SDGs永續行動網
SDG10
減少不平等
NUK Summer School Unites Students from Partner Universities for Immersive Program on Sustainability and Culture
【Text, Photos: Office of International Affairs, Wang Yi-Fang; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Translator：Han Siou-Yao】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 — After ten immersive days of learning and discovery, National University of Kaohsiung’s (NUK) annual "Summer School" has drawn to a successful close. The program brought together students from partner universities in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand for a rich itinerary of expert lectures, interactive Chinese classes, cultural workshops, and SDG-themed excursions. Participants not only improved their language skills but also gained deeper insights into Taiwanese culture and sustainable actions in southern Taiwan.The event, organized by the Office of International Affairs, was held from July 31 to August 9. Dr. Lin Xing-Ru, Dean of International Affairs, stated that the Summer School offers a unique blend of language instruction and dialogue on global issues, fostering cross-cultural understanding and a global perspective among young leaders. "The curriculum is designed to integrate sustainable development with entrepreneurial challenges, all while highlighting local culture," she said. "We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with these universities to expand opportunities for student mobility and exchange."In addition to the opening ceremony, Lin Xing-Ru also presided over the closing ceremony, expressing care and best wishes to the participants, and personally presented certificates of completion to recognize their participation and learning achievements in these activities. The review video shown at the ceremony highlighted the event’s memorable moments. Participants expressed their gratitude to each other in Chinese and exchanged handwritten cards, symbolizing the genuine friendships formed through cross-cultural exchange.During the event, the Office of International Affairs arranged for several NUK students to serve as mentor, accompanying Summer School participants throughout their adaptation to campus and daily life. The language courses adopted a gamified interactive approach, covering scenarios such as self-introduction, daily expressions, and ordering food, fostering a two-way exchange and a positive learning atmosphere.Themed lectures featured NUK Vice President Wu Xing-Hao, Professor Mazanai Musara from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in South Africa, Dr. Laely Nurhidayah from the Legal Research Center of Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Assistant Professor Dong Pei-Ru from Ming Chuan University's International College. They guided participants in a comparative analysis of policies and practices across different countries, inspiring them to consider these issues from multiple perspectives.Cultural experience courses included a DIY herbal sachet activity, allowing participants to learn about Taiwanese herbs and their daily applications, and to build cross-national friendships through group collaboration.Aligning with the program's sustainability theme, off-campus visits included the National Science and Technology Museum to explore energy transition and climate change; a trip to Meinong to experience oil-paper umbrella painting and lei cha (ground tea), understanding the value of traditional crafts in sustainable tourism; and a visit to Kenting National Park to learn about marine and terrestrial ecology, discussing the balance between tourism and environmental conservation.#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG17 @Office of International Affairs & Event
NUK Welcomes International Freshmen, Vows to Build an Inclusive Campus President Chen Chi-Jen: "Embracing the Spirit of One Global Family"
【Text: Office of International Affairs, Sun Bao-Lie; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Translator：Han Siou-Yao】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 — Demonstrating its commitment to supporting students from abroad, National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) held its "Orientation for International Freshmen" on September 5th. Organized by the Office of International Affairs, the event invited various administrative offices to introduce their services and help new international students smoothly adapt to campus life.President Chen Chi-Jen remarked that this year, there are 99 new international freshmen. Including current students, the number of (international) students from Asia, Europe, and Central and South America has surpassed 300, showcasing the campus’s diversity. He emphasized that international students, having traveled a long way to Kaohsiung, face significant cultural and lifestyle adjustments. "It is the university's responsibility to provide them with companionship and support," he stated, "ensuring they feel secure and can focus on their studies and life here." He also encouraged everyone to actively participate in various academic, recreational, and sports activities, interact with local students, and practice the spirit of "We Are The World" to enhance the quality of learning together.Through this orientation, NUK not only provides new students with essential living information and safety reminders, but also offers support and a sense of belonging as international students integrate into campus life, demonstrating the university’s efforts to promote an internationalized campus.Director of International Affairs, Lin Xing-Ru, shared her own study abroad experience, saying that although there were ups and downs, all became precious memories in retrospect. She mentioned