chai-I Chang, and the El Salvadorian Ambassador to Taiwan, Martha Chang de Tsien, among other VIP guests. Of note was a speech made by a graduating TKU international student from El Salvador, Flora Menjivar. It was special, in part, because of the fact that it was delivered in fluent Chinese – a testimony to Ms. Menjivar’s diligent efforts over the last four years. Meanwhile, during her opening address, President Chang commended the graduating class on achieving this personal milestone. She emphasized TKU graduates’ popularity among Taiwanese enterprises, pointing to the Cheers Magazine survey that has placed TKU graduates first in this field among private university graduates for 14 successive years. She also reiterated a famous quote from Winston Churchill, which she had cited in a speech at San Francisco University (SFSU), after being recognized as the 2011 SFSU Alumna of the Year: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.
The 2011 Tamkang Career Expo

2011-06-09

To provide students a chance to more smoothly enter the workforce, Tamkang University yesterday (Thurs. 9th June) held the 2011 TKU Career Expo. The expo featured representatives from 33 major local and international companies, including China Airlines, Vibo, Grant Thornton International, and KOJEN English, among others. On offer were a total of over 100 job opportunities, which drew soon-to-be-graduating TKU students in number. Many of the companies to set up stall in this year’s expo were those established, operated, and staffed by TKU alumni. One such alumna is Liu Fu-mei, an assistant manager of the human resource department at Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel. She noted: “At present, TKU graduates are making a name for themselves in the workforce and are widely recognized as being very efficient. The great thing about being a TKU alumnus is that there are so many of us, and we look out for each other in the workforce”. The Director of the TKU Alumni Office, Dr. Perng-chun Young, said that in addition to the 2011 TKU Career Exposition, students can also find work by applying for jobs through the government-sponsored “Graduate Employment Scheme”. The scheme rewards employers that hire applicants who have graduated from university in the past four years (2007 – 2010 academic years). For more information, refer to the website http://968.lhu.edu.tw/ before September 30, 2011.
The TKU Lanyang Campus Commencement Ceremony

2011-06-03

Last Saturday, the TKU Lanyang Campus held its 3rd Commencement Ceremony, which was conducted in English. A total of 249 students graduated from the College of Global Research Development and the College of Community Development. Graduation certificates were personally distributed by TKU President, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang. The College of Community Development boasts three very unique features: an academic curriculum delivered entirely in English, a pioneering Junior Abroad Program (wherein students spend their third year studying abroad), and an Oxbridge style residential college and tutorial system. It is the embodiment of the educational ideals held by the TKU Founder, Dr. Clement C.P. Chang. Meanwhile, this year is the second and final commencement ceremony for the College of Community Development. On the morning of the ceremony, at 9:30am, the entire body of graduating students gathered to take part in an extensive series of graduation activities. They embarked on the customary “final tour of the campus”, in which they farewelled the beautiful surrounds that they had called home for the last four years. Then, as they entered the Clement Chang International Conference Hall for the Official Graduation Ceremony, they were greeted by sophomores and juniors, who presented them with colorful flower bouquets and gave them warm embraces. The ceremony proper proceeded with a series of speeches, including words of encouragement from President Chang. And at the end of the ceremony, after awards had been given and kind words of gratitude, love and friendship uttered, the hall’s front curtains were drawn, revealing the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean way down below, beyond the distant coastal flatlands. Balloons, which had been held by a vast net affixed to the ceiling, were released and drifted downward. The hall lights were turned off. Students and teachers clasped shiny glow sticks, which they waved from side to side as they cheered, screamed, and yelped. It was an unforgettable farewell, the perfect conclusion to four years at Lanyang.
The Taiwan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition

