News in Focus

“Life only has setbacks, not failures,” said President Chang Kuo-En of Tunghai University, addressing over 3,000 freshmen. Speaking in the context of the transformative era brought by artificial intelligence (AI), he emphasized the need to redefine the concept of “failure.” In this fast-paced age, many mistakenly equate setbacks with failure. President Chang urged the young AI generation to understand that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to grow. He stressed that developing resilience to face the challenges of the times is a crucial task.

President Chang Kuo-En addresses over 3,000 freshmen at Tunghai University, emphasizing that life only has setbacks, not failures, and highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of challenges.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, Tunghai University has achieved remarkable success in student recruitment this year. The university filled nearly all its available spots, admitting 3,031 students across disciplines such as arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, agriculture, and management, leaving only five vacancies in the arts cluster. Amid Taiwan's declining birthrate, Tunghai continues to excel as a leading private institution with a 99.99% admission rate. This week, the university hosted a rare four-day, three-night orientation program for freshmen, titled "University Introduction." Director of Student Affairs, Lung Feng-Di, explained that the theme, "Unstoppable University Students," was designed to help new students explore their futures. With the guidance of senior students and faculty, freshmen embarked on their university journey through hands-on mentorship, beginning their "My Youth" era with confidence and enthusiasm.

Tunghai University hosted a rare four-day, three-night "University Introduction" program for freshmen, guiding them in exploring diverse learning opportunities through mentorship from senior students and faculty.

To create an unforgettable experience for the AI generation, Tunghai organized a high-energy welcome party featuring a state-of-the-art sound and lighting stage. President Chang and his administrative team surprised the audience with a spirited performance of the popular dance “Good Night Ojosama” incorporating elements from the anime Haikyu!! Giant volleyballs were tossed into the crowd, engaging all 3,000 students in a lively game. Witnessing the excitement and determination of the new class, President Chang passionately declared, "We only have setbacks in life, not failures!" Encouraging students to redefine failure, he assured them that while challenges are inevitable, Tunghai’s four-year experience will teach them to overcome setbacks and achieve success.

To welcome the AI generation, President Chang Kuo-En led the administration in performing a popular dance and engaging students in a giant volleyball game, creating a lively and memorable experience.

Tunghai University’s outstanding admissions performance includes attracting top-ranking students, with over 60% listing the university as their first choice. This demonstrates that most students are beginning their higher education journey at their dream school. President Chang noted that while the future is filled with changes and challenges, students must shift their mindset to adapt to these transformations. This requires continuous learning, flexibility, and critical thinking skills to discern truth from misinformation. In the AI era, he emphasized the importance of redefining failure, proactively embracing change, and learning to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success.