National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) is hosting the Overseas Youth Dream Fund and Youth Exchange Program for Diplomatic Allies from October 1 to October 30, 2025. This month-long educational exchange is co-sponsored by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and organized by the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). The opening ceremony on October 1st was attended by several distinguished guests from NPUST and the TaiwanICDF, who welcomed eight youth participants from six of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies: Paraguay, Eswatini, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. The welcoming dignitaries included: Professor Shang-Ming Ma, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Professor Wen-Ling Shih, Vice President for Administration; Professor Shu-twu Wang, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Jik-Chang Leong, Dean of the International College; Hsin-Pei Hsieh (謝昕蓓), Manager, International Education and Training Department, TaiwanICDF; and Hsiao-Chen Chou, Project Manager, TaiwanICDF. Members of the Taiwan Sustainability Hub and representatives from the Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation were also in attendance. PROGRAM GOALS: SMART AGRICULTURE AND DEEPENED FRIENDSHIP The exchange program was jointly planned by Herlin Chien, Professor and Director of the NPUST Center for General Education, and Jung-Yi Fang, Professor and Chair of the Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation. The organizers hope that the diverse curriculum and field experiences will promote the exchange of advanced agricultural knowledge and strengthen Taiwan’s long-term friendships with its allies. During the opening ceremony, the attending guests emphasized that this exchange offers an excellent opportunity for talent collaboration. They encouraged the visiting youth to fully embrace the NPUST campus life, actively engage with students, and gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan’s diverse culture. Most importantly, speakers expressed the hope that the participants would return home to apply the agricultural knowledge, sustainable development concepts, and life experiences gained in Taiwan, becoming key bridges for international cooperation and local development. INDUSTRY INSIGHT: A MODEL OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY Following the ceremony, the delegation visited King’s Ground Bio-Tech (KGBio). in the afternoon. Company CEO, Ching-Shan Yang (楊青山) personally hosted the group, providing a detailed introduction to the company’s entrepreneurial vision and its commitment to the “Circular Economies”. Yang highlighted how KGBio practices a zero-waste model by using high-value and innovative green technology to transform agricultural and food byproducts—such as soybean residue, tea leaves, and mung bean hulls—which are typically considered waste, into healthy animal feed, supplements, and household goods. The company employs the 5R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redefine, and Redesign) to redefine its production processes— from raw material sourcing to final product. In this way, they are working to set a new standard for circular economies in Taiwan. Yang encouraged the visiting youth to value the knowledge and insights gained in Taiwan and to bring the concepts of “zero waste” and “environmental sustainability” back to their home countries in order to drive local innovation. As a symbolic gesture of friendship he presented each of the eight students with a bar of soap made from recycled agricultural byproducts. CURRICULUM FOCUS: SMART AGRICULTURE AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE This year’s “Overseas Youth Dream Fund Program” is centered on four core areas: Sustainable Tourism, Smart Agriculture, Sports Diplomacy, and Cultural Diplomacy. NPUST’s program focuses on Smart Agriculture, featuring a carefully designed curriculum that includes experiential learning from the university’s undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in tropical agriculture. The agenda also incorporates practical activities such as smart agriculture technology demonstrations and ecological farming experiences, providing students with both theoretical foundations and hands-on exposure to Taiwan’s expertise in sustainable agriculture. Beyond professional training, the program emphasizes comprehensive cultural exchange. Students will participate in Hakka rural village and indigenous traditional culture experiences to get a feel for Taiwan’s rich multicultural tapestry. Furthermore, they will engage in fishery village food education and local revitalization activities organized by the Daxiaogangbian Local Revitalization Association (大小港邊地方創生協會) to foster a better understanding of local industry innovation and the diverse aspects of sustainable community development.

