Chang-Hsien Ta has been serving National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) as chief administrator since 2014. With his second four-year term officially coming to a close on July 31, 2002, a special reception was held to bring staff members together and commemorate “Our Days at NPUST”.
Top level administrators from NPUST’s departments, institutes, and other administrative units were present for the occasion. As colleagues shared their experiences from over the years, it was clear that President Chang-Hsien Tai has left everyone with the impression that he is a person who is deeply devoted to school affairs, and who deeply cares for colleagues and students alike. Looking back on their eight years together, those present at the reception shared stories and shared laughs with one another –remembering their “days at NPUST” and the many experiences those days have provided.
While addressing his colleagues, President Chang-Hsien Tai said, “there is a joke about how the brain and the heart argue over who is more important—and even the liver intervenes! But, to be a “person”, all of the organs are equally important. And the same is true of NPUST. This university is not just the beautiful campus that is seen from the outside world; the real living NPUST is reflected in the teachers, staff members, students, and alumni of all of its colleges. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and support, we have created a beautiful eight years together. And so, I dedicate this memorable day to all my good friends.”
Over his term, President Tai focused on building up the university along four main axes of development, while continuously promoting the type of R&D that would help NPUST become a “sustainably university” as it approaches its 100th anniversary in the next few years. With focus given to precision and Smart technology, the school has been expanding into such areas as “precision health” and “integrated health”, while also applying the Sustainable Development Goals to a wide variety of technologies. Over the past eight years, the school’s performance has earned it the top place in Taiwan on the GreenMetric University Ranking, first place amongst technical universities on the University Impact Ranking, the TCSA Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Platinum Award in the 2022 Sustainability Report, and the Global Views Magazine University Social Responsibility Award, for three consecutive years.
With many achievements to show for, the alumni, teachers, and students of the NPUST have been left with the feeling that there is a strong force of transformation flowing through the campus. In recent years they have witnessed the creation of the Smart Agriculture Center, the AI Machinery Hall, the Big Data Center, the 3D Printing Center and the Center for Sustainable R&D. Meanwhile, the Library and Conference Hall has been renovated and other projects have helped enhance the overall campus environment. An increased emphasis on cross-domain cooperation in recent years has also resulted in the successful integration of technologies from various departments; and with more interaction taking place between teachers and students from different fields of study, new opportunities are being developed to combine expertise, give back to the community, and strengthen national policies for the benefit the society.
In an emotional expression of gratitude, President Tai thanked his colleagues; remembering how, over this time, there has been ups and downs with good friends working hard together and dedicated teachers inspiring others to move forward—and all along the way, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime.