2011-05-30

The TKU Carrie Chang Fine Arts Center is currently hosting “The Taiwan Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition”. On display are 83 breathtaking works from 60 Taiwanese artists. To mark the commencement of the display, last Thursday an opening luncheon was held at the TKU Tamsui Campus. It was attended by the President of the Taiwan Watercolor Society (TWS) Founding Association, Mr. Shih Tsui-Feng, the current President of TWS, Mr. Lin Jen-Jie, the TWS Honorary President, Mr. Lai Wu-Hsiung, the President of Tamkang University, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, and the Director of the Carrie Chang Fine Arts Center, Li Chi-Mao. Mr. Lin praised the modern interior and exterior design of the Carrie Chang Fine Arts Center, adding that the interior layout provides visitors with an ideal environment in which to appreciate art. He also commented on other features of the TKU Tamsui Campus: “The contrast between new and old architecture at the Tamsui Campus is so unique; if I get the chance, I’d like to capture the scenery near the Chinese Palace-style Classrooms in one of my paintings.”
President Chang Honored as SF State Alumna of the Year

2011-05-23

Each year, San Francisco State University (SFSU) honors one member from its vast pool of alumni for exceptional achievements made in one or many specialized fields. Past recipients of the award include filmmaker and environmentalist Randy Hayes, famous actress Annette Bening, former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown, and physician and astronaut Yvonne Cagle. This year, the SFSU Alumnus of the Year Award went to Tamkang University President, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang. Before receiving the award, President Chang, accompanied by various members of TKU faculty, attended a signing ceremony and took part in informal discussions with SF State faculty and staff. The visiting TKU delegation included the Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Wan-chin Tai, the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, Dr. Ho Chii-dong, the Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Wang Bo-Cheng, the Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Hsun-fang Kao, and the secretary of the TKU International Office, Martha Kuo. After arriving at SFSU, the delegation first attended an Agreement Signing Ceremony (May 20), in which President Chang and SFSU President, Dr. Robert A. Corrigan, formally extended the ongoing academic partnership between TKU and SFSU. A round of informal discussions was then hosted by Dr. Yenbo Wu, the SFSU Associate Vice President, Division of International Education. Other SFSU faculty in attendance included Dr. Wenshen Pong (Director, School of Engineering), Dr. Jacob Perea (Dean of the College of Education), Dr. Gerald Eisman (Director of the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement), Dr. Jerry Combs (International Articulation Officer), and Dr. David Wick (Coordinator of Study Abroad Services). Subsequently, at SFSU’s 110th Commencement (May 21), President Chang was officially honored as the 2011 SFSU Alumna of the Year in front of 20,000 plus spectators at Cox Stadium, San Francisco. By naming President Chang Alumna of the Year, SFSU recognized President Chang’s pioneering role in Taiwanese higher education. After taking the helm as TKU President in 2004, President Chang has applied her expertise in educational leadership to set up mechanisms for Total Quality Management (TQM) and programs for long distance education. The all-English learning environment at the TKU Lanyang Campus is unique among universities in Taiwan; and the courses ‘Communications Technology’ and ‘Multi-cultural Awareness’ are pre-requisites that help TKU students prepare for their future careers. Another notable feature of President Chang’s governance is the policy of “internationalization”, which has seen Tamkang forge partnerships and undertake academic exchange with universities around the world. At present, Tamkang enjoys sister school relations with 110 universities in 28 countries. In her acceptance speech at Commencement, President Chang acknowledged SF State’s role in helping to shape her “views on educational administration”. She concluded her speech with an inspirational quote from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.
The Annual TKU Water Sports Competition

2011-05-20

On May 18, TKU’s annual water sports contest kicked off with a variety of fun ‘water performances’ staged by the TKU swimming team at the Shao Mo Memorial Natatorium. The swimming team, which snagged a host of medals at the recent 2011 National Intercollegiate Games, then emerged from the professional-sized pool with medals in hand, which they presented to the President of TKU, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang. As the contest commenced, competition was fierce and records were slashed. In the men’s heats, students Hung Han and Chiang Yuan-kai set records in the 50m freestyle and 100m events respectively. TKU faculty and staff also got in amongst the spoils. Ms. Farrah P. Chang, from the TKU Office of Quality Assurance and Audit, bettered the previously set time for the women’s 50m freestyle event; while Mr. Huang Xu-qun broke his own record in the 50m breaststroke category. Of note was the remarkable effort from Office of Physical Education faculty member, Chen Jui-chen. After taking part in the initial performances held by the TKU swimming team, he then went on to eclipse previous times set in both the men’s 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle events. At the end of the annual meet, a variety of fun water-based games brought a sense of levity to this year’s intense yet memorable competition.
The TKU Robot Research Team Triumphs Again

