The 2026 National Conference for the University Presidents in Taiwan, hosted by National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), came to a successful close on January 23rd. The event brought together over 200 university presidents, central government officials, and distinguished guests from around Taiwan for discussions that focused on core issues such as the ‘internationalization and local integration of higher education’, ‘professional talent cultivation and transformation in the AI era’, and ‘cross-disciplinary collaboration utilizing generative AI’.
During the opening ceremony, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao delivered remarks expressing his gratitude to the presidents for their attendance. He noted that this annual conference is a pivotal event influencing the trajectory of higher education in Taiwan. Through keynote presentations and discussions, the conference has been helping to spark innovative thinking while allowing institutions to align with government policy. Together, stakeholders aim to enhance the future of Taiwan’s education system and respond to technological advancements by shifting from passive to proactive management approaches when it comes to cultivating the next generation of global talent.
Dr. Chin-Lung Chang, President of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, stated that this year’s theme, “Digital Empowerment, Intelligence Driven,” addresses the profound impact of AI and emerging technologies on higher education. By integrating artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and cloud applications, institutions are reshaping the classroom, promoting cross-disciplinary learning, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. President Chang further noted that as competition for resources intensifies, universities are actively promoting sustainable development and University Social Responsibility (USR) while clarifying their unique brand identities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-school and cross-sector collaboration—integrating alliances and sharing resources to collectively fulfill talent cultivation, research innovation, and social responsibility.
KEYNOTE HIGHLIGHTS AND STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS
The conference featured five keynote speeches from prominent leaders:
- Cheng Ying-yao, Minister of Education
- Wu Cheng-wen, Minister of the National Science and Technology Council
- Dr. Chien Lee-feng, Former Managing Director of Google Taiwan
- Lin Yi-jing, Minister of Digital Affairs
- Chang Chin-yi, Director of Taiwan Human Resources Operations at TSMC
The speakers shared insights on technology-driven R&D efficiency, AI empowerment, future talent cultivation, and the construction of a semiconductor talent ecosystem in the AI era. During the sessions, many presidents focused on the innovative transformations universities are making in response to AI, educational practices that balance local connection with internationalization, and carbon-neutral development strategies. These dialogues served as a vital reference for institutional development planning.
SHOWCASING NPUST’S RESEARCH AND CULTURAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
During the conference, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology presented the “Five Treasures of NPUST” as souvenirs for the guests. The collection included:
- The university’s famous Low-Salt Soy Sauce and Low-Salt Thick Soy Sauce.
- Smart-Ear Low-Carbon Rice, produced using eco-friendly farming and smart rice cultivation technology.
- 70% Rich Chocolate, optimized for flavor through high-temperature roasting.
- Hand-Brewed Premium Drip Coffee, crafted from estate-grown beans processed on a simulated GMP production line.
These products, which integrate R&D technology, process management, and sustainability, demonstrate NPUST’s practical energy in smart agriculture and food science.
Another commemorative gift, titled “Melody of the Mountains, Art of the Craftsman”, was designed by the NPUST Department of Wood Science and Design. For this, the designers combined the indigenous Taiwania wood with the elegance of pine and depth of walnut to create business card holders depicting the majestic, undulating peaks of Mount Dawu. On one side it also incorporates a “Three Family Treasures” cultural concept from the Paiwan people, melding glass beads and pottery shards into an innovative “glass pot” design.
