Spotlight
University of Idaho’s Faculty and Students Visit NCYU Colleges of Teachers, Life Sciences, and Agriculture for Substantive Collaboration
From March 12th to 15th, a delegation of six students and faculty members led by Prof. Robert J. Bob Haggerty from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, visited NCYU. Arranged by NCYU's Office of International Affairs, they toured the Department of Horticultural Science, Department of Food Science, Department of Animal Science, Department of Early Childhood Education, World Vegetable Center in Tainan, CHIMEI Happiness Factory, and Chiayi Agricultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research institute, Ministry of Agriculture, among others. On March 15th, the delegation engaged in lively group discussions, and shared insights into academic and practical development in a general education course of NCYU. Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the oldest comprehensive public university in Idaho, United States. It consists of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Business and Economics, College of Science, College of Art and Architecture, College of Natural Resources, and College of Law. NCYU and the University of Idaho have become sister universities following a memorandum of cooperation signed between both universities in 2003. The University of Idaho, which had sent delegations annually for exchanges before the pandemic, has fostered close relationships with various departments and teacher-student research teams at NCYU. There were not only frequent mutual visits by faculty and students, but also short-term internship programs. Exchanges between both sides had been halted due to the pandemic since 2019, and has not resumed until now (2024). The delegation this time comprised members from the College of Agriculture and College of Life Sciences, specializing in fields such as land resources, crop management, food and nutrition. They visited sites where teaching and practice in orchid breeding and environmental control, food processing and sampling, ranch management, early childhood education and nutrition took place. They actively asked questions and interacted with with faculty and students from various departments. During the visit, the delegation also met with Vice President Chun-Hsien Chang and heads and researchers of the relevant departments to discuss cooperation opportunities. According to Prof. Robert J. Bob Haggerty, the University of Idaho shares similarities with NCYU in terms of student scale and professional agricultural training, and close ties have been established through mutual visits over the years. He hoped there will be opportunities to promote substantive cooperation projects and scholar exchanges in the future. Photo 1: The delegation visited the orchid breeding farm at the Horticultural Technology Center, NCYU. Photo 2: They toured NCYU’s Food Processing Pilot Plant, where Hsu Cheng-Kuang (1st from right), Chairman of the Department of Food Science, introduced specialty products. Photo 3: The delegation participated in a course at the Department of Early Childhood Education. Photo 4: A group photo of the delegation visiting the Department of Animal Science. Photo 5: The delegation exchanged ideas with the Coffee Club. Photo 6: The delegation interacted with the students in “Globalization and Multiculturalism,” one of the general education courses offered at NCYU. Photo 7: A group photo taken during the visit at the Department of Early Childhood Education. Photo 8: The delegation visited the Chiayi Agricultural Experiment Branch, Taiwan Agricultural Research institute, Ministry of Agriculture.
2024.04.01
NCYU’s Spring School, Joined by 22 Japanese Sister School Students, Concluded Successfully
National Chiayi University organized a 12-day spring school ending successfully on March 7th for sister school students in Japan to experience Chiayi’s local culture. A graduation ceremony was held by NCYU for the 22 participants from five Japanese universities who participated in the entire program, to award them with graduation certificates. It was the first time for all the participating students to visit Taiwan. Through the comprehensive program, they learned Mandarin and Taiwanese culture, and gained valuable insights into sustainable development. During the graduation ceremony, they happily shared their experience and expressed their hope for continued exchanges with Taiwan in the future. On behalf of NCYU, Lan-Szu Chou, Dean of International Affairs, presented the graduation certificates to the participants. The spring program this year was attended by 22 students from five universities: Kagawa University, Setsunan University, University of Hyogo, University of Miyazaki, and Kumamoto University. They engaged in a variety of courses designed by the Office of International Affairs, including "Watching Taiwanese Baseball Film KANO," "Exploring NCYU Campus," "Promoting Campus Sustainability," "Learning Mandarin," "Taiwanese Etiquette and Taboos," "Seal Carving Skill and Practice," "Making Taiwanese Delicacy: Pineapple Cakes," "Introduction to Taiwan's Indigenous Tribes and Cultures," "Taiwan's Wildlife Ecology," and "Taiwan-Japan Song Contest." They also visited the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, Haomei Village in Budai Township, Poftongaveoveo Art