The National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) and the Nantou County Government announced a major collaboration to promote the “Development Project for Nantou County’s Bamboo Industry”. On October 2nd (2025), NPUST attended a ceremony at the Nantou County Government International Conference Hall to witness the signing of two key Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). Yi-Hsien Lin (林宜賢), Dean of the NPUST College of Agriculture, represented the university, alongside Jui-Hsiang Su, Director of the Nantou County Government Department of Agriculture, to officially witness the establishment of two partnerships: Dinglin Forestry Production Cooperative (頂林林業生產合作社) and Tuxing Wuri Co., Ltd. (土星烏日股份有限公司) Zhuyu Co., Ltd. (竹育股份有限公司) and Tuxing Wuri Co., Ltd. (土星烏日股份有限公司) Uniting industry, government, and academia, this tripartite collaboration signals a new drive to achieve sustainable bamboo use and connect the local industry to international carbon credit markets. ADVANCING CIRCULAR ECONOMIES AND CARBON CREDITS As a major center for bamboo production in Taiwan, Nantou County has long faced challenges in the international market. To counter this, the County Government leveraged the expertise of a team led by Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Yi of NPUST’s Department of Forestry to establish a Nantou Bamboo Industry Revitalization Matching Platform. This platform successfully inventoried local bamboo resources and facilitated the signing of the two MOUs. At the core of this initiative is a focus on promoting circular economies and sustainable development within the local bamboo industry. The local cooperatives and enterprises—Dinglin Forestry Production Cooperative and Zhuyu Co., Ltd.—will be responsible for the collection, crushing, and sorting of raw bamboo stalks. Tuxing Wuri Co., Ltd. will then establish a fixed-rate purchasing system, handling transportation and processing. Crucially, Tuxing Wuri will also act as an international carbon credit developer, connecting Nantou’s bamboo recycling efforts to the global carbon market and boosting the value of the local carbon economy. This project underscores Nantou’s firm commitment to a future centered on circular economies, carbon stock management, and international carbon credit development. ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT The team led by Assistant Professor Chen Chung-Yi from NPUST’s Department of Forestry was commissioned by the county government to serve as the professional technical backbone for the project. Their responsibilities include resource inventory, technical guidance, the introduction of carbon accounting methodologies (carbon footprint verification), and the establishment of the matching platform. Meanwhile, the Nantou County Government will act as a third-party supervisor, guaranteeing the fairness and transparency of the cooperation process. It will also work to replicate and promote the model across other regions within the county. The successful collaboration is expected to set a new standard for local supply chain integration while simultaneously building a sustainable brand for the county and elevating its international visibility. Moving forward, the goal is to continue facilitating cooperative agreements and establish a bamboo production demonstration base centered in Nantou, thereby boosting the local economy, and positioning Nantou as a national benchmark for green industry.

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), the Ministry of Environment (MOENV), and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 26, 2025, to establish a Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Research and Development Demonstration Center. The MOU was formally signed by representatives of the three parties, namely, Minister of Environment Chi-ming Peng, NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang, and Director-General Lao-Tar Juang of the MOA’s Department of Resources Sustainability. This cross-agency collaboration is a direct response to Taiwan’s 2050 Net-Zero Transition Policy, aiming for agricultural sustainability, climate change mitigation, and circular economies. The future Demonstration Center will utilize appropriate Green Technology to convert livestock manure and wastewater into valuable resources, maximizing the sustainable use of biomass and creating lasting environmental and economic benefits. PARTNERSHIP GOALS Minister of Environment Chi-ming Peng highlighted the importance of this inter-ministerial cooperation. He expressed the hope that the center would leverage the parties’ expertise in agriculture to lead by example, integrating academic research with practical application and, most importantly, local education. He anticipates that this three-way partnership will significantly boost industrial training in the Pingtung area. NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang stated that the signing of the MOU with the MOENV and the MOA is a crucial step forward for industry, government, academia, and research institutions in working together toward Taiwan’s agricultural net-zero transition and its development of circular economies. As an institution founded on agriculture, NPUST has broad expertise in smart agriculture, green energy, and environmental sustainability. The new center will serve as an innovative platform for research, demonstration, and outreach by bringing together technological development and educational practices. Director-General Lao-Tar Juang of the MOA’s Department of Resources Sustainability noted that circular agriculture is one of the MOA’s four core strategies for achieving net-zero emissions. He emphasized that this collaboration will initially focus on optimizing and improving the efficiency of biomass energy (bioenergy), starting at NPUST before being expanded to other industrial sectors. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE DEMONSTRATION CENTER The “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Research and Development Demonstration Center” will be located on the NPUST campus and will operate under a model involving industry, government, academia, and research institutions: Industry will provide market demand insights. Government agencies will offer policy guidance. Educational institutions will support talent development and provide the operational venue. Research institutions will contribute technical research and development. NPUST will further support the center by engaging academic units, including the College of Engineering, College of Management, College of Agriculture, and College of Veterinary Medicine, in cross-disciplinary project development, the cultivation of “green-collar” talent, and environmental education. As the only university in the nation focused on tropical agriculture, NPUST’s core strategy is to advance smart technology and sustainable agriculture. With its innovative, advanced digital and intelligent facilities, the “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Research and Development Demonstration Center” is expected to become a vital base for Taiwan’s move toward zero-waste and low-carbon goals and its continuous effort to revitalize local capabilities and drive sustainable regional development.

