The Department of Chemistry and the Science Education Center under the College of Science jointly launched the “Chemistry On The Go” program, which, after 15 years of dedicated development, is now officially expanding onto the international stage. On April 9 at 10:30 a.m., under the theme “Science Outreach Across 3,000 Kilometers: Chemistry Fun Goes Southbound International,” the “Advancing into Malaysia: Cross-Border Collaboration in Science Education.” President Huan-Chao Keh, Chairperson Flora Chia-I Chang, three vice presidents, Director-General Wang-Lung Li of the National Science and Technology Council’s Department of International Cooperation and Science Education, Secretary-General Ito Chao of the Chemistry Society of Taiwan, faculty members and administrators from within and outside the university, as well as industry partners including Merck Taiwan, WIN Semiconductors, and International CSRC Group, attended the event.

Over the years, the Science Education Center has promoted science education across Taiwan through its touring “Chemistry On The Go” program, which has held more than 850 events. Last year, faculty members from sister school Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) visited Tamkang University to observe the program’s operations, with plans to introduce the model to elementary and high schools in Malaysia. With joint fundraising support from chemistry faculty, industry partners, and the Malaysian alumni association, a newly developed chemistry outreach vehicle will tour schools within the Malaysian Independent Chinese High School network this year, promoting science education.

The press conference was introduced by the program initiator, Professor Bo-Cheng Wang. He expressed gratitude to Chairperson Chang for her long-term support and active participation in key events, and also thanked the many behind-the-scenes contributors. Reflecting on the program’s origins during the 2011 International Year of Chemistry, he shared his excitement at witnessing “Chemistry On The Go” expand to Malaysia before his retirement. He expressed hopes for further global expansion beyond Malaysia.

Chairperson Chang noted that the program embodies three key missions: promoting science education, fulfilling university social responsibility (USR), and advancing globalization. It is also Tamkang’s only USR initiative that has reached all parts of Taiwan. She thanked partners for their sustained financial and personnel support, enabling the program to overcome challenges and approach 900 events, and expressed hope for its long-term continuation.

President Keh emphasized that the program aligns with Tamkang University’s development visions of “AI+SDGs=∞” and “ESG+AI=∞.” In addition to physical outreach through the mobile chemistry vehicle, the program can integrate AI and cloud-based digital resources to create a hybrid model, enabling science knowledge to transcend geographical boundaries. This collaboration not only exports Tamkang’s educational philosophy abroad but also enhances the university’s visibility in Malaysia through school outreach, attracting more outstanding students to study in Taiwan.

Director-General Li suggested incorporating more hands-on interactive activities to allow children to explore the world through practice, and expressed hope for interdisciplinary development in science education beyond geographical constraints. Secretary-General Chao also voiced strong support, noting that she had observed how the program engages children through magic-like demonstrations and fun experiments, drawing significant interest from schools and highlighting its popularity.

YBhg Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR, recorded a special video message expressing gratitude, stating that it is an honor to carry forward the concept of learning through fun. He hopes the program will plant seeds of scientific curiosity in young minds, inspire enthusiasm through hands-on experiments, and foster scientific thinking, while also anticipating broader future collaboration between the two institutions.

The press conference featured a specially designed symbolic launch ceremony, using a puzzle to represent the 3,000-kilometer distance between Taiwan and Malaysia. Twelve officials and distinguished guests jointly placed puzzle pieces into the corresponding positions of the chemistry outreach vehicle, symbolizing the cross-border transmission of science education, while also expressing their best wishes for a smooth and successful collaboration.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

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