Taiwan Tech’s USR “Engineers in Action” collaborates with students and teachers from the Departments of Chemical Technology, Horticulture, and Electrical Engineering of Taipei Municipal Songshan High School of Agriculture and Industry, along with National Kuan-Hsi Senior High School's Department of Horticulture. Together, they formed a 50-member volunteer team to spend 10 days in the Dongyue Atayal tribe village and Dong'ao Elementary School in Yilan County, providing a variety of services such as building aquaponics systems, channel renovations, electrical appliance repairs, promoting sustainable education, and repairing traditional Atayal homes.

The USR “Engineers in Action” of Taiwan Tech partners with students and teachers from Departments of Chemical Technology, Horticulture, and Electrical Engineering of Taipei Municipal Songshan High School of Agriculture and Industry and Department of Horticulture of National Kuan-Hsi Senior High School to offer services in Dongyue Atayal village and Dong'ao Elementary School, including aquaponics systems, channel renovations, electrical appliance repairs, sustainability advocacy, and traditional Atayal home repairs.

Third-year student Hsin-Yi Su from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Taiwan Tech explained that the aquaponics system combines aquaculture and hydroponics, effectively reducing harmful metabolic byproducts for fish while supplying essential nutrients to plants. This system allows for continuous recycling of the cultivation water, advancing the concept of sustainable development. Su noted that despite extensive communication and coordination to create the most suitable plan for the local environment, they still faced unexpected challenges during implementation. She and her team worked collaboratively on-site to achieve the project goals. This experience not only provided her with valuable practical experience but also deepened her appreciation for natural resources highlighted the importance of ecological balance, and underscored the value of teamwork.

Taiwan Tech mobile engineers are currently cleaning the foam stone in the aquaponics system's planting beds.

A fourth-year student, Yi-Hsiang Chen, from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Taiwan Tech stated that the traditional Atayal houses are not only homes but also symbols of the tribe's culture and way of life. The renovation project included repairing the five-layer roof structure, made up of bamboo, cowhide felt, bamboo frames, slate, and horizontal beams, all secured with rattan. Chen believes that participating in social welfare projects not only enhances personal value but also gives back to society, as he has previously received help from others in his life. Additionally, such community service fosters team cohesion and strengthens connections with society.

Taiwan Tech mobile engineers are responsible for renovating traditional Atayal houses.

A small channel next to Dong'ao Elementary School became a key renovation project for Taiwan Tech students. They cleared sediment from the waterway, relocated stones for aesthetic enhancement, installed new downspouts, and repositioned stones to reduce hazards. The team also incorporated Atayal tribal totems into the landscape design, dividing the area into a green ecological zone and a water-friendly foot-soaking area. This revitalized channel now offers local residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the cool springs of the Dongyue tribe, becoming one of the most meaningful spots in the community.

After renovation, the channel incorporates Dong'ao Elementary School's emblem featuring Atayal totems.

Due to its remote location and lack of resources, Dongyue Tribe residents frequently face difficulties with broken appliances. Taiwan Tech’s electrical repair team conducted an “Electrical Repair Workshop”, offering free appliance repairs and receiving a warm welcome from locals. The Taiwan Tech mobile engineers used their expertise to address everyday issues for residents, embodying the principle of “spreading the love”.

Taiwan Tech mobile engineers patiently taught local students in Dong'ao how to make water filters.

Recently, Taiwan Tech has actively promoted sustainable development. Mobile engineers used interactive games to help students understand the importance of environmental sustainability and taught them how to create custom water filters using PET bottles and gravel. They also instructed students in making the non-toxic and safe flying fish handmade soap with Atayal characteristics, further promoting environmental protection and cultural heritage.