Prof. Shi-Wei Chu, Vice President for Student Affairs, National Taiwan University
At the World Higher Education Conference 2022, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) introduced the new missions for higher education that align with the long-term endeavors of faculty and students at National Taiwan University (NTU).
1. Knowledge Production: Cross-disciplinary Collaboration and Innovation
NTU faculty and students have achieved remarkable successes in various fields through diverse team collaborations. For example, the iAuto team, led by Professor Kang Li from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, showcased an intelligent and autonomous public bus in Dubai.
2. Education and Talent Development: Cultivating Well-rounded Professionals
NTU is dedicated to cultivating well-rounded professionals capable of solving complex problems. For example, Professor Chang-Chuan Chan, former Dean of the College of Public Health, has been leading global public health initiatives in Malawi for 20 years, fostering numerous practitioners and leaders in the field of public health. These efforts align with UNESCO’s mission to foster mature and responsible citizens.
3. Social Responsibility Fulfillment: Focusing on Sustainable Development and Inequality
NTU encourages students to engage with social issues and tackle significant challenges. For example, the RiiVERSE team from the College of Management has reduced the carbon footprint of the recycling process by 83% . Professor Nae-Lih Wu’s team from the Department of Chemical Engineering has developed net-zero emission battery technology, and Professor Yu-San Han’s team from the Institute of Fisheries Science has been promoting a low-carbon, zero-waste aquaculture economy.
These collaborative and innovative initiatives help achieve the goals of University Social Responsibility (USR) and showcase the prowess of NTU’s faculty and students at the international level, thereby solidifying Taiwan’s global standing in higher education.