that this year’s freshmen come from 11 countries, with the largest numbers from Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as students from Panama, Slovakia, and Poland. She expressed her hope that through academic and extracurricular exchanges, students would inspire one another and create lasting, positive memories during their time at NUK.The event featured a variety of activities, including a welcome performance by the Overseas Chinese Foreign Student Association, fun quiz games to help students get to know each other, and an early invitation was extended to all to participate in the "2025 National Overseas Chinese Student Cup Sports Games" to be held in Taichung this November, aiming to foster camaraderie.In addition, the Nanzih Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Department was present to provide traffic safety and anti-fraud education. Police reminded students that September is Traffic Safety Month, urging international students to always wear helmets when riding scooters and to yield to pedestrians at intersections. Pedestrians should avoid distractions such as using mobile phones while crossing the street and stay clear of large vehicles’ blind spots to ensure safety. Regarding fraud prevention, police highlighted common scams such as fake investments, fraudulent online shopping, and impersonation of relatives or government officials. Students are advised to remember the principles of "Listen, Hang Up, and Verify" and to call the 165 anti-fraud hotline if in doubt.#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG11 #SDG17 @Office of International Affairs & Event
NUK Signs Student Exchange Agreement with University of Mpumalanga, South Africa — A Milestone in Cross-Continental Academic Cooperation
【Text & Photos: HSU,YUAN-JU, Office of International Affairs; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Translated with the assistance of ChatGPT】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 — National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) continues to deepen its global engagement. President Chi-Jen Chen recently welcomed a delegation from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), South Africa, to sign a Student Exchange Agreement, making UMP NUK’s first partner university in South Africa and marking a milestone in cross-continental academic collaboration.The UMP delegation was led by Prof. Tokozile Mayekiso, UMP Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Advisory Board for the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI), along with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Moses Mbewe, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Prof. Ntombovuyo Wayi-Mgwebi, and Prof. Mazanai Musara from the Faculty of Development Studies. Earlier this year, NUK and UMP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on academic cooperation; the Student Exchange Agreement signed on July 31 further lays the foundation for mutual learning, cultural immersion, and expanded collaboration in student and faculty exchanges.President Chen emphasized that UMP, the youngest national university in South Africa, brings fresh energy and innovation. He noted that this collaboration will not only open international opportunities for students but also spark creativity through cross-continental cultural exchange. He expressed his hope for a long-term partnership and warmly welcomed South African youth to experience Kaohsiung and Taiwan’s diverse Asian culture.During the visit, NUK Vice President Hsing-Hao Wu accompanied the UMP delegation to the Kaohsiung Asia’s New Bay Area Startup Terrace, where they explored cutting-edge developments in smart technology and smart harbor initiatives. They also observed how local startups leverage city features to connect with international markets, highlighting Kaohsiung’s role as a vibrant hub of industrial innovation in southern Taiwan.This agreement represents not only a significant advancement in NUK’s collaboration with UMP but also a crucial step in the university’s internationalization strategy. NUK will continue to expand global platforms for students and faculty through diverse forms of cooperation.In addition, NUK’s Office of International Affairs arranged for the UMP delegation, together with participants of the “Summer School” program, to visit the Morakot Typhoon Memorial Hall at the National Science and Technology Museum. Through interactive exhibits, they learned about Taiwan’s disaster resilience, environmental sustainability, and long-term efforts in public education on climate adaptation.#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG17 @Office of International Affairs & Activities
NUK Hosts Thai Affairs Lecture: Deputy Representative Sunh Arunrugstichai Shares Latest Political, Economic, and Cultural Insights
【Text and Photos:Asst. Prof. Warinthorn Paphakin, Department of East Asian Languages and Literature; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 The National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) recently held a special lecture titled “Thailand in Focus: Trade, Culture, and Futures,” featuring Mr. Sunh Arunrugstichai, Deputy Representative of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Taipei. With engaging and accessible insights, Mr. Arunrugstichai discussed Thailand’s current economic and trade conditions, cultural characteristics, and regional development trends, aiming to help students and faculty broaden their global perspectives and deepen Taiwan–Thailand relations.In his opening remarks, NUK President Chen Chi-Jen emphasized that Thailand has long been a key partner for Taiwan in Southeast Asia, with active exchanges in education, trade, tourism, technology, and