2011-05-18

On May 14, the TKU Department of Electrical Engineering’s ‘Robot Research Team’ competed in the 'Taiwan Intelligent Robot Competition' held by Southern Taiwan University. Out of 170 teams from across Taiwan and overseas (Canada, Australia), the TKU team took first place in the category ‘Intelligent Humanoid Physical Ability Contest’. This year, the Robot Research Team was again led by Prof. Wong Ching-chang of Tamkang’s Department of Electrical Engineering, and consisted of 10 Electrical Engineering students, including the team captain, 3rd year PhD candidate Hu Yue-Yang. Their outstanding achievement can be attributed to countless hours of training and preparing outside of competition time. Such tireless efforts have seen the TKU team construct and develop various robot models, including a FIRA medium-sized soccer robot, a RoboCUP medium-sized soccer robot, a humanoid robot, a housework robot (to help with chores around the house), a security robot, and a basketball-playing robot. Since 2001, the TKU robot research team has claimed a total of 116 awards and competition placings in both local and international contests.
The 25th Department of Mass Communications Graduate Work Exhibition

2011-05-16

A graduate work exhibition that displays the work of graduating TKU Department of Mass Communication students is currently being held at the Black Swan Exhibition Hall. The name of the exhibition is “Aimer”, which is a reference to the Chinese word “曖昧” (Ai Mei), meaning ‘Ambiguous’ or ‘Uncertain’. As the organizer of the exhibition, Chiu Chi-jie, explains, mass communications is currently poised in an era of ambiguity and uncertainty. Unlike in the past, when the required skills for mass communication students were clear and well-defined, today’s employers demand that such graduates possess a comprehensive skill set that integrates knowledge and know-how from a diverse range of technical fields. The 25th Annual Graduate Work Exhibition incorporates this sense of ‘ambiguity’ into the displayed items: “we’re equipped with a broad range of skills, which is what we’re trying to showcase in our graduate work”, remarked Chi-jie. The graduate work itself is divided into three broad categories: ‘Audio-visual’, ‘Case Studies’, and ‘Marketing’. One of the films presented in the audio-visual category recently received an award for “outstanding feature film” in the first annual WOWtv Film Production Contest. In their film, entitled ‘Alien Grandpa’, they drew on skills from a number of technical fields, such as film production, visual painting, animation, and lyric and song composition. The director, He Binglun, said that “we filmed many of the scenes from the point of view of a child, to add a sense of imaginative wonder”. The exhibition will continue until the 19th May, and on 21st May will be held at Eslite Bookstore’s Hsin Yi Branch.
TKU Earns Glory at National Athletic Games

2011-05-12

On the 6th May, at the 2011 National Intercollegiate Athletics Games held at National Chung Hsing University, TKU won five gold medals, six silver medals, and 11 bronze medals, for a total of 22 medals. Out of the 115 competing universities, Tamkang placed 8th. The Tamkang effort was lead by the TKU swimming team, which bagged a staggering 3 gold medals and was named overall team champions. Before the National Games, on April 27th, TKU held a flag presentation ceremony at the Tamsui Campus gymnasium to encourage Tamkang athletes set to take part in the games. At the ceremony, TKU President, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, announced that each TKU team to win gold would be rewarded with the chance to go overseas and compete in international sports competitions. Her announcement caused excited gasps and muffled shrieks among the crowd. In all, 11 TKU teams took part in the national athletics meet, from sports such as track and field, swimming, judo, Tae kwon Do, karate, fencing, gymnastics, table tennis, croquet, badminton, and tennis. The Director of the TKU Office of Physical Education, Hsiao Shu-fen, observed that “the unique aspect of this year’s games is that sports like croquet and karate will feature in the competition for the first time ever.” She commended TKU’s performance, stating that the result well exceeded her expectations. She especially mentioned the effort of the TKU swimming team, which “truly did Tamkang proud!”, she exclaimed.
Tamkang’s 3rd Annual European Union Week

