Since its founding in 1995, the University has been committed to the mission of spreading culture overseas. The university nurtures students based in Taiwan who have a worldly perspective while caring for and participating in local public affairs, establishing local humanistic care and social practices, and focusing on international academic exchanges and actions.
The university has five colleges, including Shui Sha Lian, humanities, management, science and technology and education; 270 full-time faculty members and 6,000 students. The development of departments and research at our institution takes local needs into consideration. We have established multiple departments closely related to local development, and we are dedicated to planning Southeast Asian-themed teaching programs. We address important issues such as the rights and interests of foreign workers in the local community, the development of new immigrants' livelihoods, and social adaptation. By integrating with the local towns and cities, we strive to create a symbiotic "university town" learning model.
In addition to nurturing talents in specialized academic disciplines, in recent years, there has been an active effort to start interdisciplinary programs that focus on social practices by hiring industry professionals related to local issues. There has also been an emphasis on creating an educational environment that promotes environmental education through practical implementation. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary learning, there have been ongoing plans to provide vocational training and courses related to professional certifications and practical skills. This will enrich students' learning experiences in interdisciplinary knowledge and innovative practical abilities.
The establishment of research centers such as the Southeast Asian Research Center, Aboriginal Cultural Education and Livelihood Development Center, Futuristic High-tech Research Center, and Shui Sha Lian Center for Humanities Innovation and Social Practices, reflects a focus on collaborating with and supporting local development. These centers encourage faculty and students to engage with the community through action-oriented design and practical knowledge, promoting community aesthetics, green economy, neighborly interactions, cultural revitalization, and the establishment of awareness and mechanisms for citizen participation.
Situated near the Zhongtan Highway, which leads from Puli to Sun Moon Lake, our campus features vast fields of grass and scenic greenery. It also serves as a habitat for 11 species of frogs, 112 species of butterflies, and is a habitat for pangolins. The campus incorporates green energy, waste reduction initiatives, and smart machinery, making it renowned as a green university worldwide. Taking advantage of our geographical location and environmental resources, the university has developed locally distinctive sports such as rowing, archery, softball, golf, ballroom dancing, tennis, and swimming. We also recruit talented athletes and nurture sports talents, encouraging their participation in domestic and international competitions to bring honor to both our country and the university.
The educational emphasis of our university revolves around "Nurturing Shui Sha Lian and Embracing Southeast Asia." “Nurturing Shui Sha Lian" focuses on collaboration between the various academic departments and local public community organizations in Nantou. "Embracing Southeast Asia" aims to connect with diverse learning resources from Southeast Asia. Through off-campus learning, innovative research, student exchanges, and overseas volunteering, we promote academic and practical exchanges, enhance students' international perspectives and internship experiences, and provide ongoing support and guidance for international students, resulting in a continuous increase in the proportion of international students year after year.