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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

NEWS

  • Annual Report

  • Publish Date:2025-01-23
2024 NYCU News Highlight
Pie Chart of NYCU 2024 Proportions for Each News Category
 
In 2024, the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) English website published 150 news articles, categorized into 10 main themes, reflecting the university’s dynamic development and its leadership in academia, research, and international collaboration.

This year, NYCU emphasized four key promotional categories: International Affairs, Academics/Research Highlights, Industry Cooperation, and College Features. In addition, to showcase the diverse facets of NYCU—its deep roots in science, technology, and medicine and its rich foundation in humanities and arts—we introduced new sections such as the President’s Letter, Feature Column, and Feature Story. These additions offer unique insights into NYCU’s values and achievements.

Next, we’ll review the top 10 trending news of 2024 and 10 editor’s picks—must-know highlights from across 10 news categories.
 
NYCU Top 10 Trending News
 
Kyushu University President Tatsuro Ishibashi (left) and NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (right) signed a memorandum of understanding during a press conference on June 27.
01. NYCU’s Japan Visit Spurs Semiconductor Innovation
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin led a delegation to Japan, visiting major semiconductor hubs and top universities, including the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, Kyushu University, and Kumamoto University. The visit strengthened Taiwan-Japan ties, resulting in MOUs with Hokkaido, Kumamoto, and Kyushu Universities and collaborative workshops on cutting-edge research opportunities. (Link)

2024 Taiwan-Malaysia Semiconductor Forum
02. Expanding Southeast Asia Cooperation
NYCU hosted the 2024 Taiwan-Malaysia Semiconductor Forum in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together over 100 participants from academia, industry, and government to discuss semiconductor advancements and collaborations. President Chi-Hung Lin also inaugurated the Taiwan-Malaysia Overseas Science and Technology Innovation Center, signed MOUs with Pin Hwa High School in Malaysia and Hanoi University of Science (VNU-HUS), and strengthened talent exchange initiatives under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. (Link)
 
President Chi-Hung Lin (left) conferred the honorary doctorate to Sachio Semmoto (center). On the right is Dean Jyh-Cheng Chen of the College of Computer Science.
03. Honoring Industry Visionary Sachio Semmoto
NYCU awarded an honorary doctorate to Japanese telecommunications pioneer Mr. Sachio Semmoto for his remarkable industry achievements and societal contributions. During the ceremony, a family member of an injured computer science student expressed heartfelt thanks for Mr. Semmoto’s generous donation, which provided critical support. A touching video featuring the student, Classmate Liu, who suffered a brain injury, conveyed admiration and gratitude through handwritten messages, leaving a profound impact on attendees. (Link)

The College of Computer Science welcomes two outstanding assistant professors this year: Ting-Jung Chang on the left and Yu-Chun Yen on the right. (photo from Hung-Wen Lin)
04. Tackling Faculty Shortages with Innovation
This article by alumnus Hung-Wen Lin highlights how NYCU addressed faculty recruitment challenges through alumni-funded scholarships. In 2023, it attracted two young professors, Ting-Jung Chang (Princeton) and Yu-Chun Yen (UIUC), back to Taiwan. This successful recruitment strengthened the College of Computer Science and set a model for other Taiwanese universities to tackle talent acquisition and succession planning. (Link)
 
All representatives unanimously agreed with the proposal advocated by Prof. Dr. Seiji Samukawa (NYCU/Tohoku University): "To deepen collaboration with NYCU further, ensuring the efficient linkage of research and development technologies to practical industrial applications."
05. Taiwan-Japan Semiconductor Symposium Success
Led by IAIS Dean Yuan-Chen Sun, NYCU joined the “Taiwan-Japan Semiconductor Next Generation Development Symposium” in Tokyo, engaging with SBI Holdings and top Japanese universities like Tohoku and the University of Tokyo. The event deepened Taiwan-Japan exchanges, linked R&D to industry, and highlighted IAIS’s role in advancing the global semiconductor ecosystem. (Link)

The research team members include Assistant Professor Yao-Wei Huang (back row, left), Dr. Yu-Heng Hong (back row, right), and the first author, doctoral candidate Wen-Cheng Hsu.
06. Breaking Technological Barriers in Spatial Computing
NYCU and Hon Hai Research Institute (HHRI) developed a groundbreaking “Novel Depth Sensing and Facial Recognition System,” combining nanophotonics with human-machine interaction sensing. Published in Nano Letters, this ultra-compact innovation could eliminate smartphone notches, enhance energy efficiency, and advance applications in facial recognition, robotics, and AR/MR. Supported by patents and national grants, it positions NYCU as a leader in Taiwan’s tech industry. (Link)
 
