The NPUST University Social Responsibility (USR) project, entitled “Cultural Resilience and the Sustainable Economic Development of a Healthy Makatao Agricultural Industry”, is continuing to have an impact on the local community. This year (2026), once again, the team has joined up with a number of local elementary schools (Rong-Hua Elementary, Jian-Guo Elementary, Xi-Bei Elementary, and Sai-Jia Elementary) to offer an outdoor activity that brings together education, exercise, exploration, and intergenerational engagement. The “Cycling to Kenting” activity, now in its second year, is more than just a test of physical fitness and willpower, it is also an opportunity for cross-school, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary interaction—teaching students courage, cooperation, care, and cultural identity through every stroke of the pedal.

The activity was held on Saturday March 21, starting very early for the first group of 16 (including NPUST faculty, staff, and alumni) who gathered at the NPUST campus gymnasium at 4:30 AM. From there, the cyclists headed to Rong-Hua Elementary School where they were joined students and parents at about 5:30 AM to continue the journey. Along the route, participants from the other three elementary schools joined in one after the next until they had formed a huge group of over 160 cyclists. Riding against the wind, the convoy passed through Neipu, Chaozhou, Xinpi, Fangliao, Fenggang, and Checheng before reaching the southernmost point of mainland Taiwan in Hengchun Township (21°53’59″N, 120°50’0″E). Standing at the breathtaking junction of the Pacific Ocean and the Bashi Channel, the team felt a profound sense of self-transcendence and personal accomplishment.

Mr. Peng Su, Chairman of Zhong Young Livestock Co., Ltd., greatly contributed to the event by generously donating dozens of road bikes to Rong-Hua Elementary School. In this way Mr. Su, who is also a senior alumnus of NPUST, provided the resources necessary for students to join in on the challenge and broaden their horizons together. To ensure safety, professionalism, and educational value, Director Min-hung Chen and Professor Hung Wen Lin from the NPUST Department of Recreation Sport and Health Promotion visited Rong-Hua Elementary School for a pre-trip briefing. They explained personnel distribution, safety patrols, supply support, professional protection, and emergency responses such as tire changes so that the riders would be well-prepared and the trip would be safely executed.

Recognizing the challenges of long-distance cycling—including inclines, headwinds, and stamina management—the team accompanied the children on practice rides prior to the event. These sessions helped students master their riding rhythm across different road conditions while strengthening their fitness and stability. Before departure, Director Min-hung Chen and triathlon coach Chris Tien presented the four schools with specialized cycling water bottles and professional sports nutrition supplements. Additionally, NPUST administrative staff managed logistics and supplies, while four student-athletes from the Department of Recreation Sport and Health Promotion acted as mentors on the road, providing real-time encouragement and support.

Principal Chung-Ping Lee of Rong-Hua Elementary School remarked that by partnering with NPUST, children are able to face challenges with peace of mind and grow through action. He noted that learning persistence and cooperation on the journey south is an invaluable educational experience. Parents expressed their gratitude for the event, noting that while they felt nervous, they were moved by their children’s willingness to take on the challenge, citing NPUST’s professional support as a key factor in their confidence. One participating student shared: “I was worried at first, but after practicing, I learned how to shift gears and keep the rhythm. Having the NPUST teachers and older ‘brothers and sisters’ riding with us gave us courage. Taking our graduation photo at the southernmost tip of the country is a memory I’ll never forget.”

NPUST Vice President Wen-ling Shih, who is also the project leader, stated that this journey, which continues on from last year, is more than a physical test; it is also a path to understanding the land and culture, and towards building self-confidence. She emphasized that the warm companionship of faculty, coaches, alumni, and parents allows children to believe in themselves. The detailed support provided by NPUST highlights the core spirit of the USR project: rooting education in the community and using university expertise to protect and empower the next generation.