NCKU Southern ESG Base Launch: Driving Enterprises to Net Zero Transformation-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

The launch of the NCKU Southern Research and Industrialization Platform ESG Base marks a significant step towards guiding enterprises in their transition towards net zero emissions. The global impact of climate change has led many countries to declare their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. To promote sustainable development in businesses, the United Nations has advocated for the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards into the assessment of corporate operations. Consequently, companies are facing the imperative to transform and adapt to ESG requirements.


Among the various ESG issues, the transition to net zero emissions is particularly relevant to Taiwan's industrial competitiveness. The Kaohsiung City Government has identified steel, petrochemicals, electronics, energy, circular economy, and fasteners as key industries for carbon reduction transformation. In alignment with these goals, the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has established the Southern Research and Industrialization Platform comprising 12 member schools to set up the ESG Base in the 85 Building in Kaohsiung. This initiative aims to activate talent, foster innovation, and facilitate exchanges in the southern region's industrial transition towards net zero emissions.


Ms. Chun-Yi Tu, Deputy Director of the Industry-Academia Collaboration and Science Park Affairs Office at the National Science Council, emphasized the significance of the research and industrialization platform, highlighting NCKU's crucial role as a partner in promoting the ESG agenda. She called upon the 12 member schools to inaugurate the ESG Base at the 85 Building in Kaohsiung, providing a collaborative platform for sharing technological achievements in net zero transformation.


Vice Mayor Da-Sheng Luo of Kaohsiung City expressed gratitude towards NCKU for contributing the talent and advanced technologies needed for the transformation of industries in southern Taiwan towards net zero emissions. Vice Mayor Luo emphasized Kaohsiung's leading role in carbon reduction efforts and highlighted the city's proactive stance in implementing policies towards becoming a net zero city. He praised NCKU's initiatives in establishing educational programs and collaborative platforms to address sustainability challenges.


Vice President Woei-Jer Chuang of NCKU emphasized the importance of bringing high-tech industries to Kaohsiung, underscoring the university's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the region. He expressed NCKU's vision for the ESG Base to serve as a nexus for international collaboration and innovation.


The inauguration ceremony of the NCKU Southern Research and Industrialization Platform ESG Base featured presentations from experts and scholars on various carbon reduction technologies and achievements. These included discussions on the opportunities and challenges of achieving net zero emissions and practical applications of carbon capture technologies. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing, the ESG Base aims to catalyze the transformation of industries and cultivate talent for a sustainable future.


The NCKU Southern Research and Industrialization Platform comprises 12 member schools and has established a database of over 700 research and technological projects. By integrating research, patents, prototypes, and research centers, the platform serves as a bridge between universities and enterprises, facilitating technology transfer and supporting campus startups. Over the past three years, it has incubated over 40 startup ventures, demonstrating its significant contribution to the industrialization of research outcomes.