NYCU-Taipei iGEM with the ‘Vigila Guard’ project, secured a silver medal, while NYCU-Formosa achieved the remarkable feat of winning the world gold medal in the 2023 iGEM.
07. NYCU Teams Shine at iGEM 2023
At the 2023 iGEM competition in Paris, NYCU teams achieved outstanding success, with NYCU-Formosa winning a gold medal for their modular biomaterials platform powered by AI and NYCU-Taipei earning a silver medal for their “Vigila Guard” health monitoring device. These projects showcased NYCU’s interdisciplinary strengths, integrating bioengineering, AI, and humanities while promoting science through education and global collaboration. (Link)

Deputy Mayor Si-chuan Li (third from the left) banged the gavel at the press conference, declaring, "2024 Harvard WorldMUN in Taipei!". President Chi-Hung Lin of NYCU (second from the right) and Vice Dean Zhang Li-Hong of the Liberal Arts College (far right) also attended to show their support.
08. Harvard WorldMUN Organized by NYCU Students
NYCU students independently organized the 2024 Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) in Taipei, showcasing their leadership and initiative. Supported by NYCU’s Liberal Arts College and Taipei City Government, the event promoted global youth exchanges, highlighted Taiwan’s vibrant culture, and reinforced NYCU’s commitment to cultivating globally-minded leaders. (Link)
 
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin led a delegation to Tokyo Institute of Technology to share the experience of the university merger.
09. NYCU Congratulates Tokyo Tech-TMDU Merger
NYCU visited Japan to strengthen semiconductor R&D collaborations with Japanese universities. President Chi-Hung Lin congratulated the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) and Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) on their merger to form the Institute of Science Tokyo, aiming to deepen collaboration in innovation and talent cultivation. (Link)

President Chi-Hung Lin (third from left) and the DFI’s executive director, Ting-I Chan (second from left), consultant Chih-Wei Chang (far right), Yushan Scholar Seiji Samukawa (far left), and NCSD member Chih-Wei Chen (second from right) visited the Sasakawa Peace Foundation President Atsushi Sunami (third from right).
10. Driving Digital and Sustainable Innovation
NYCU established the Data Finance Innovation Center (DFI) to drive data-centric innovation and promote technological diplomacy. President Chi-Hung Lin’s delegation to Japan engaged with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), fostering Taiwan-Japan collaborations in semiconductors, sustainability, and digital innovation, strengthening NYCU’s role in global high-tech diplomacy. (Link)

Editor’s Picks
 
In the presence of Presidential Advisor Jong-Chin Shen (2nd from right in the back row), Chairman of Acer and Director of the Smart Aging Foundation, Stan Shih (3rd from left in the back row), and Jessica Henry, Director of the Economic Division at the British Office Taipei (1st from right in the front row), a memorandum of understanding was signed jointly by Chi-Hung Lin, President of NYCU (3rd from right in the front row), and Lynne Corner, Vice Director of the NICA and CEO of VOICE (2nd from right in the front row), marking the collaboration.
Collaboration with NICA to Address Aging Society Challenges
NYCU and the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) signed an MOU to tackle aging society challenges through big data and innovative research. As Taiwan nears super-aged status by 2025, this partnership—NICA’s first in Taiwan—aims to accelerate smart health initiatives and develop age-friendly solutions, reinforcing NYCU’s leadership in health and aging sciences. (Link)

From Literary Authorship Analysis to Disease Diagnosis: NYCU’s Mathematical Model Advances Early Alzheimer’s Detection
Mathematical Models Advance Alzheimer’s Detection
Professor Albert Chih-Chieh Yang from the Department of Medicine developed a mathematical model originally designed for literary analysis, now applied to MRI scans to detect structural differences in Alzheimer’s-affected brains. Published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, this breakthrough enhances diagnostic efficiency and holds potential for the early detection of other brain disorders, paving the way for more accurate treatments. (Link)
 
The newly established CEB at NYCU consists of the Department of Biological Science and Technology, the Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, the Institute of Molecular Medicine & Bioengineering, the Industrial Development Graduate Program of CBT, the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Ph.D. Degree Program, and the Ph.D. Degree Program of Biomedical Science & Engineering.
BioICT Hub at Bo-Ai Campus
NYCU is transforming its historic Bo-Ai campus into a global hub for BioICT and smart healthcare, led by the newly established College of Engineering Bioscience (CEB). Inaugurated in August 2024, CEB integrates engineering, AI, and biotechnology, advancing precision medicine, sustainable biotechnology, and translational engineering, while revitalizing Taiwan’s role in life sciences and engineering. (Link)