Village, Prison Museum, Wenhua Road Night Market, etc., which provided multifaceted insights into NCYU and local culture. During the graduation ceremony, Riori Kiyosaki from Kumamoto University shared her delightful experience of digging for clams in Taiwan for the first time. Being able to use her newly learned Mandarin to go shopping gave her a sense of accomplishment. Rina Hirashima, a second-year student at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Miyazaki, said that she was enormously inspired by the SDGs course and the sustainable facilities on NCYU’s campus. It was the first time she saw sustainable and circular facilities on campus, which further sparked her interest in studying water and land resources. She hopes to have the opportunity to take relevant courses again in the future. Hiroki Shinohara, who studies at Setsunan University, was also deeply impressed by NCYU’s efforts in pursuing a green and sustainable campus. She hopes to have the chance to visit NCYU again and even study at the education-related graduate program here. A student at Kagawa University, Shinomiya Kanako had the opportunity to compare the cultural differences between Taiwan and Japan from what she observed during the spring program. Through this experience, she also reflected on the impact of Japanese colonization on the Taiwanese society, and tried to answer her own questions about Japan’s colonial rule of Taiwan. She hopes to have the opportunity to delve deeper into the history of Taiwan and Japan in the future. International Office Director Lrong Lim and Prof. Takamizu from Kagawa University in Japan participated actively in the 12-day spring program. They place great importance on international exchanges with NCYU, and will encourage more students from Japanese sister schools to join the programs, thus deepening the friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan. Photo 1: The students from the five universities in Japan experienced clam digging in the coastal area of Budai. Photo 2: They joined a bird-watching course on the Lantan campus. Photo 3: The students visited the Poftongaveoveo Art Village and experienced mochi making. Photo 4: The students visited the Food Processing Pilot Plant, affiliated to the Department of Food Science, and tried their hands on making pineapple cakes. Photo 5: Chen Mao Jen, Dean of the College of Humanities and Arts, introduced seal carving and guided the students in making seal carving works. Photo 6: The students visited the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum to admire the special exhibition of cultural relics. Photo 7: The students visited the Poftongaveoveo Art Village, where they listened to traditional songs and dances performed by the Tsou Tribe. Photo 8: The spring school concluded with a graduation ceremony on March 7th.
2024.04.01
NCYU Develops Three Alishan Forest Perfumes and Promotes Green Industries with Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency
Dr. Han Chien Lin, Distinguished Professor and other faculty members from the Department of Wood Based Materials and Design, National Chiayi University, implemented the project, “Assisting Chiayi County Forestry Cooperative in Developing Essential Oil Industry,” commissioned by the Chiayi Branch, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture in 2023. Using essential oils extracted from Taiwanese incense-cedar, as well as herbs, flowers and fruits commonly found in Alishan, they developed three forest perfumes respectively with woody, herbal, and floral/fruity notes. On Feb. 2nd, the “perfume forest ecological bottles” were unveiled at the launch event of the forest perfume products at Chukou Nature Center. The aim was to enhance the atmosphere and quality of life through perfume. According to Hwa-Ching Lin, Director of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, they have been actively enhancing the sustainable utilization value of Taiwan's forests in recent years. In terms of non-wood forest products, essential oils extracted from forest plants in Taiwan are one of their focuses. They are also the most popular souvenirs among forest tourists. As Taiwan is rich in natural resources, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency is currently dedicated to sustainable forestry by promoting forestry development and communicating with consumers in the market. Chang Tai, Director of the Chiayi Branch, indicated that they commissioned NCYU to offer guidance to the Alishan Forestry Cooperative in Fanlu Township, Chiayi County. After taking stock of local plant resources, they analyzed the utilization value of the entire Taiwanese incense-cedar. Its timber is excellent for furniture and can be used to produce high-quality incense sticks. Moreover, specialty essential oils can be extracted from its wood, branches and leaves. The scent of the essential oil is warm, sweet, thick, and long-lasting, providing a sense of calm and stability. Combined with herbal, floral and fruity scents commonly found in the forest, three perfumes – woody, herbal, and floral/fruity – were developed exclusively for the cooperative's Tufei Mountain series, which are an excellent choice for gifts and personal use. NCYU President Han Chien Lin said that the utilization of forest resources is closely linked to the income of forest farmers. In addition to managing