2011-05-11

TKU’s European Union Week (EU Week) began on the 4th of May. The event, which has been extended this year to continue until the 27th, is jointly organized by the TKU Graduate Institute of European Studies, the Center for European Union Studies, the TKU Chueh Sheng Memorial Library, and the European Union Center in Taiwan. EU Week activities include student concerts, culinary samplings, thesis presentations, specialized lectures, Q&A trivia contests, a lecture series on traveling and studying in Europe, and database research workshops. The Director of the Graduate Institute of European Studies, Dr. Chiu-ching Kuo, noted that May 9th is Europe Day. Europe Day commemorates the famous Schuman Declaration made on May 9, 1950, by the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman. The declaration was considered pivotal to the later formation of the European Union, added Dr. Kuo. On the 9th of May, the official EU Week opening ceremony was held at the TKU Carrie Chang Concert Hall. It was attended by the President of Tamkang University, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, and the Director of the Center for European Studies, Su Hungdah. The ceremony featured a speech by former Taiwanese ambassador to the Vatican, Du Jhu-sheng. For more details on all EU Week activities and events, please visit the website http://www2.tku.edu.tw/~tiexm/2011euweeks/index.html.
The 'Year of Chemistry' Opening Ceremony

2011-05-06

2011 is the International Year of Chemistry. To celebrate the significance of chemistry in our lives, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) together with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will be holding a range of Chemistry-related activities in numerous countries around the world. In Taiwan, a series of activities have also been organized to coincide with the International Year of Chemistry. The organizers include the Chinese Chemical Society in Taipei, the National Science Council, and Tamkang University. Together, these institutions held an opening ceremony (May 7) to officially get the Year of Chemistry celebrations under way in Taiwan. The Taiwanese organizers have a clearly-defined theme for the planned activities: “Chemistry – Our Life, Our Future”. They hope to make chemistry more accessible to the average student. To do so, they have deployed a Mobile Chemistry Lab, a 3.5 ton wagon with a gull-wing door that opens on to a small-scale, fully-equipped chemistry lab. The Mobile Chemistry Lab will visit cities and towns throughout Taiwan to promote chemistry and demonstrate to Taiwanese youth that science, too, can be fun.
Spring Sunshine Week

2011-05-06

On the 4th of May, an opening ceremony was held to kick off this year’s Spring Sunshine Week. Attendees at the event included the President of TKU, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, the TKU Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Po-yuan Kao, the Director of the TKU Office of Military Education and Training, Chen Guo-Liang, and the entire staff of the Office of Military Education and Training. Spring Sunshine Week is organized by the TKU Spring Sunshine Club. It involves activities that encourage students to quit smoking, or, at the very least, to head to the designated smoking areas, set up around TKU, before ‘lighting up’. Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Chang pointed out that currently, 1 out of every 10 deaths around the world is caused by the effects of cigarette smoking; quit-smoking campaigns have become major social movements worldwide. Given TKU’s status as a recognized international safe school, she added, it is imperative that TKU faculty and students find a way to quit smoking. President Chang also conferred awards on members of the TKU Spring Sunshine Club and TKU reporters for their work over the past year in promoting the need to quit smoking and taking part in numerous related campus activities. “Their efforts have contributed to the sharp reduction in smoking seen at the Tamsui Campus”, she asserted. The opening ceremony also featured special guest speaker and long-time ‘quit-smoking’ campaigner, Chen Shu-li. Ms. Chen, apart from presenting awards to ‘quit smoking’ volunteers, also expressed that she was touched by TKU’s enthusiasm in promoting student health. The event concluded as members of the Spring Sunshine Club handed flower bouquets to TKU teachers and staff.
An Exhibition Honoring Chinese Calligraphy in Taiwan

2011-05-04

A display showcasing the work of over 100 Chinese calligraphy masters is currently being held at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei. The exhibition was organized by Tamkang University. It began on the 23rd of April, and will continue until May 16. On May 1, the official opening ceremony for the exhibition was held, and was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the president of the Republic of China, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, the president of Tamkang University, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, and the TKU vice president for administrative affairs, Dr. Po-yuan Kao. As an art form, Chinese calligraphy in Taiwan has been influenced by a myriad of cultures and traditions. From the Ming and Ching dynasties to the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, and then again to the period of KMT rule; each phase in history has helped to shape Taiwan’s unique and vibrant style of calligraphy. The exhibition will display the works of 155 calligraphy masters, including Li Chi Mao, Chang Guang Bin, and Zhong Gao Du.
Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies Visits Tamkang