culture. He highlighted the university’s collaboration with Chulalongkorn University since 2016 in offering the CU-TFL Thai Language Proficiency Test, calling it a milestone in promoting New Southbound language and cultural education. “NUK is committed to internationalization and continues to play a vital role in deepening academic and cultural ties with New Southbound countries,” President Chen stated. “We hope this lecture inspires new opportunities for cross-border understanding and cooperation.”The lecture, held on May 29, also served as an extension activity for two courses—Tourism Thai II and Elementary Thai II—taught by Assistant Professor Pan Wan-Ling of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature. Through face-to-face interaction between the official representative and students, the event bridged theory and practice, enhancing students’ understanding of the Thai language and the country’s cultural dynamics. Professor Pan noted that Mr. Arunrugstichai’s firsthand insights offered students a rare opportunity to grasp Thai policies and social conditions, motivating deeper learning and fostering international awareness. She expressed her hope to organize similar events in the future to further promote Taiwan–Thailand cooperation in language and cultural education.In his remarks, Deputy Representative Arunrugstichai shared his deep personal connection with Taiwan, having previously worked here and now serving his second posting. He said Taiwan feels like a second home to him. He noted that there are currently around 80,000 to 90,000 Thai nationals living in Taiwan—including laborers, marriage immigrants, and international students—and that a local office in Kaohsiung supports services for them, reflecting the close people-to-people ties between the two regions. He emphasized that Thailand and Taiwan share core values such as freedom and democracy. Both have been pioneers in Asia in legalizing same-sex marriage, symbolizing mutual respect for human rights and multiculturalism.On the topic of economic cooperation, Mr. Arunrugstichai pointed out that Taiwan has consistently ranked among the top four foreign investors in Thailand. Taiwanese companies have deeply integrated into Thailand’s industrial supply chain, playing key roles in sectors such as electronics, automotive parts, and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Over 5,000 Taiwanese firms have invested and established factories in Thailand, significantly contributing to local exports and employment. He also noted Thailand’s push toward developing electric vehicles (EVs) and the semiconductor industry, expressing hope for deeper collaboration with Taiwan in advanced manufacturing, as both countries look to a green and innovation-driven future in the Asia-Pacific region.Mr. Arunrugstichai also introduced Thailand’s rich and diverse cultural landscape, explaining that the country is divided into five major regions with distinct religious and linguistic features. Influenced by both Indian and Chinese cultures, Thailand exemplifies remarkable cultural diversity. He encouraged students to explore various regions—north, central, and south—if they ever have the chance to visit, to personally experience the unique lifestyles and traditions of each area. He also revisited the historical ties forged through the Royal Agricultural Project initiated by King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit during their visit to Taiwan in 1963, recognizing Taiwan’s contributions to crop substitution and social transformation in northern Thailand.#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG17 @Department of East Asian Languages and Literature &Activities
Student Affairs Division’s “New Cultural Kaleidoscope” Series Takes Faculty and Students to Chiayi for the Grasstraw Festival.
【Text and Photos by: Chiao-Ling Chiu, Graduates Career Guidance Section, Student Affairs Division】【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2025-03-24 On the 22nd, the Student Affairs Division of the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) organized the "New Cultural Kaleidoscope" event, in which faculty and students traveled to Chiayi to participate in a forum co-hosted by Chuang Feng-Chia, Khuôn viên văn hoá Việt Nam (越在嘉文化棧) founder and director Nguyen Kim Hong, and journalist Chien Yung-Ta. The forum focused on sharing the lived experiences of new immigrants and migrant workers in Taiwan, as well as exploring the development of Southeast Asian cultures in Taiwan.The Student Affairs Division of the National University of Kaohsiung has long been committed to organizing activities related to new immigrant cultures. This event aimed to deepen students’ understanding of these cultures through on-site participation and interviews, enhancing their cross-cultural competence. By actively promoting related courses and activities, the university hopes to foster student growth in a multicultural environment and support the second-generation immigrants' cultural identity and self-development.Through this event, many students expressed a deeper understanding of the situations faced by migrant workers and new immigrants. Chen, a student from the Department of Crafts and Creative Design, shared that visiting the National Radio Museum helped her realize the media’s role in shaping social change. What impressed her the most, however, was the in-depth discussion during the interviews, which made her reflect on the rights and sense of belonging of migrant workers. “This forum taught me to think from their perspective and understand that simple sympathy cannot really help them, they have their own communities and a strong sense of belonging,” she