News in Focus

Dedicated to sustainable development, Tunghai University, recently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, has earned three gold and one silver awards at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards (APSAA). The university was recognized for its initiatives in AI and big data talent cultivation, wellness villages for aging societies, carbon-neutral campuses, and medical alliances to address industry disparities. President Chang Kuo-En stated that Tunghai will continue advancing sustainability and AI as dual priorities, fostering talent to lead industrial transformation.

Tunghai University, ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, achieved three golds and one silver at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards.

Hosted by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), the 2024 APSAA and the 4th Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards (TSAA) unveiled their winners during a ceremony at the Taipei World Trade Center alongside the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Expo. Tunghai’s efforts in addressing SDGs 7, 9, 10, and 11 earned widespread acclaim, with innovative approaches to sustainability generating profound social impacts.

The university’s standout achievement was winning the gold award for "Accelerating the Sustainability Action with AI - Smart Carbon Neutrality Zone," led by Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Dr. Chang Jo-Shu, corresponding to SDG 7. Other gold awards included Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Innovation Dr. Weng Shao-Jen’s "Medical System Alliances for Inclusive Collaboration" (SDG 10) and Vice President Dr. Liu Jeng’s "Tungfu Open Wellness Village" (SDG 11). Meanwhile, the silver award went to Chief Librarian Dr. Yang Chao-Tung for "Cross-Disciplinary Co-Creation in the AI Era" (SDG 9). Innovations Driving Sustainable Development

Recognized for its AI talent cultivation, wellness villages for aging societies, carbon-neutral campuses, and medical alliances, Tunghai’s sustainability initiatives have had far-reaching social impacts.

Dr. Chang Jo-Shu shared that since 2018, Tunghai has strategically enhanced its infrastructure and expertise across manufacturing, ecology, architecture, and healthcare to foster interdisciplinary AI talent and support industrial transformation. The university established an environmental research center, interdisciplinary talent hubs, and a vision for a green university based on circular economy principles. A highlight of 2024 is the "Smart Carbon Neutrality Zone," Asia’s largest campus-based microalgae cultivation and circular economy demonstration site. Dr. Chang hopes this project will serve as a model for sustainable universities, advancing zero-carbon societies through integrated carbon management services in collaboration with public and private sectors.

Dr. Yang Chao-Tung emphasized the impact of the "National Smart Manufacturing Big Data Analytics Competition," which has been held annually since 2018. This competition bridges academia and industry by inviting participants to tackle real-world problems proposed by companies, fostering practical application and public-private collaboration. The 2024 event reached a record-high participation of 193 teams and over 700 individuals, underscoring its role as a leading platform for cultivating AI and big data talent.

Dean Weng Shao-Jen highlighted the university’s medical system alliance, which facilitates innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange. By providing opportunities for cross-sector cooperation, the alliance aims to address inequities in information and resources, offering equitable access and opportunities to diverse stakeholders. The alliance’s initiatives, including international exchanges and study tours, promote global collaboration and the application of smart technologies to solve pressing health and inequality challenges.

Vice President Liu Jeng discussed the "Tungfu Open Wellness Village," an innovative model launched in 2017 to address local community needs in Taichung’s Xitun District. This program integrates senior living services and activities with sustainable community management, establishing a replicable model for intergenerational and senior-friendly living. Liu emphasized that the program nurtures students’ sense of social responsibility by involving them in community-based initiatives, fostering multi-faceted professional development.

Tunghai University President Chang Kuo-En affirms the university’s dual focus on sustainability and AI, emphasizing its commitment to fostering trendsetting talent and supporting industrial transformation.