NCKU and Highest Good Education Foundation Sign Second Phase Sinology Program Contract

To continue the successful collaboration in cultivating talents in Sinology education over the past five years, NCKU and the Tainan Highest Good Education Foundation signed the agreement for the second phase of the "Collaborative Program for Cultivating Talents in Sinology Education" on November 14. The program, initiated by Venerable Master Jing Kong's vision to promote Sinology, was commissioned to NCKU's Department of Chinese Literature by the Highest Good Education Foundation in 2018.

In the signing ceremony, NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen and Ms.   Ying-Li Lin, Executive Director of the Highest Good Education Foundation, signed the contract. The event was attended by Dean Shin-Mei Kao of the College of Liberal Arts, Director Sheng-Sung Huang of the Department of Chinese Literature, retired professor Chao-Cheng Lin, Professor Hai-Yan Yeh  from the General Education Center, Honorary Professor Yu-Heng Chang, Professor Sheng-Tun Li from the Department of Industrial and Information Management, Associate Professor Hung-Hsueh Chen, Assistant Professors Yu-Cheng  Liao and Kang-Ning Chen, and President Chiu-Yu Wu of the Modern National Studies Center at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, among others.

President Shen, in his address, used the analogy of the banyan tree and the coconut tree, emphasizing that while the coconut tree is tall and eye-catching, it cannot provide shade for others. In contrast, the banyan tree may seem large and exposed, but it can offer shelter. He expressed his joy in signing the contract for the second phase and thanked the Highest Good Education Foundation for its goodwill, impacting many people with this endeavor.

Executive Director Ying-Li Lin responded in her speech, acknowledging the continuous refinement of the project since its inception. Through steadfast beliefs, grand aspirations, and solid actions, similar to the intricate roots of the banyan tree, this spirit can support the ambitious task of nurturing talents. She expressed deep gratitude for Venerable Master Jing Kong's guidance and hoped that students could promote Sinology and traditional culture wherever they go. She emphasized that profound humanistic literacy is essential to harness technology and contribute to world peace and progress.

The second phase of the program is scheduled to run from February 1, 2024, to July 31, 2027, with an estimated funding of NT$18,965,072 for NCKU. The program encompasses teaching courses and joint initiatives such as academic seminars on "The Compendium of Books and Treatises." To ensure students can focus on their studies, the Chih-Shan Educational Foundation will provide monthly scholarships of NT$20,000 for in-school master's students (eligible for up to three consecutive years) and NT$30,000 for in-school doctoral students (eligible for up to five consecutive years). This collaboration aims to create a thriving environment for Sinology education, cultivating future talents in the field.