forest lands, providing relevant guidance to forest farmers in commercializing forest resources is key to further boosting their output value and utilization rate. Besides timber production, tree branches and leaves from thinning and pruning can be used to extract essential oils for producing non-wood forest products. The aroma of the forest essential oils helps ease the strains and stresses of modern life, and forest essential oil products have become increasingly popular in recent years. The NCYU team assisted forest farmers of the cooperative in using forest residues to produce essential oils and develop specialty essential oil perfumes. By creating unique local products, it helps reduce the waste of forest resources, increase income for forest farmers, and bolster the development of the local essential oil industry. Representatives from the cosmetics industry, including MUJI, Lavender Cottage, and Tse-Xin Foundation, were invited to the launch event. Through the one-of-a-kind, fascinating medium of perfume, they hoped to arouse our interest in essential oil perfumes. The three eye-catching botanical installations showcased at the event will be relocated to the Alishan Botanical Garden for one month, allowing visitors to experience the forest fragrance during the Lunar New Year holidays. Photo 1: As part of the project commissioned by the Chiayi Branch, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, NCYU developed the “Forest Parfum – Tufei Mountain Series” based on Taiwanese incense-cedar, an afforestation tree species. Photo 2: NCYU President Han Chien Lin delivered his remarks. Photo 3: Hwa-Ching Lin, Director of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, gave remarks. Photo 4: The “Forest Parfum – Tufei Mountain Series” launch event took place at the Chukou Nature Center on Feb. 2nd. Photo 5: The “Forest Parfum” series with Taiwanese incense-cedar extracts (Left: herbal; middle: floral/fruity, right: woody)
2024.02.29
NCYU Department of Landscape Architecture Students Reside in Haomei Village for Sustainable Community Transformation
Prof. Chiang Yen-Cheng and Assistant Prof. Ceng Shuo-Wen of the Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chiayi University, developed a micro-credit course focusing on environmental sustainability, as part of the Plan A under the Higher Education SPROUT Project. From Jan. 22nd to 26th, they led 11 sophomore students of the department to the Haomei community in Budai Township for a five-day artistic residency, during which they successfully incorporated the lifestyle of the fishing village into their artwork. In-depth interactions with local residents provided them with insights into the fishing village's culture and industry, marine waste recycling, and environmental sustainability. They used waste materials from abandoned oyster beds for artistic creation, during which they also cleaned up the beach. Their artistic creation not only responds to the SDGs, but strengthens the connection between the students and the rural (fishing) village. It also helps enhance the students' skills of communicating with local residents. This on-site experience is also expected to equip the NCYU students with the ability to discover and explore issues in rural (fishing) villages. Prof. Chiang Yen-Cheng said that the residency boasted a focus on connecting with the local community by bringing students closer to the farming (fishing) villages of Chiayi. Through phased rolling discussions and field surveys with environmental sustainability in mind, NCYU's faculty and students utilized their expertise in design and spatial planning to assist in constructing local industrial landscapes, and promote the development of local culture and art. By reusing marine waste, they created beautiful landscapes, which helped enhance the students' understanding of the use of seashore plants and overall practical knowledge. This creative endeavor was not only an artistic activity, but an expression of love and care for the Haomei community. It is hoped that these artworks, while beautifying the community, would serve as bridges connecting academia, art, and the community. Through such synergy, they hoped to help enhance the community's development, and thus the residents' quality of life. Assistant Prof. Ceng Shuo-Wen expressed gratitude to the Haomei community for their warm reception, and to every student and resident who had participated in the artistic residency. It was an unforgettable experience and the result of collaborative efforts. They looked forward to working with the Haomei community to bolster the local sustainable development and prosperity of culture and art. Photo 1: Using waste bamboo from the beach, the faculty and students of the Department of Landscape Architecture, NCYU, created artworks representing waves on the seashore. Photo 2: Students from the NCYU's Department of Landscape Architecture planted plants to beautify the environment. Photo 3: They conducted beach cleanups and collected waste bamboo from abandoned oyster beds, which was later cut for reuse. Photo 4: Both the faculty and students from the NCYU's Department of Landscape Architecture resided in the Haomei community to green the landscape. Photo 5: Students from the Department of Landscape Architecture, NCYU, discussed designs and evaluated plans at the Haomei community center.
