National Chiayi University (NCYU) leverages its unique dual strengths in agriculture and education, integrating resources from seven colleges to advance teaching innovation, social responsibility, industry collaboration, and public engagement in higher education. Key highlights are summarized as follows:
1. Student-Centered Autonomous Learning Ecosystem
To cultivate student-driven learning and interdisciplinary exploration, NCYU launched three primary strategies in 2025:
- Freshman Learning Exploration Courses: Six micro-credit courses help first-year students understand campus culture, exemplary alums, life education, and pathways for self-directed learning.
- Student-Initiated Course Crowdfunding Platform: Students propose course ideas and recruit peers to support them. The first successful course, launched on Nov. 23, sparked strong campus-wide attention.
- General Education Independent Study Projects: A 2-credit self-designed project for individuals or teams.
- These strategies guide students from self-discovery to proposal-making and hands-on practice, strengthening autonomous learning and cross-domain creativity.
2. “Chiayi Exploration 1.0–3.0” – Learning from Local Communities and the World
NCYU developed the Chiayi Exploration curriculum series, covering cross-disciplinary routes (1.0), industry routes (2.0), and the forthcoming Long Stay 3.0 program.
- 21 cross-disciplinary routes & 5 industry routes
- 32 micro-credit courses in 2024, including two bilingual courses
- Students engage with local ecology, culture, agriculture, and sustainability while reflecting on their learning, strengthening both cultural understanding and regional resilience.
3. Science Popularization – 43 Events Engaging 5,460 Participants
NCYU initiative held 43 science and insect-related activities, attracting:
- 5,460 participants (287 on campus, 5,173 external)
- The program enhances public understanding of scientific and local ecological knowledge and deepens university–community connections.
4. Pest Management Exhibition – Tens of Thousands Reached
In partnership with the Chiayi County Government and multiple agencies, NCYU curated an exhibition integrating pest management, sustainable agriculture, and science education.
- Over 60 activities, including parent-child programs, rural outreach, and teacher training
- Reached tens of thousands of visitors
- The project demonstrates NCYU’s commitment to community engagement and environmental sustainability.
5. Advancing Taiwan’s Herbal Medicine Innovation – National Innovation Awards
NCYU’s green extraction technology team achieved breakthroughs:
- Winner of the 21st National Innovation Award
- Previous awards in the 18th and 19th National Innovation Awards
- Development of high-efficiency active ingredient extraction, herbal patches, and medical materials
- Ongoing international certification and collaboration
- These achievements position NCYU as a leader in green technology and herbal medicine research.
6. Industry Collaboration in Health Innovation
NCYU collaborated with industry partners to develop products such as the “Good Taste Drink” for digestive health.
- Featured at the Chiayi Functional Food Expo and recognized by the mayor
- University spin-offs showcased at BIO Asia–Taiwan and BioJapan.
- These efforts highlight NCYU’s strong R&D and industry–academia integration.
7. 2025 Advisory & Industry–Academia Conference – Showcasing Cross-Disciplinary Strength
Under the theme “Innovation for Shared Prosperity,” NCYU hosted:
- 12 advisory committee members
- 57 industry, government, and research representatives
- 23 industry booths and 42 research posters
- 283 participants
- The event strengthened regional industry collaboration, enhanced innovation capacity, and boosted students’ employability.
8. Outstanding Performance in NSTC Undergraduate Research Projects
In 2024:
- NCYU submitted 121 proposals, with 59 accepted (48.76% acceptance rate), the highest in school history.
- The Department of Foreign Languages ranked 2nd nationwide among all foreign language departments.
9. Supporting Economically Disadvantaged Students
As of November 2025:
- 1,894 subsidies granted
- Totaling NT$13.05 million
- NCYU continues to advance SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring student access and support.
10. Strengthening Intercultural Competence – 45 International Events
NCYU organized 45 international and cultural exchange talks, with 1,528 participants, including:
- 26 master lectures
- 8 “Stranger in a Foreign Land” talks
- 8 study-abroad briefings
- 3 cultural experience events
- These programs enrich global awareness and intercultural understanding across campus.
