National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), in alignment with its motto “Seek for Truth; Toil for Good,” advances its mission of sustainable development through robust academic training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a pragmatic spirit. In 2025, NCKU demonstrated excellence across multiple domains, reaffirming its influential role in higher education both domestically and globally.
I. Leading Educational Innovation and Cultivating Future Talent Through Interdisciplinary Integration
NCKU was once again ranked No. 1 nationwide in Global Views Monthly’s 2025 survey of “Enterprises’ Favorite University Students,” marking its 11th consecutive year at the top. This distinction reflects NCKU’s longstanding commitment to cultivating interdisciplinary competencies, practical skills, and global perspectives.
In its pursuit of teaching innovation, NCKU continues to shape a supportive environment for interdisciplinary learning through strategic academic policies. In 2025, initiatives such as Exploration Credits, the Student Onboard Program, and Online Advanced Placement Courses empowered students to design personalized learning paths. Through the support of dedicated learning advisors, students were also better equipped to explore and refine their future career directions.
NCKU students achieved remarkable results in international competitions and interdisciplinary projects in 2025. The student team Gemini Supernova won third place globally in the 2025 CanSat competition organized by the American Astronautical Society. The human-powered submarine team Tao Hai Ren broke its all-time performance record at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory competition. A student research club successfully launched its self-developed rocket, AfterLight 1, reaching a target altitude of 761 meters. Even student athletes in baseball pushed beyond their limits through a cross-disciplinary collaboration between sports science and engineering, demonstrating the value of NCKU’s diverse educational ecosystem.
In addition, NCKU ranked first in Taiwan and 35th globally among 911 universities in the Times Higher Education(THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, reaffirming its strong foundation and leadership in interdisciplinary education.
II. Fulfilling University Social Responsibility: Advancing Local and Global Sustainability Through Action
NCKU had all five of its proposed projects approved under the Ministry of Education’s 4th-phase University Social Responsibility (USR) program. These initiatives span a broad range of areas, including healthcare, environmental sustainability, local revitalization, regional resilience, and international cooperation on aging. One notable project, From Clinic to Community: Supporting Epidermolysis Bullosa Patients, redefined traditional notions of public service by adopting a social enterprise model—transforming patients’ handwriting into licensed commercial fonts to build a sustainable support network. The project was honored with the Gold Award from the National Healthcare Quality Awards.
NCKU is also advancing the UN-authorized Satoyama Initiative, a six-year project that integrates carbon reduction technologies with local revitalization. The initiative aims to increase carbon sequestration by 60 million tons by 2030. By developing sorghum-stalk-based biochar in the Chiayi–Tainan Plain and promoting glowing-plant place-making projects in Tainan’s Yanshui District, NCKU collaborates with farmers to enhance carbon sinks and expand the use of renewable energy—highlighting the university’s global connection and leadership in ecological sustainability.
NCKU's efforts in university social responsibility have been widely recognized by the public. In the 2025 Global Views Monthly USR Awards, the university achieved its best performance to date, winning 2 First Prizes, 5 Model Awards, and 1 Excellence Award. Highlights include:
- “Go Together: NCKU and Tainan Co-Creating a New Type of University”
The EXPLORING TAINAN course advanced to version 3.0, extending across 33 districts and partnering with nearly 100 local communities. It has drawn interest from domestic and international institutions and was awarded First Prize in the Sustainable Curriculum Category.
- “Whale Tainan 2.0: Marine Wildlife Conservation in Taiwan and the Western Pacific”
This initiative spans marine wildlife rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, necropsy, and public education. Collaborating with citizens, NGOs, schools, government entities, and international universities, the project established a specialized marine education and conservation center, earning First Prize in the Ecology & Sustainability Category.
- “Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities in Pingtung”
NCKU established Taiwan’s first Friendly Aging Park in Xishi Village, Pingtung County. The project promotes dementia-inclusive practices across long-term care, education, culture, and social services, while also conducting public education to reduce stigma. It received a Model Award in the Social Well-being Category.
- “NCKU Carbon Reduction – Chiayi AI Project”
By applying cutting-edge Geo-AI technology, NCKU estimated carbon sequestration potential in Chiayi’s urban green spaces and historical wood industry sites. The project received a Model Award in the Ecology & Sustainability Category.
- “AI Dengue Fever Detection System”
Developed in partnership with the Tainan City Government, this AI-powered early warning system enabled local elementary and secondary schools to maintain zero dengue infections from 2021 to 2025, setting a model for tech-driven epidemic prevention. It won a Model Award in the Social Well-being Category.
- “Hydrogen-Based Industrial Innovation Alliance”
Combining the expertise of NCKU faculty, students, and alumni with industrial collaboration from China Steel Corporation (CSC), this green steelmaking initiative has achieved an annual reduction of 1.55 million tons of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to 20% of Taiwan’s forest carbon sink. It received a Model Award in the Industry Co-Creation Category.
- “NCKU 2023–2024 Sustainability Report”
This report showcases NCKU’s science- and technology-based contributions to Taiwan’s urban and rural communities, spanning mountain, marine, and ecological domains. It received a Model Award in the Sustainability Reporting Category.
