The “2026 Outstanding University Governance Performance Award,” jointly organized by CommonWealth Magazine and Cheers Magazine, was held on April 15 at the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Downtown. President Huan-Chao Keh of Tamkang University received strong peer recognition, ranking tied for 12th among presidents from 110 participating universities nationwide, alongside leaders from National Tsing Hua University, National Sun Yat-sen University, Fu Jen Catholic University, and National Taiwan Normal University. Secretary-General Yu-Pei Ma attended on his behalf to receive the award, accompanied by Chief Audit Executive Jyn-Jiuan Lin.

In her remarks, Wan-Yu Wu, Co-CEO of CommonWealth Magazine, stated that “talent has never been more important than it is today.” She emphasized that universities are the most critical institutions for shaping future talent, and that amid the long-term decline in birth rates and the profound transformation brought by AI, higher education faces significant challenges. As a result, universities need leaders with vision, integrative capability, and strong execution. She added, “The presidents present here are precisely such rare talents.”

The ranking, based on peer nominations among university presidents, reflects not only individual leadership performance but also the collective achievements of institutional governance and administrative teams. In an interview, President Keh expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing the honor to the entire Tamkang University community. Addressing challenges posed by demographic shifts and AI, he reaffirmed the university’s development vision—“AI+SDGs=∞” and “ESG+AI=∞”—and highlighted the launch of the “All-Cloud Smart Campus 3.0” initiative. He reiterated his firm conviction: “Only by embedding AI and cloud technologies into Tamkang’s DNA and aligning them with sustainability values can we create the most competitive learning environment for our students. Moving forward, Tamkang will continue to drive teaching innovation through AI, deepen its dual-track governance of AI and the SDGs, and cultivate digitally proficient and sustainability-minded talent with a global outlook for Taiwan.”

Tamkang University’s achievements in integrating AI and sustainability have also received high praise from Minister of Education Ying-Yao Cheng. During a visit to the university’s “New Wave of AI-Driven Smart Manufacturing Education” forum on March 4, he described Tamkang as a pioneering institution in Taiwan’s higher education landscape. He cited Purdue University as an example of making AI a required subject for all students, and commended Tamkang for leading trends in AI education. He expressed particular appreciation for Tamkang University’s effective use of AI in energy governance, noting that it not only ranks among the nation’s top performers in sustainable campuses and energy conservation and carbon reduction, but has also taken on the role of a “professional support team,” assisting the Ministry of Education in promoting energy-saving, carbon reduction, and sustainable campus development across universities and primary and secondary schools nationwide.

At the ceremony, CommonWealth Magazine presented awards to 17 university presidents, recognizing their leadership amid the accelerating AI wave and rapid transformation of knowledge systems. President Keh’s forward-looking strategies and strong peer endorsement demonstrate both long-term vision and effective institutional governance.

President Huan-Chao Keh’s institutional performance was evaluated by CommonWealth Magazine as follows: “Actively advancing university-wide digital transformation, integrating AI education, interdisciplinary learning, and international connectivity, with steadily strengthening institutional capacity. With AI combined with ESG as the core governance framework, Tamkang demonstrates forward-looking strategies in cultivating diverse talent. Its stable governance, vibrant academic activities, and strong performance in student recruitment, industry recognition, and global rankings collectively highlight the comprehensive strength of a private university thriving in the digital era.”

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG07 Affordable and Clean Energy #SDG09 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure #SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

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