Celebrating its 101st anniversary, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) hosted the “2025 Higher Education Sprout Project Achievement Exhibition” and the “U-Life Market” on November 29th. The events, themed “Centennial Foundation +1: Stepping into Innovation” and “NPUST 101: Local Practice 1+1,” respectively, showcased the university’s strong commitment to teaching innovation, research, and local engagement.
The Achievement Exhibition at the Library and Exhibition Hall presented the outcomes of the Higher Education Sprout Project through interactive experiences that integrated cuisine, technology, and culture. The highlights included “Culinary Innovation”, with Administrative Vice President Wen-Ling Shih showcasing Makatao-based dishes (e.g., Red Quinoa Egg Rolls) and taking visitors on a VR museum experience. Other professors demonstrated dessert art, introduced chocolate making, and instructed coffee roasting techniques.
In another section, Practical Skills & Safety were given focus, with Assistant Professor Shin-Yu Chen hosting the “Real vs. Fake Juice Challenge” for food safety awareness and Assistant Professor Pearl Pei-Chun Chang teaching mushroom identification. Other professors taught visitors how to make eco-friendly drink carriers and floral therapy bookmarks, and hosted brain challenge games.
The U-Life Market focused on the University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative, featuring 13 community partners such as the Wanjin Community Development Association. Themed “NPUST 101: Local Practice 1+1,” the market sold diverse products developed through USR projects, including local agricultural produce, Hakka cuisine, and cocoa/tea products. Sustainable education exhibits were also on display, fully reflecting NPUST’s principle of joining hands with the local communities to create conditions for co-prosperity.
The combined events demonstrated the university’s enduring energy and the successful efforts of faculty, students, the community, and industry when it comes to promoting sustainable development and initiating sustainable action for the next generation.