said.Kuo, a student from the Department of Asia-Pacific Industrial and Business Management, emphasized that interactions with migrant workers and new immigrants should not be solely for research or charitable purposes, but should begin with building genuine friendships and truly understanding their needs and circumstances. “This dialogue taught me to put myself in their shoes. I realized that simple sympathy alone isn’t enough to truly help them,” he said.Chen, a student from the Department of Applied Economics, shared that her previous understanding of racial discrimination was mostly limited to an international context. However, this event made her realize that prejudice and mistrust toward foreign migrant workers still persist in Taiwanese society. “We shouldn’t view migrant workers’ rights solely from a legal perspective,” she said. “We should care about their actual living conditions in Taiwan and work toward making our society more inclusive and welcoming.”Lin, a student from the Department of Applied Physics, specifically addressed the issue of so-called “runaway migrant workers.” She noted that many workers are forced to leave their original employers due to harsh working conditions and restrictive legal frameworks, yet they are often stigmatized because of it. “This made me rethink the root causes of the challenges faced by migrant workers. I now have even more respect for organizations like Khuôn viên văn hoá Việt Nam, which are willing to offer them shelter and support,” she said.Through this event, students not only deepened their understanding of issues faced by new immigrants and migrant workers, but also began to reflect on how they could shift their own perspectives in daily life to help foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.In addition to the lecture and forum, students also visited a local market where they tasted international cuisines, enjoyed artistic performances by new immigrants, and explored exhibitions of handmade crafts. Lo, a student from the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, shared: “This event gave me a deep appreciation for the richness of multiculturalism. It also made me reflect on how Taiwan can become a more welcoming place for people of diverse backgrounds.”The event coordinator stated that similar activities will continue to be organized in the future, providing more students with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of new immigrant cultures. Through hands-on participation, the aim is to foster greater social understanding. “We hope students will approach everyone on this land with more empathy and an open mind, helping Taiwan truly become a diverse and inclusive society.”#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG11 #SDG17 @Student Affairs Division & Events
"The Goal of University Education - N Choose 1 Diverse Special Courses" Handcrafting Glass Beads from the Paiwan Tribe: Passing on the Delight of Indigenous Culture.
【Translator: Zhi-Yu Yang】【Text and photos provided: Wang Yao-Xuan, President of the Aboriginal Club, and Li Yu-Qi, Researcher at CTLD.】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2023-10-30 Diversity and inclusion are important issues in countries around the world today. Issues related to diverse ethnic groups are closely related to our daily lives. To promote mutual understanding and inclusion among different cultures and ethnic groups, the Indigenous Students Resource Center and The Center for Teaching and Learning Development (CTLD) at the National University of Kaohsiung jointly organized the ' The Goal of University Education - N Choose 1 Diverse Special Courses' on the 17th. This event aims to increase the awareness of first-year students about indigenous life and indigenous culture and to implement the goal of creating an indigenous-friendly campus and promoting indigenous education for all. NUK Indigenous Students Resource Center had five student leaders take turns sharing on stage. The content covered the following aspects: "Introduction to the Functions and Positioning of the Indigenous Students Resource Center," "Resources Available for Indigenous Students on Campus," "What We've Learned from Participating in Various Activities Organized by the Indigenous Students Resource Center and Indigenous Student Society," and "Introduction to Indigenous Language Courses."Guided by the Aboriginal Club's advisor, Ms. Wu Shu-Chen, and with contributions from the club's executive members, including Lu Ching-Sheng, Wang Yao-Hsuan, Wu Yu-Wei, Jin Ning, and Li Hsin-Jou, the experiences shared were aimed at making the content more relatable to the new students while maintaining a strong focus on exploring Indigenous issues.During the course, the Indigenous Students Resource Center not only provided insights from senior students but also used a significant material from the Paiwan culture, the "Glass bead," for a hands-on craft experience. This allowed students to create Indigenous-style accessories and introduced them to Indigenous culture. The hope is that more students will be motivated to engage with and understand Indigenous culture in the future. This ensures that "Indigenization for All" (a program in Taiwan that promotes the education and awareness of indigenous peoples among the entire population) becomes more than just a slogan but a tangible reality on our campus. It promotes a collective understanding, respect, and appreciation of diverse cultures, continually emphasizes the value of diversity and inclusion, and fosters cultural integration to create a better future.#SDG4 #SDG10
NUK held an opening ceremony for the Indigenous Students Resources Center to promote Indigenous culture and foster a sense of belonging.
