NCKU Hosts the 2025 SATU Presidents' Forum General Assembly, Focusing on Sustainable Governance for University
Written by NCKU Office of Internation Affairs. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
The National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) held the 2025 General Assembly of SATU Presidents' Forum with great significance.
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) hosted the 2025 General Assembly of SATU Presidents’ Forum of Southeast and South Asia and Taiwan Universities (SATU Presidents' Forum) on March 12-13, uniting the Presidents and representatives from 65 universities across 8 countries. The General Assembly, themed "Sustainable Governance for University," emphasized the vital role of universities in cultivating future leaders and advancing societal development amidst global challenges. Engaging discussions highlighted sustainability, digital transformation, and cultural heritage, reinforcing a collective commitment to innovate and collaborate for a stronger higher education network.
President Meng-Ru Shen called for collaboration to promote partnerships and innovation.
In his opening address, the Chair of the SATU Presidents’ Forum, President Meng-Ru Shen of NCKU, emphasized the collective mission of higher education institutions. He underscored the importance of collaboration and shared wisdom in tackling pressing contemporary issues, ultimately benefiting both local and global communities. He expressed gratitude to all member universities for their commitment to building a robust higher education network that fosters partnerships and innovation.
President Meng-Ru Shen (left) warmly welcomed the participating partners.
As the Chair University and one of the founders of the SATU Presidents' Forum, NCKU has been actively promoting collaboration among academic leaders and researchers, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing transnational research initiatives. Chair Prof. Hong-Chen Chen, Secretary-General of the SATU Presidents’ Forum and Executive Vice President of NCKU, stated that since its establishment in 2003, the SATU Presidents’ Forum has become a key academic and research platform comprising 105 member institutions from 10 countries. The purpose of the General Assembly is to further enhance these networks, emphasizing adaptability and responsiveness to the future development of global higher education, and to invite several distinguished scholars to deliver engaging speeches sharing their insights on sustainable governance and the responsibilities of universities.
Prof. Angela Yung Chi Hou from National Chengchi University (NCCU) kicked off the keynote speech with a presentation on sustainability and governance within Taiwanese universities. Her discussion emphasized the integral role universities play in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prof. Hou analyzed the emerging sustainability metrics incorporated into global rankings and quality assurance measures, demonstrating how Taiwanese universities are responding to these standards. She highlighted the ongoing strategies to integrate sustainability into institutional practices, while also addressing the challenges faced along the way.
Prof. Hsiao-Wen Wang, Director of the Disaster Prevention Research Center at NCKU, presented insights into the concept of a "Green University." Her talk revolved around the importance of incorporating sustainable development principles into education and the operational practices of universities. Prof. Wang shared effective strategies from NCKU to confront real-world sustainability challenges and emphasized the need for universities to lead responsibly in guiding societal progress.
Dean S. Felix Wu of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, NCKU also contributed to the discussion, focusing on the role of digital transformation in higher education. He explored how academic advancements in technology can drive societal change, while advocating for an ethical framework that prioritizes social impact alongside economic growth. Dean Wu's presentation underscored the importance of aligning technological innovation with the principles of ethics and societal wellbeing.
Dr. Ping-Sheng Wu, Senior Vice President of NCKU and Director of the NCKU Museum, provided critical insights into cultural heritage sustainability. His speech pinpointed the role of university museums in preserving historical and architectural identities for future generations. He outlined the NCKU Museum’s innovative approaches to heritage conservation, emphasizing collaborations with the community and responsiveness to contemporary challenges. By integrating academic research with public engagement, university museums can foster sustainable frameworks for heritage conservation and serve as key cultural stewards.
The 2025 General Assembly of SATU Presidents' Forum inspired further dialogue and potential collaboration among universities.
The forum culminated in fruitful discussions that ignited further dialogues and potential collaborations among participating universities. The commitment displayed by all attendees demonstrated a collective aspiration to advance higher education.
NCKU arranged a visit on the second day to share its achievements and practical actions in history and culture, medical education, clinical medicine and biological sciences, and water conservancy engineering research.
The NCKU College of Medicine aims to cultivate skilled medical professionals through its diverse departments, including medicine, nursing, and public health. Collaborating closely with the NCKU Hospital, it provides a robust training environment for students. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, such as a medical simulation center and AI-driven platforms, the College of Medicine is at the forefront of advancements in precision medicine and artificial intelligence in healthcare.
A highlight of the tour was the AI Virtual Reality Classroom featuring the Anatomage Table—a virtual dissection tool that enhances traditional learning. This innovative technology allows students to interactively explore complex anatomical structures, facilitating a deeper understanding of spatial relationships and surgical procedures.
The visit also included an introduction to the Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory (THL), established in 1950. The laboratory focuses on coastal engineering, water resources conservation, and hydraulic environmental research, supporting national development projects and providing a comprehensive database of Taiwan's hydrological environment. Also visited was the International Center for the Scientific Development of Shrimp Aquaculture (ICSDSA). Dedicated to reviving tiger shrimp aquaculture in Taiwan, the center aims to develop a specific pathogen-free (SPF) breeding program and is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including selective breeding and screening techniques. As a pioneer in AI-based farming technologies, the ICSDSA is positioned to lead in global shrimp industry advancements.
This visit underscored NCKU's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines in higher education.
The 2025 General Assembly of SATU Presidents’ Forum at NCKU highlighted the pivotal role of universities in fostering sustainable governance and driving societal progress. Engaging in discussions on sustainability, digital transformation, and cultural heritage sustainability underscored a collective commitment to innovate and collaborate. The visits further demonstrated NCKU's dedication to excellence in education and research, positioning itself as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges in higher education and beyond. Together, participants aspire to enhance global academic partnerships and advancements.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2025-03-13
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