The ceremony for the "2023 CommonWealth USR University Citizen Award," organized by CommonWealth Magazine, was recently held. Taiwan Tech has consecutively secured the top position among public vocational universities for five years. Vice President Ji-Cheng Liu, representing the university during the award presentation, mentioned that the university's mascots are a tiger and a duck. In addition to combining their English names to form "Tiger Duck '' for the university's representation, he also expressed the hope that students can embody the courage and vigor of a tiger in the field of innovation and research. Furthermore, he encouraged them to be agile and adaptable like a duck—swimming, walking, and spreading their wings to fly when necessary. He emphasized the importance of maintaining resilience and flexibility in diverse environments, aspiring to nurture a new generation of professionals with social responsibility and global awareness.

Taiwan Tech achieved the top position among public vocational universities in the 2023 "CommonWealth USR University Citizen Award." Vice President Ji-Cheng Liu and Professor Zhen-Yu Gao, the USR project leader, represented the university in accepting the award. Photo provided by CommonWealth Magazine

Reflecting on the past endeavors of Taiwan Tech in implementing the Ministry of Education's USR project, significant accomplishments have been realized. Both faculty and students have made substantial contributions, whether by actively engaging with local communities to revitalize and foster a sense of identity in the southern city, promoting regional resilience against disasters, or venturing into international rural areas. They leverage their academic knowledge and technical skills to enhance the quality of life for local residents. Through the USR project, students engage in interdisciplinary learning, foster civic consciousness, cultivate a sense of social responsibility, and broaden their international perspectives. In doing so, the project has firmly established a foundation of humanistic care and innovative thinking within the technological fabric of the university.

In the autumn of 2023, the Taiwan Tech's USR team will journey beyond the equator to the southern hemisphere, specifically to the South American country of Paraguay. They will conduct in-depth USR visits and project exchanges, accompanied by the Taiwan Embassy in Paraguay. Together, they will visit several local universities in Paraguay, including the Taiwan-Paraguay Technological University, the Asunción National University, the Catholic University, and the German-Paraguayan University. During these visits, they will introduce the current status of Taiwan's USR project, showcase annual achievements, and engage in various exchange activities. The aim is to collectively explore potential future collaborations in USR, actively promoting positive and friendly national diplomacy. This endeavor seeks to extend the boundless diffusion of energy and benefits of Taiwan's USR to the southern hemisphere.

President Ji-Cheng Liu emphasized that Taiwan Tech remains committed to diligent efforts in both the USR project and sustainable development. Photo provided by CommonWealth Magazine

Concurrently, the university initiated a greenhouse gas inventory this year, aligning with the global emphasis on sustainable development and echoing Taiwan Tech's commitment to achieving 100% carbon neutrality by 2049. This inventory aims to assess the overall carbon emissions of the institution, enabling the formulation of appropriate carbon reduction strategies. The university community is united in its efforts to improve infrastructure and collectively progress towards the goal of carbon neutrality. In doing so, they contribute their share towards global sustainable development and coexistence in an environmentally friendly manner.

Taiwan Tech is poised to reach its 50th anniversary in 2025, and this accolade serves as a significant source of inspiration. It encourages continued dedication to the practice of university social responsibility (USR) and sustainable development. Looking ahead, Taiwan Tech plans to integrate university social responsibility with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university aims to construct a multi-core development blueprint encompassing "Community Care and Local Revitalization," "Talent Cultivation and Holistic Development," "Environmental Resilience and Sustainability," and "International Collaboration and Resource Sharing." Through this framework, involving a symbiotic relationship between faculty, students, the university, the local community, and the external environment, Taiwan Tech aims to radiate positive influence from the core outwards, maximizing its potential for constructive impact.

Group photo of attendees at the "2023 CommonWealth Talent Sustainability Award" ceremony. Photo provided by CommonWealth Magazine