In response to the Financial Supervisory Commission’s initiatives— “Green Finance Action Plan 3.0” and the “Five Strategies for Promoting FinTech Development”—the financial industry is advancing along dual tracks of sustainability and digital transformation. To meet the growing demand for interdisciplinary financial talent, Tamkang University has signed a “Memorandum of Understanding on Certification Examinations and Financial Knowledge Promotion” with the Securities and Futures Institute (SFI). The partnership focuses on financial certification exams, the establishment of on-campus testing centers, and the promotion of sustainable finance literacy through in-depth collaboration. The signing ceremony was held on the morning of March 24 at the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center, with President Huan-Chao Keh and Chairperson Chen-Shan Chang signing on behalf of both parties. The event was witnessed by university administrators and representatives from the institute.

In his remarks, President Huan-Chao Keh noted that the world is currently shaped by two major waves—AI and sustainable development (SDGs)—both of which have a particularly significant impact on the financial sector. Guided by the vision “AI+SDGs=∞” and “ESG+AI=∞,” Tamkang University aims to integrate technological applications with sustainability thinking to cultivate talent equipped with interdisciplinary capabilities, strong financial expertise, and professional certification credentials, while emphasizing the importance of applying knowledge in practice and aligning with industry needs. Through this collaboration with the Securities and Futures Institute, the university will integrate certification examinations, instructional resources, and academic courses to better align talent development with industry demands.

Chen-Shan Chang, speaking as an alumnus of the Department of Accounting, expressed his intention to give back to his alma mater. He noted that SFI has, over the past 40 years, been dedicated to education outreach and the cultivation of financial talent, aligning closely with the university’s mission. Looking ahead, the institute will assist in promoting professional certifications in securities, futures, and investment trust and consulting, while also introducing industry-relevant examinations such as the “Sustainability Fundamental Competency Test.” Plans also include establishing on-campus testing centers, offering discounted registration fees, and providing guidance resources to help lower barriers for students pursuing certifications and enhance their competitiveness in entering the financial industry.

Regarding the integration of teaching and institutional systems, Dean Li-Ren Yang of the College of Business and Management noted that this collaboration will elevate previously individual, faculty-led certification guidance to a university-wide integrated approach. This shift transforms certification training from isolated course-based efforts into a systematic talent development mechanism. The initiative is also complemented by the “Cheng Cai Certification Scholarship,” established by alumni, which encourages students to obtain six or more professional certifications before graduation. Through this structured approach, the university aims to strengthen students’ employability and move toward the goal of “employment upon graduation.”

In practical teaching settings, Associate Professor-level Professional Specialist Cheng-Hsin Lin from the Department of Risk Management and Insurance explained that, with the advancement of sustainable finance policies and growing industry demand, financial institutions are increasingly seeking “green finance talent,” with some financial holding companies even requiring a certain proportion of employees to hold relevant certifications. By integrating coursework with certification guidance, students can not only acquire knowledge in sustainable finance but also align early with international trends and industry policies, thereby expanding their career perspectives and opportunities.

The certifications prioritized in this collaboration include “Financial Markets and Professional Ethics,” “Securities Specialist,” “Investment Trust and Consulting Specialist,” “Futures Specialist,” and the “Sustainability Fundamental Competency Test.” The initiative will bring financial certification education and exam preparation directly onto campus, including hosting certification exams and providing group registration services. This allows students to take exams in a familiar environment, saving time and transportation costs while increasing participation and pass rates.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG08 Decent Work and Economic Growth #SDG09 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

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