News in Focus

"The AI era is driving a new global industrial revolution," and as the demand for tech talent continues to grow, traditional applied mathematics departments are striving to reinvent themselves as rising stars in the age of technological transformation. Tunghai University's Department of Applied Mathematics has embraced this trend, rebranding itself as the "Department of Smart Computing and Applied Mathematics." According to Department Head Dr. Hong-Ming Chen, the transformation is well underway. Mathematics is no longer just about numbers—it now integrates smart computing to advance fields such as smart healthcare, financial technology, and intelligent living. Graduates of this revamped department are poised to become in-demand talents of the next generation.

Tunghai University's Department of Applied Mathematics has rebranded as the "Department of Smart Computing and Applied Mathematics," integrating smart computing to advance smart healthcare, financial technology, and intelligent living.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Jen-Hsun Huang once praised Taiwan as an "unsung hero and pillar of the world," underscoring the value of Taiwanese talent. As students increasingly flock to STEM fields, Dr. Chen aims to dispel the myth of mathematics being "useless." Mathematics, he argues, is the foundation of everything—from musical notes and architectural geometry to philosophical reasoning. Applied mathematics bridges theory and application in engineering, science, economics, computer science, and finance. The new department will cultivate versatile talents, admitting only one class per year, offering teacher training programs, and providing students with state-of-the-art resources, including two smart classrooms.

Breaking the myth of mathematics being "useless," the department cultivates versatile talents, admitting only one class per year, offering teacher training programs, and equipping students with two smart classrooms.

Dr. Chen emphasized that the traditional applied mathematics curriculum has been completely revamped to align with the rapid advancements in AI, big data, and smart applications. The department has hired faculty with expertise in statistics, finance, and quantum computing, including Dr. Lai Guan-Wen, a distinguished graduate of Brown University (ranked 9th globally). Building on its strengths in model development, data analysis, numerical methods, and optimization, the department now offers courses in data science, integrated research projects, and advanced applications such as scientific computing, mathematical control, mathematical modeling, cryptography, 3D printing, and bioinformatics. These innovations position graduates to excel in the AI and big data era.

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Caption 3: Students of the department receive diverse training, preparing them to become in-demand talents in the AI and big data era.

"Enhancing students' practical experience through teacher training programs, programming skills, and interdisciplinary learning in AI is crucial for career development," Dr. Chen noted. The department also offers industry-academia collaboration and internship opportunities to ensure graduates are job-ready. Alumni of the applied mathematics program have already achieved remarkable success in various fields. Notable figures include Lin Rong-Jian, former Senior Vice President and Asia-Pacific President of Synopsys; Huang Wen-Ling, a professor at the University of Hamburg; Chin Yu-Ling, Chair of the Taiwan International Logistics and Supply Chain Association; and Lo Wen-Kuei, Chairman of Jin Yue Xuan Catering Group. Dr. Chen is confident that the transformation into the Department of Smart Computing and Applied Mathematics will open even more career pathways, making graduates valuable assets in industries such as technology, finance, and education in the AI-driven era.