The event began with humor and wit by Ms. Hsiu-Yun Wang, the Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Taiwan, who described herself as the family's environmental crusader, actively involved in environmental sustainability and renewable energy efforts. With over 20 years of extensive international experience in her field, Ms. Wang shared insights into organizational restructuring, cultural diversity, and fostering innovation within companies. She encouraged the audience, "Education is the pathway to changing your life. It can help you become who you want to be!"
Following her was Ms. Tai-Ching Lo, Chairperson of Nestlé Taiwan, who, as the first Taiwanese Chairperson after 40 years of Nestlé's presence in Taiwan, shared her views on sustainability and motherhood. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing sustainability in every aspect of life and encouraged students, "Every problem has a solution. The real issue is whether you find the most suitable one! Don't underestimate the power of one person. As long as you're willing to change and find your place, change will happen continuously."
Next was Ms. Dong-Ping Feng, Executive Consultant for Healthcare and Kidney Care at Fresenius Medical Care, who shared her journey from frontline nursing to working in the foreign healthcare industry. She emphasized the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty in life, stating, "Beauty, to me, is not just external; it's about wisdom, temperament, and displaying confidence." With over 30 years of experience, she believed that female leaders must lead by example, both in their professional and personal lives. Fresenius Medical Care, a company with a century-long history, is the world's largest provider of kidney dialysis services. Since establishing its Taiwan branch in 1998, it has introduced professional services that have propelled the advancement of Taiwan's dialysis industry. Over more than twenty years of dedication, Fresenius Medical Care has quietly incorporated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its daily work, ensuring safe, warm, and high-quality care for kidney patients in Taiwan.
Through remote audio and presentation, Shu-Mei Chen, who transitioned from academia to serve as the Director-General of the Land Administration Bureau of Tainan City Government, shared her journey of stepping out of the academic comfort zone she had been in for over 20 years. Since taking office in 2018, she expressed, "Many people actually don't know what the Land Administration Bureau does, but it's our responsibility. I want the public to see what we are doing." She gradually set goals and, through the process of optimizing land administration development, has been steadily implementing the principles accumulated from her academic research, hoping to contribute her knowledge back to society.
Actively involved in female empowerment and sustainability, Ms. Shih-En Lin, currently serving as a Youth Advisory Committee member in Taichung City, shared insights from the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and aimed to translate international experiences into tangible actions through youth platforms.
Ms. Lu Yan, Vice General Manager of Tongtai Machine & Tool Co., Ltd., shared her expertise in finance, marketing, and management. She encouraged the audience to be courageous and proactive, regardless of gender, emphasizing the importance of trying and challenging oneself. She utilized her integrative skills to connect various aspects of the "5M" field, creating new sparks in both her work and personal life.
Ms. Ching-Wen Lee, Vice President of the Southern Region of Regent Hotels Group and General Manager of Regent Tainan Hotel, shared insights into brand localization, innovation, and cultural heritage. She introduced culinary creations incorporating local elements like Tainan's Beimen Jing Zhai Jiao Tile Paved Salt Fields and Dongshan Coffee. Inspired by NCKU's Tainan exploration course, the hotel launched travel packages and collaborated on products like "MenTAUR" aiming to lead the team through challenges with creativity.
Dr. Huey-Jen Su, the President of NCKU, delivered the closing speech emotionally, stating, "Commitment is crucial. Once a commitment is made, it must be faced. I am deeply grateful to have walked this journey with everyone over the past 8 years. Even though my term may end in the future, everything done here will contribute to the nourishment of NCKU. It's a great honor to be part of its glorious history and to embark on this journey of sustainable development with all colleagues within the university."
President Su emphasized the importance of every change in the comprehensive transformation towards intelligence, embodying a citizen's responsibility to the next generation. She hoped to contribute to the future through knowledge and technology, considering it the most important light, especially in the world's most challenging times. NCKU stands together with everyone, integrating technology into every aspect of life. Echoing the event's theme, she believed that universities carry the hope of a better future through education.
Given the significant global challenge of sustainable development for future generations, aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, President Su invited attendees to sign the "2023 Female Leadership Sustainable Declaration." Through supporting women's actions, she hoped to contribute to better economic growth worldwide and encourage women to become sustainable agents of change.
Furthermore, the event featured booths such as Jankombu Tea, Pelit Pelit Taiwan Ice Cream, and Cafe Duet, promoting environmentally friendly products. The lively atmosphere attracted many visitors. Held in the green corridor of the Daxin Campus, the event shed light on the Art Garden, which was revealed as a cultural and artistic hub for the first time in over two years. Originally shrouded in mystery due to strict access control, the campus has now opened up, preserving its historical buildings from 1933 and enhancing its surroundings with beautiful landscapes. Through various cultural and artistic activities, NCKU aims to continue its historical and green axis, enriching the campus with humanities and arts.
"2023 SOFT POWER: Flexibly Breaking Through" features 8 female leaders sharing their life stories.
Taiwan's General Manager of TÜV Rheinland, Hsiu-Yun Wang, encouraged the audience, saying, "Reading is a pathway to change your life. Through education, you can become the person you want to be!"
Chairman of Nestlé Taiwan, Tai-Ching Loo, shared her perspective on the world as a mother.
Dong-Ping Feng, Executive Consultant for Fresenius Medical Care and Kidney Care, believes that female leaders must lead by example, both in the workplace and at home.
Shu-Mei Chen, who transitioned from academia to become the Director of the Tainan City Government's Land Administration Bureau, shared the process of optimizing land development through remote audio and presentations.
Shih-En Lin shared the perspective of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Lu Yan, Vice President of Eastern Precision Machine Corporation, discussed bridging marketing with healthcare and viewing machinery from various perspectives.
Ching-Wen Lee, Vice President of the South Region for Regent Hotels Group and General Manager of Tainan Shangri-La Hotel, shared insights on connecting the brand with local environment, culture, and innovative heritage.
NCKU President Huey-Jen Su believes, "Universities bear the hope of a better future for society after education."
NCKU President Su invited attendees to jointly sign the "2023 Women Leaders Sustainability Declaration."
The lecture venue invited booths featuring natural farming and earth-friendly planting methods.