The Department of Soil and Water Conservation at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) is approaching its 60th anniversary. To mark this significant milestone, the department is hosting a “60th Anniversary Academic Lecture Series” from September to November of this year (2025). The series invites distinguished alumni who have achieved excellence in various fields to return to their alma mater and share their invaluable experiences in their professional domains. The diverse topics include: Agri-food Education Water Resource Recycling and Reuse Monitoring and Prevention of Large-Scale Landslides Career Landscape for Soil and Water Conservation Professionals Career Value for Soil and Water Conservation Engineers Urban Flooding and Challenges The lectures are open to all students and faculty across the university. The department hopes this cross-generational sharing of experiences will deepen academic exchange and inspire students to broaden their professional horizons. Featured Alumni Speakers The lecture series features six distinguished alumni, drawing speakers from both public and private sectors to highlight the varied careers available to SWC graduates. These experts include: Wang Zhi-Wei, Senior Engineer in the Industry Development and Recreation Division of the Agency of Rural Development & Soil and Water Conservation (ARDSWC) under the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA); Fu Gui-Lin, Director of the Nantou Branch of the ARDSWC, MOA; Dai Xin-Yi, Section Chief of the Rail Operations Section within the Forest Recreation Division of the Agency of Forestry and Nature Conservation, MOA; Fan Shi-Yi, Director-General of the Water Resources Bureau for the Taichung City Government; Chen Zhi-Cheng, President of the National Federation of Professional Soil and Water Conservationists Association; and Guo Yu-Lin, General Manager of Sen-Shan Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. These speakers collectively cover a broad spectrum of expertise, including agricultural policy, water resource management, slope disaster prevention, land development, and urban flood control. Schedule and Information The six lectures are scheduled for September 15, October 13, October 20, October 27, November 10, and November 17, 2025, and will be held in Classroom RE147 of the Department of Soil and Water Conservation. This series will offer a valuable glimpse into the Soil and Water Conservation Department’s 60 years of tradition and innovation and a provide a concrete look at the diverse value that the profession has to offer. It will also serve to highlight the strong connection between the alumni and their alma mater as they join together to celebrate this momentous anniversary. For more information, please visit the NPUST Department of Soil and Water Conservation website. (https://swc.npust.edu.tw/)

The 4th phase (2025-2027) of the Ministry of Education’s University Social Responsibility (USR) Practice Project is officially underway, and on August 12~13th USR Promotion Center organized the 2025 USR EXPO at the Taipei Expo Dome to present the work being done. A total of five USR project teams from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) participated in the event. Led by NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang and Dr. Hsu-Yang Kung of the Center of Interdisciplinary Feature Development, the teams clearly demonstrated NPUST’s commitment to the local area and its capacity for social engagement across a diverse range of sustainable issues. These issues include: under-forest economies, eco-tourism, digital transformation of agriculture, preservation of indigenous culture, grassroots aerospace and science education, and intergenerational co-prosperity. By offering integrated solutions to meet the regional needs of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, NPUST is fulfilling its mission to practice social responsibility and implement sustainable development. Featured Projects and Recognition This year’s USR EXPO, themed “University Ties and Resilient Innovation,” featured a dynamic lineup of exhibition booths, USR TALK presentations, stage speeches, and corporate matchmaking. NPUST’s five participating teams, showcasing their achievements from the 3rd phase to the present, include: The “Satoyama Root Economy 2.0: Alliance Development for Under Forest Economies, Eco-tourism and Talent Cultivation for Agroforestry Carbon Sequestration,” is led by Dr. Mei-Hui Chen, a Professor in the Department of Forestry The “Digital Transformation and Promotion of the Tropical Organic Corridor along Highway 185 and Ecosystem Construction” is jointly headed up by NPUST President Chin-Lung Chang and Dr. Hsu-Yang Kung, Director of the Center of Interdisciplinary Feature Development. “Cultural Resilience and the Sustainable Economic Development of a Healthy Makatao Agricultural Industry” is led by Dr. Wen-Ling Shih, Vice President for Administrative Affairs. The “Southern Taiwan Dreams of Flying Park” project is directed by Dr. Hudson Hsu, Director of the Smart Mechatronics Bachelor Degree Program. The project for “Intergenerational Co-prosperity and Happy Companionship: Co-creating a Sustainable and Secure Home” is led by Dr. Hui-Fen Su, a Professor in the Department of Recreational Sport and Health Promotion. Among these, the project “Satoyama Root Economy 2.0” project was selected for the USR TALK presentation. The team shared their innovative perspective on research and local practice in a talk entitled “A New Quantitative Perspective on Eco-tourism”. In their