2011-05-03

On the 2nd of May, the President of Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (NUFS), Prof. Akihito Ishikawa, and NUFS professor, Dr. Sumino Niida, visited the TKU Tamsui Campus. It was President Ishikawa’s first visit to TKU since recently being appointed to the top position at NUFS, and his third visit since TKU and NUFS became partner universities in May, 2004. From 2004, TKU and NUFS have signed a number of joint academic initiatives. Apart from a mutual student exchange program, the two universities also offer students a joint 2+2 dual bachelor degree program. During their recent trip to Tamkang, the NUFS delegates took part in an informal discussion hosted by TKU President, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang. Attendees at the informal discussion included several TKU faculty and staff members, such as the TKU Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Wan-chin Tai, the Chairman of the TKU Department of English, Dr. Huang Yi-ming, the Chairman of the TKU Department of Japanese, Dr. Maa Yaw Huei, the Chairman of the TKU French Department, Dr. Yang Shu-chuen, the Director of the TKU Alumni Office, Dr. Perng Chun Yang, the Section Chief of the TKU Office of Academic Affairs Registration Section, Chiang Kuo-fang, and two NUFS exchange students who are currently studying at TKU. After the discussion, the guests were treated to a banquet at the TKU Chueh Sheng International Conference Hall.
"Originating" - A TKU Graduate Work Exhibition

2011-05-02

Living in today’s modern and diverse society, we are continually flooded by information from a variety of sources. Although this wealth of data helps to inform and amuse us, without a sense of cohesion, it can often leave us feeling confused and empty. With this phenomenon in mind, TKU Department of Information and Communication students chose the theme of “Originating” for their current graduate work exhibition held at TKU’s Black Swan Exhibition Hall. The theme ‘originating’ refers to the need to go back to basics. The exhibition will showcase dissertations, videos, and games created by graduating Information and Communication students. It will continue until the 6th of May.
A Wild Bird Exhibition at Lanyang

2011-04-26

From April 26 – June 7, TKU’s Lanyang Campus will be home to a special photography exhibition. The exhibition will showcase 60 photographic works that capture the beauty of Taiwan’s wild birds in their natural habitat. The pieces were generously donated to TKU by well-known photographers and husband and wife, Mr. Kuo Keng-Kuang and Mrs. Huang Mei-e. In honor of the couples’ generosity, on April 26 the Lanyang Campus Office of the Director held an official ceremony to inaugurate the donated photographic works. Apart from the husband and wife donors themselves, a host of high-profile local dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the Deputy Director of the Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau, Sung Lung-Chuan. The Director of Lanyang Campus, Dr. Lin Jyh-horng, said he hopes that through the exhibition, TKU can spread information on the ecology of bird species to the broader community, that it can nurture in visitors an appreciation of art and nature, increase the public’s knowledge of bird species, and promote the need to protect Taiwan’s natural ecology.
The 2011 Assessment of Enterprises’ Favorite College Graduates

2011-04-22

Taiwan’s Global View Monthly and 104 Job Bank recently released the results of their joint annual survey, the 2011 Assessment of Enterprises’ Favorite College Graduates. This year, out of all Taiwanese universities (both public and private), Tamkang placed second. In the categories ‘Improvement in the quality of graduates’ and ‘Actively pursuing improvement in personal ability and skills, Tamkang was ranked first. The study listed the five characteristics of new employees that Taiwanese enterprises value most highly. In order of importance, they are: 1. an ability to learn and adapt; 2. a positive, proactive attitude; 3. professional knowledge and skills; 4. willingness to accommodate and stability on the job; and 5. a sense of responsibility and self-management. These five qualities perfectly correlate with Tamkang’s educational philosophy: its “Three Circles and Five Disciplines of Education”. Moreover, TKU’s triple objectives of education (internationalization, information-oriented education, and future- oriented education) precisely correspond with the extra-curricular expertise sought after by Taiwanese enterprises. Add to this TKU’s implementation of the Teaching Excellence Project, which aims to nurture exceptional students who possess an international outlook and an all-round education, and it is little wonder TKU performed so well in the recent survey.