- “Together 2026: Re-Creating Senior Life”
Through strong community networks, this project supports older adults in pursuing meaningful “second lives,” reconnecting with cultural heritage, and preserving local knowledge and life stories. It was honored with an Excellence Award in the Local Inclusion Category.
III. Integrating Research and Industry: Drive Industry and National Transformation
NCKU continues to shine in integrating scientific research with industry collaboration—demonstrating its robust capacity to translate knowledge innovation into technological breakthroughs.
In frontier science, the NCKU Quantum Technology Research Center published a groundbreaking theory on non-Markovian quantum systems, paving the way for the development of ultra-sensitive quantum sensors capable of detecting minute tumors. This work was featured in Nature Communications. In another milestone, researchers developed all-inorganic perovskite quantum-dot synaptic devices that integrate sensing, memory, and computation functions—opening new perspectives for AI applications such as autonomous navigation, smart manufacturing, and medical image analysis. This innovation was published in Advanced Science.
In materials technology, NCKU developed the hydrogen-embrittlement-resistant stainless steel 416B, which significantly enhances hydrogen permeability resistance, making hydrogen-powered vehicles safer and more reliable. The Aurora Orchid Carbon-Reduction Technology received the NSTC Future Technology Award and is set to enter global markets through a partnership with NCK Orchids, a leading orchid exporter in Taiwan—bringing smart agriculture into the international spotlight. Additionally, Taiwan’s first domestically built shore-based oscillating wave power generation unit, WaveArm, completed successful testing, marking a critical step forward in the country’s marine energy development efforts.
In industry-academia collaboration, NCKU has established a comprehensive startup pipeline—from ideation and prototyping to market incubation. Through initiatives such as the NCKU Innovation Dreams Come True Project and the Phoenix Entrepreneurship Platform, the university has attracted international investors and supported the commercialization of student and faculty-led ventures. The Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing collaborates with 18 industry leaders, drawing annual investments exceeding NT$150 million to co-develop critical next-generation talent. A joint research center established with ASE Technology Holding focuses on advanced packaging and energy management, producing 11 major project outcomes in 2025 that injected renewed energy into Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem. A partnership with Compal Electronics has successfully applied quantum-inspired computing to large-scale optimization problems, highlighting Taiwan’s industrial potential in emerging technologies. Together with ASUS, NCKU also founded the AISVision Smart Medical Imaging Research Center, building a strong foundation for AI-assisted clinical diagnostics and precision healthcare. Furthermore, the Shalun Healthcare and Innovation Park continues to expand international partnerships, integrating clinical and R&D capabilities from biotech hubs in Japan, the U.S., and Europe—creating a global platform for smart medical innovation.
These achievements form a self-reinforcing cycle between academic research and industrial application, positioning NCKU as a key driver in advancing technological innovation and sustainable industry transformation.
IV. Advancing Publicity for Higher Education: Building an Inclusive and Supportive Campus for All
NCKU is committed to advancing the public value of higher education by cultivating a friendlier and more inclusive learning environment. The university launched a one-stop online platform through the Office of First-Year Students, featuring a clear three-part structure—Learning, Campus Life, and Empowerment—distinguished by color blocks. The homepage includes scrolling announcements and quick-access guides. It also integrates “Important Dates for New NCKU Students” with personalized reminders tailored to different user identities. To further support students, the platform provides the Care & Safety System, which consolidates vital information on mental health, financial aid, and legal consultation. Its FAQ page employs keyword search and digital governance concepts for faster information retrieval, complemented by a 24-hour AI chatbot. A gamified orientation program was also designed to help students actively explore campus life. According to user surveys, satisfaction with both platform usability and information effectiveness reached 90%, underscoring its excellence in student support and transparency.
In collaboration with the CountryEDU Charity Foundation, NCKU also invites teachers and students from rural high schools in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Chiayi to participate in its signature Cycling Festival Academic Expo. The event includes introductory courses, career exploration games, and reflection workshops that help students understand university departments, broaden their academic vision, and identify personal interests—becoming an invaluable resource for college preparation.
To promote cultural equity, NCKU institutionalized Cultural Ritual Leave and Multicultural Leave, enabling students to participate in traditional ceremonies and cultural festivals, thus reinforcing the core values of cultural respect and educational inclusion.
The university also advances internationalization through bilingual staff training, international web design competitions, global perspective lecture series, and hands-on international learning projects. It actively supports international faculty and students, fostering a multilingual and multicultural learning environment. In addition, NCKU continues to implement its International Talent Program, partnering with 12 global enterprises—including China Steel Corporation (CSC), ASE Group, and E.SUN Bank—to co-develop, co-educate, and co-create a robust talent cultivation ecosystem.
NCKU demonstrated in 2025 that it has successfully integrated research excellence, industrial collaboration, educational innovation, social engagement, and global connectivity—creating powerful momentum to drive the development of both the city and the nation. Looking ahead, NCKU will continue to uphold its core value of Science for Society, cultivating top talent equipped with visionary thinking and practical capabilities for the benefit of Taiwan and the world.