2024.02.29
Chiu Hocheng Foundation Donates a Wildlife Conservation Car to NCYU to Jointly Promote Conservation
On January 30th, “Ceremony of Chiu Hocheng Foundation Donating Wildlife Research and Conservation Car” kicked off at the building of the Department of Biological Resources on the Lantan campus, National Chiayi University. On behalf of the foundation, Shih-Chieh Chen, General Manager of Hocheng Corporation, donated a brand new Mitsubishi CMC Zinger (NEW) to the Habitat Ecology Lab of NCYU's Department of Biological Resources for the purpose of wildlife research and conservation. The donation ceremony was attended by NCYU President Han Chien Lin, Vice President Ruey-Shyang Chen, College of Life Sciences Dean Hong-Thih Lai, Department of Biological Resources Chairman Fu-Hsiung Hsu and Assistant Prof. Jo-Szu Tsai. The ceremony was completed in the presence of honored guests including General Manager Shih-Chieh Chen, and Secretary Zhang Dongji from Hocheng Corporation. With the support of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the faculty members of NCYU's Department of Biological Resources are dedicated to participating in the development of the National Ecological Green Network blueprint. Special focus is placed on endangered species including russet sparrows, grass owls, and black-faced spoonbills in the low hills and southwestern plains. The generous donation from the Chiu Hocheng Foundation provides substantial support for ecological research at NCYU, which is expected to facilitate wildlife observation, research, and conservation. It also marks a new milestone in the collaboration between the university and industry. General Manager Shih-Chieh Chen stated that the Chiu Hocheng Foundation was established to commemorate the late Ho-Cheng Chiu, founder of the Hocheng Corporation. He was known for commitment to charity, public welfare, and supporting the disadvantaged. Based on the spirit of “giving back to the society what one has taken from it,” the foundation takes the initiative to offer support to organizations devoted to public welfare. Dr. Jo-Szu Tsai from NCYU has long been concerned about endangered wildlife such as the grass owls and russet sparrows. As the saying goes, “If you want to do well, you must first sharpen your tools.” The foundation, long been committed to ecological conservation causes, donated the wildlife conservation car to galvanize support for the university's efforts. It enables NCYU to continue work in the fields of nature conservation and academic research, safeguard the ecological environment and contribute to the society jointly with the industry. In his remarks, President Han Chien Lin said that NCYU is proud to be a green university aligning with international benchmarks. It is part of the university's dedication to promoting the ecological environment on campus in conjunction with the government's National Ecological Green Network blueprint. He expressed gratitude for the foundation's generous support, which is not only a recognition of university's efforts but an example of corporate social responsibility. This partnership symbolizes the collaboration between the academia and industry, opening a new chapter in environmental conservation. NCYU is honored to partner with the Chiu Hocheng Foundation, and they look forward to more collaborations in the future. The goal is to create a win-win situation that enhances corporate value, academic research, and protection of endangered species. Photo 1: The Chiu Hocheng Foundation donated a brand-new Mitsubishi car to the Habitat Ecology Lab at NCYU. (From right to left: General Manager Shih-Chieh Chen, President Han Chien Lin, Assistant Prof. Jo-Szu Tsai) Photo 2: By donating a car, the Chiu Hocheng Foundation devotes itself to wildlife conservation jointly with the faculty and students of NCYU.