presentation they demonstrated how quantitative research methods can deepen the evaluation and application of eco-tourism. The “Southern Taiwan Dreams of Flying Park” project was also chosen from 27 competing teams to participate in the USR x ESG Demo Day. The team presented a seven-minute briefing on the main stage on the 12th to showcase its cross-disciplinary collaboration potential and seek funding and sustainable investment from corporations. Cultivating Talent for a Sustainable Future NPUST integrates the power of its USR projects directly into its curriculum, encouraging faculty and students to step out of the classroom and into the community. This process transforms their professional knowledge into concrete, feasible solutions. It also teaches them to listen to local voices, respond to community needs, and promote regional sustainability through cross-disciplinary cooperation. Through USR practice, students cultivate independent thinking skills and enhance their capacity for civic engagement, progressively becoming the diverse and socially responsible talent needed for the next generation. Achieving remarkable results in its USR projects, NPUST secured approval and funding from the Ministry of Education for all five of its proposals in two consecutive phases. This outstanding success affirms the university’s deep commitment to local cultivation and innovative practice in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung regions. The University Social Responsibility program is a vital initiative connecting academia with local communities and represents a long-term commitment to mutual prosperity and co-existence. NPUST is dedicated to continuing this journey, partnering with communities, industries, and all sectors of society, grounded in the foundation of talent cultivation. The university looks forward to using the USR EXPO platform to share its local achievements, deepen exchange with colleges nationwide and various sectors, and collectively build a more resilient and sustainable future.

The 5th International Symposium on Immunotechnology and Animal Biologics Development was successfully held at Hall 1 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center on September 3rd, starting at 9:00 AM. This symposium coincided with the Smart Agriweek, which ran from September 3rd to 5th, and was a collective showcasing the latest advancements in animal immunotechnology and biologics research. The symposium was also an excellent display the robust energy that is driving cross-disciplinary collaboration among international and domestic industry, government, academic, and research sectors. The symposium was co-hosted by the Research Center for Animal Biologics (RCAB) at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) and MY Exhibition. It gathered several prominent international experts and scholars who participated in the opening of the event. These distinguished speakers included: Dr. Ya-Mei Chen, Director of the Research Center for Animal Biologics, NPUST. Dr. Ming-Chung Deng, Director of the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Ministry of Agriculture. Dr. Takehiro Kokuho, Senior Executive Research Scientist at the National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH), National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan. Dr. Alice Lin-Tsing Yu (an Academician of Academia Sinica), who is a Distinguished Chair Professor at the Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung University and Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Dr. Chin-Yu Lin from the Institute of Translational Medicine and New Drug Development, China Medical University. Dr. Sun Woo Yoon from Kyungpook National University, South Korea. Dr. Chun-Lung Chiu from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, NPUST. Professor Dr. Hans Nauwynck from Ghent University, Belgium, and founder of Imaqua and PathoSense companies. The event drew enthusiastic participation from a wide range of attendees, including representatives from animal vaccine companies, livestock farms, veterinarians, academic experts, and faculty and students from colleges and universities. The audience not only gained knowledge on the latest international developments in disease prevention and immune research but also engaged in active and lively discussions with the speakers. Promoting Cross-Industry Collaboration Director Ya-Mei Chen of the Research Center for Animal Biologics noted that the International Symposium on Immunotechnology and Animal Biologics Development has become one of the most important annual academic events in the field and she extended her gratitude to experts and scholars from around the world for their continued support. The decision to host this year’s symposium during the Smart Agriweek exhibition was intentional, with hopes that by leveraging the gathering of international experts and industry professionals, they could encourage more participation and exchange from external companies and research institutions. The NPUST Research Center for Animal Biologics (RCAB) had a booth set up throughout the three-day Smart Agriweek exhibition to display their latest research achievements in animal immunology and biologics. This exhibit attracted numerous businesses seeking consultation and potential technical collaboration. The RCAB looks forward to continuously drawing on the research outcomes of the industry and international experts as it adds depth to its technological development and works to further drive innovation and new applications in immunotechnology and animal biologics.