【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】2023-09-19 On the 18th, the National University of Kaohsiung(NUK) held the opening ceremony for the "Indigenous Students Resources Center." Beyond increasing support and counseling for Indigenous students, it will serve as a hub for faculty and students to convene. The center will also promote various activities to guide people to understand Indigenous peoples and foster respect for diverse cultures.NUK‘s President Yueh-Tuan Chen attended the ceremony and joined the students in a joyful dance performance, demonstrating her appreciation and support. She shared that she has collaborated with professors Tsung-Fang Wu and Chih-Hung Wu for nearly a decade in leading the Ministry of Education's "Digit Companions for Learning" project, and the dedication of the team has been recognized by tribal elders. She emphasized that given the opportunity and proper education, Indigenous children can excel just like anyone else.Yueh-Tuan Chen highlighted that in 2017, NUK established the "Indigenous Students Resources Center." The number of Indigenous students has since grown from 51 to 117. With the growing number of students, the university utilized the summer break to renovate and expand the space, creating a sense of "home," providing support for academic learning and encouraging students to make the most of it.In the future, the center will actively respond to policies from the Ministry of Education and the Council of Indigenous Peoples, to guide people to understand Indigenous peoples. It will integrate related topics into curriculum and teaching, guiding school faculty and students to understand and respect Indigenous peoples."Since its establishment, the Indigenous Students Resources Center has been dedicated to Indigenous education, culture, arts, activities, and talent development. This includes expanding the " Masalu Indigenous Day" during the university's anniversary in March 2023, inviting students, faculty, and the public to learn about Indigenous culture, and fostering mutual respect. In June, in collaboration with Shu-Te University, both universities' Indigenous students formed a visiting delegation to the Philippines to observe local efforts in cultural preservation and concurrently promote Taiwan's Indigenous characteristics.NUK is committed to supporting the employment prospects of Indigenous students and consistently arranges counseling sessions and training courses. For instance, Lawa (Huang Yu-shan), a Tayal graduate from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering was admitted to the "Fourth Grade Civil Engineering" last year (2022). Additionally, Hwai-kuan Hsieh, a Paiwan Master's student in the Department of Financial and Economic Law, passed the lawyer's examination in 2021. In May of this year, the university invited Senior Executive Officer Wen-pin Weng from the Ministry of Examination to analyze the key points and subjects of the exams, guiding students to pursue careers in civil service.#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG17
Cheng-Hung Wang, Associate Professor of Department of Crafts and Creative Design led students to integrate learning with rural VR
【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】【Translator：Yu-Yan Hsieh】 The diversified development of education is not only limited by factors such as geographical environment, but also affected by factors such as new immigrants, urbanization, and declining birth rate, making the problem of rural education more complicated than before. "Artistic Fishing Village" is developed with the theme of SDGs 14 "Life Below Water" and SDGs4 "Quality Education". In the undergraduate courses, students are allowed to integrate image creation, picture book production and design thinking. Through creative thinking on ocean issues, complete the implementation of picture books on sustainable development.Freshmen and Sophomores were led by the Cheng-Hung Wang, Associate Professor of Department of Crafts and Creative Design of NUK. They brought the picture book textbooks completed by college students to two rural primary and secondary schools (Kaohsiung Municipal Ke-Liao Junior Highschool and Ke-Liao Elementary School) for art workshops, allowing the children to draw the ocean home in their hearts.The content planning of the workshop is as follows: 1. Introduction to picture books, 2. VR marine ecological experience, 3. Drawing the creation of marine homes, 4. Understanding marine ecology through virtual reality, 5. Playing together with the display of transfer printing results.The university team entered Kaohsiung Municipal Ke-Liao Junior Highschool on April 26th and Ke-Liao Elementary School on May 2nd to interact with the students, and combined the knowledge of UN SDGs issues, marine ecology and understanding Keziliao with VR and artistic creation to the teaching site.They will also enter Ke-Liao Elementary School for the second time, and invite students from Kaohsiung Municipal Ke-Liao Junior Highschool, who were selected as 5G new technology learning demonstration schools, to NUK at the end of May. There are about 100 students from the two schools. They will co-create and integrate VR technology into learning experience with college students.The goal of this activity course is to enhance the cultivation of college students' ability to practice and practice in rural areas. Based on service design learning, students can enter the teaching content of rural field practice. By playing the Heat-printing series of activities together, they will craft practice is a skill course that combines aesthetic education and practical experience.By playing the heat-printing series of activities together, students will practice heat-printing as a skill course before learning skills such as operation and teaching plan design in the classroom and after training, they will plan out teaching plans suitable for guiding elementary and middle school children.Lead rural school children to conduct heat-printing experience courses and get in touch with new technology education to increase art experience, so that school children in rural areas can not only learn by hand, but also further develop works with local characteristics. At the same time, it implements the demands of the local Practical Community Service Design Learning and SDGs-4, and spreads the achievements of integrating new technology into learning.#SDG4 #SDG10 #SDG14