2024.02.05
NCYU Student Hong-Sheng Wu Honored with “TSMC UDreamer Project” and “Cathay Youth Excellence Scholarship”
The academic journey of Hong-Sheng Wu, a student of the Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, National Chiayi University, is not smooth sailing owing to learning disabilities. He turned obstacles into opportunities, forming a team based on his own learning experiences. With the project “I Have a Dream: Joining Science Fairs despite Learning Disabilities,” he was awarded the 8th “TSMC UDreamer Project” by the TSMC Education & Culture Foundation. This year, he will embark on a breathtaking journey to realize his dreams. As a student with learning disabilities, Wu struggled with 26 letters of the English alphabet in the third year of junior high school, and multiplication of fraction in the first grade of high school. He recalled that his parents, who did not consider it a promising idea when he started joining science fairs in the first year of junior high, suggested him give up academic pursuits for practical skills. Wu aspired to become a scientist, and, in spite of these challenges, persevered and broke through learning barriers. After winning an honorable mention in a science fair, he became more determined to pursue his scientific dream. He was admitted to the NCYU Department of Biomechatronic Engineering via special talent selection, and recently honored with the Presidential Award for Education in the category of outstanding diligence. Wu pointed out that people with learning disabilities have normal intelligence. As long as they find a suitable learning method, and are willing to face the difficulties in learning, together with the support of a friendly environment, their potential should not be hindered by the learning difficulties. Adhering to this belief, Wu thinks that unsound educational resources, stereotypical social perceptions, and marginalized social justice can make it challenging for disabled learners to be recognized and accepted by the society, even when they put in extra effort. After overcoming the challenges of learning disabilities, he finally demonstrated his confidence in becoming a scientist through brilliant results at science fairs. Now he would like to stand up and speak out for other disabled learners: “I have a dream!” – a dream to participate in science fairs and embark on a scientific journey. Wu formed a team with three enthusiastic general students across departments from NCYU. They submitted the proposal “I Have a Dream: Joining Science Fairs despite Learning Disabilities” to apply for the 8th “TSMC UDreamer Project” of the TSMC Education & Culture Foundation. They stood out among over 180 teams. Be brave to pursue your dreams and make your life worthwhile. Through executing the project, Wu hopes to help eliminate general stereotypes about students with learning disabilities. The objective is to enable more students with learning disabilities to gain confidence through science fairs and turn around the challenges posed by standardized education. Wu also initiated a summer camp program to encourage disabled students to develop diverse potential. The program, titled “Learning Without Discrimination, Science Without Barriers,” won them a distinctive award at the “Cathay Youth Excellence Scholarship.” “I would like to say this to children with learning disabilities. I don't aspire to be a moon to illuminate the world, but I wish to become a twinkling star to at least light up the path before you. Just keep going, and you will surely see what you desire.” NCYU President Han Chien Lin personally congratulated Wu, who won grants from the “TSMC UDreamer Project” and “Cathay Youth Excellence Scholarship,” upon hearing the news. He highly commended Wu’s courage in overcoming adversity and taking the initiative to pass on his inspirational experiences to other disabled learners. In addition to providing financial support, President Lin instructed colleagues to do their utmost to assist in the execution of the project, so that this heartwarming initiative would grow and make a huge difference. Photo 1: NCYU President Han Chien Lin recognized Hong-Sheng Wu’s (right) for his courageous pursuit of dreams. Photo 2: Hong-Sheng Wu (second from right), who formed an interdisciplinary team, received grants from the 8th “TSMC UDreamer Project” by the TSMC Education & Culture Foundation with their project entitled, “I Have a Dream: Joining Science Fairs despite Learning Disabilities.” (Photo courtesy of the TSMC Education & Culture Foundation) Photo 3: NCYU student Hong-Sheng Wu was awarded grants from the “Cathay Youth Excellence Scholarship.” (Photo courtesy of the Cathay Charity Foundation)
2024.01.23