Dr. Liang-Kung Chen visited Kumamoto, Japan, to share Guandu Hospital’s “TIGER” community model and collaboration with TSMC. He highlighted how integrating digital tech with shared values has advanced healthy longevity communities. (Photo: Dr. Liang-Kung Chen)
122 Researchers Among 2024 World’s Top 2% Scientists
Stanford University’s “2024 World’s Top 2% Scientists” list includes 122 NYCU researchers in the “Lifetime Scientific Influence Ranking” and 89 in the “Annual Ranking,” making NYCU the third most influential university in Taiwan. Dr. Liang-Kung Chen, Director of NYCU’s Center for Healthy Longevity, was named Taiwan’s top clinical medicine scientist for the fifth year, highlighting his global impact on aging research and community health initiatives. (Link)
 
The ceremony was graced by tech industry heavyweights, including Quanta Chairman Barry Lam (second from right), Quanta Vice Chairman C. C. Leung, Fubon Group Chairman Daniel Tsai (far right), and Pegatron Chairman Tzu-Hsien Tung, all of whom attended to congratulate their longtime friend. (Photo credit: KRIS YAO ARTECH)
Honorary Doctorate Awarded to Kris Yao
NYCU awarded its first Honorary Doctorate in Arts to architect Kris Yao, recognizing his global contributions and integration of technology, humanity, and creativity. Known for works like the Lanyang Museum, Yao shared his philosophy of balancing utility and creativity. The ceremony highlighted NYCU’s commitment to blending architecture with academic innovation and fostering collaboration between arts and sciences. (Link)

The "Rolling Pavilion" was designed by Assistant Professor Ling-Li Tseng from the Institute of Architecture. (photo from Serendipity Studio)
Bamboo Expo Showcases Sustainability
The 2024 Bamboo Expo and World Bamboo Congress, held at NYCU’s Chiaotung Campus in Hsinchu, showcased bamboo’s potential in crafts, architecture, and sustainability. The exhibition, themed “The Cubic of Bamboo,” combined Hsinchu’s historical roots as a “Bamboo City” with NYCU’s innovative designs like the “Rolling Pavilion.” Over 200 global experts explored sustainable applications, emphasizing bamboo’s role in promoting green lifestyles and driving carbon reduction. (Link)
 
The Formosan Fox Rocket Team at NYCU, established in 2020, is Taiwan’s first student rocket team and competed in the SA Cup in 2022 and 2024 as the only East Asian team, collaborating with various disciplines and international partners to enhance their skills.
NYCU Formosan Fox Rocket Team Competes Globally
The NYCU Formosan Fox Rocket Team, led by Assistant Professor Zu Puayen Tan, participated in the 2024 Spaceport America Cup (SA Cup), launching a self-made 3-meter rocket to an altitude of 3,000 meters, showcasing Taiwan's advancements in aerospace technology. Established in 2020, the team has grown through interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, overcoming technical and logistical challenges. Looking ahead to the 2025 competition, the team aims to drive further innovation and elevate Taiwan’s presence in the global space industry. (Link)

The NYCU is launching a global research center, led by Dr. Ly James Lee and Dr. Chi-Ying F. Huang, to advance precision medicine using exosomes for treating pancreatic cancer, positioning Taiwan as a leader in biomedical innovation. (Photo from  Hao-Yun Peng and Zong-Han Lyu / ZDunemployed studio)
NYCU Ambitiously Plans Global Exosome Research Base
NYCU is launching a global research center to advance precision medicine using exosomes, focusing on pancreatic cancer. Led by Dr. Ly James Lee and Dr. Chi-Ying F. Huang, the project aims to use exosomes for gene therapy and early disease detection, overcoming current cancer treatment limitations. This initiative highlights the importance of addressing unmet medical needs and positions Taiwan as a leader in biomedical innovation. (Link)
 
Architect Shu-Chang Kung, Professor at the Graduate Institute of Architecture, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), was awarded the 2024 Golden Pin Design Award for Honorary Award on December 13. (Photo credit: Golden Pin Design Award)
More Than an Architect: Professor Shu-Chang Kung’s Design Warmth and Social Impact
Professor Shu-Chang Kung, from NYCU’s Graduate Institute of Architecture, received the 2024 Golden Pin Design Honorary Award for his contributions to architecture and social practice. Known for projects like the Yilan County Government Center and humanitarian efforts, Kung blends design with societal impact. Transitioning to academia, he leads initiatives like the Humanitarian Architecture Movement and urban renewal, showcasing design as a transformative force rooted in people and driven by hope. (Link)

Using Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (aABR) for Newborn Hearing Screening (Image credit: Kuan-Yun Chen)
Letter from the President: Identify and Solve Problems
This 12-letter series from President Chi-Hung Lin explores learning, education, and life themes. Six letters have been published, with the third, “Identify and Solve Problems,” as a highlight. Reflecting on his academic and public health roles, President Lin emphasizes strategic problem-solving, citing Taiwan’s first newborn hearing screening policy as an example, and echoing Einstein’s view that defining problems is often more critical than solving them. (Link)
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