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National Chung Hsing University [Public Relations Office] Report: Academy of Circular Economy Officially Inaugurated
2022/09/14
National Chung Hsing University [Public Relations Office] Information
On September 13, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) held the inauguration ceremony for its Nantou Campus and the Academy of Circular Economy. The Nantou Campus, centered in the southern core, has welcomed two colleges and two research centers in September, accommodating 220 faculty members and students. These include the Academy of Circular Economy, the College of Innovation and International Industry, the Industry-Academia Research Linkage Center, and the Environmental Education and Sustainable Technology R&D Center, marking the first phase of establishing a university town in Jhongsing New Village.
Distinguished guests included President Tsai Ing-wen, Secretary-General to the Executive Yuan Li Meng-yen, Minister without Portfolio Chang Ching-sen, Minister of Education Pan Wen-chung, Minister of the National Development Council Kung Ming-hsin, Legislators Lin Ching-yi and Lo Mei-ling, Secretary-General of Nantou County Government Hung Jui-chih, former Executive Director of the Central Taiwan Office of the Executive Yuan Tsai Pei-hui, and industry representatives such as Chairman Wu Cheng-pang of GeneFerm Biotechnology, General Manager Chang Ching-piao of Cheng Loong Corp., Director Chang Meng-fan of TSMC, Chairman Chen Peng-chi of Bofu Manufacturing, as well as local village chiefs, all attending to witness the event.
The Academy of Circular Economy at NCHU, established this year, is a national key research institute and the first of its kind in Asia. It focuses on three main areas: new agriculture, smart technology, and green semiconductors. The academy collaborates with major enterprises such as GeneFerm Biotechnology, TSMC, China Steel Corporation, All Cosmos Bio-Tech Holding Corporation, Cheng Loong Corp., New Chuang Innovation, AU Optronics, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, DIAMOND QUANTUM Biotechnology, Rayin Technology, Bofu Manufacturing, Taiwan Color Optics, SPIL, Caiwei, Chisheng, and AIDC. Emphasizing sustainable industrial development and net-zero carbon emissions, the academy aims to cultivate talents through industry-academia collaboration and specialized projects, assisting industries in developing innovative technologies. The first cohort of 90 master's and doctoral students commenced classes on September 5.
In her speech, President Tsai expressed her pleasure in witnessing the inauguration of NCHU's Nantou Campus and the Academy of Circular Economy alongside leaders from academia and industry. She emphasized that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a global and national goal. Since taking office, promoting energy transition has been a top priority for the administration.
President Tsai noted that the establishment of the Academy of Circular Economy aims to cultivate comprehensive net-zero talents to accelerate the realization of net-zero transformation. As the first university in Taiwan to establish such an academy, NCHU, in collaboration with industry partners, is expected to form a national team for net-zero carbon emissions, serving as a model for industry-academia cooperation.
NCHU President Shieu Fuh-sheng stated that the Nantou Campus is planned for phased development, with the second phase set to begin next year, including nine professional colleges and centers, as well as facilities like the Ark Botanical Garden, Insect Museum, and sports and activity areas. Adopting the concept of European and American university towns, the campus retains its characteristic white walls and red tiles with low-rise buildings, integrating smart management and renewable energy throughout. Future sports venues and exhibition halls will become integral parts of the local community, creating a shared and prosperous "Double Hsing" vision.
Doctoral student Tsai Chien-hao from the Academy of Circular Economy mentioned that promoting net-zero carbon emissions is a global trend. Enrolled in the Plant Health doctoral program, he combines expertise in plant pathology with circular economy concepts to develop new plant health models. The academy's emphasis on industry internships ensures that research and equipment align with industry needs, benefiting future career development.
Master's student Hou Chi expressed excitement and anticipation as a member of the first cohort at the Academy of Circular Economy and the initial group to settle in the Nantou Campus. He noted that classrooms and teaching facilities are newly established based on student needs. Studying in Jhongsing New Village offers opportunities to learn about Nantou's local culture. Majoring in Industrial and Smart Technology, he hopes to integrate circular economy concepts into smart machinery development during industry internships.
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