2024 NCKU Taiwan Studies "Formosa by the Sea e Location – Sailing from Formosa to East Asia V" Presentation, December 9–12
NCKU Vice President and Taiwan Studies Program Director, Dr. Yuh-Neu Chen, expressed her gratitude to the guests and faculty for their participation in the 5th annual exhibition. She emphasized that the exhibition each year is rich and diverse. This year, three program leaders utilized technological media to present student research outcomes, enabling the public to gain deeper insights into Taiwan's history and culture. Dr. Chen shared that this year’s theme focuses on the maritime hero Li Dan, who, like a "pirate king," developed a significant maritime trade route closely related to Taiwan. She hopes visitors will gain a great deal of inspiration from the exhibition.
Dr. Shin-Mei Kao, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, thanked the teachers for their ongoing efforts and emphasized that Taiwan Studies is a forward-thinking research and teaching direction. She also thanked the university for its resource support and hopes to attract more people to participate in advancing the development of Taiwan Studies.
The "Formosa by the Sea e Location – Sailing from Formosa to East Asia V" exhibition was curated and executed by NCKU’s Center for Humanities and Social Sciences Director, Professor Cheng-Ta Yang, Associate Professor Chi-Chang Lee of the Department of History, and Associate Professor Chia-Pin Chen of the Institute of Art and Director of the Art Center Research and Planning Group. Together with students, they employed various methods to present influential narratives and artistic works, each showcasing unique perspectives. This year’s exhibition is not only an in-depth exploration of Taiwan Studies and local Taiwanese art but also integrates digital technology, showcasing innovative breakthroughs and interdisciplinary results.
Professor Cheng-Ta Yang noted that Taiwan Studies has been executed for five years, promoting cultural transmission by translating historical texts through technological means, and combining game design for exhibition. The aim is to make Taiwan’s culture more accessible to a broader audience. Each year, the program seeks innovation, and this year’s addition of interactive elements aims to enhance participant engagement. He stated that Taiwan Studies remains a key development direction for the Humanities and Social Sciences Center, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and deepening humanistic and social research centered around Taiwan, with hopes of establishing international connections.
Associate Professor Chi-Chang Lee of the Department of History mentioned that past exhibitions have been relatively static and focused on knowledge transmission. This year’s exhibition introduces immersive wall charts and interactive board games to present the legendary life of Li Dan, a major figure in East Asian trade. The exhibition is divided into three main themes: "Maritime Heroes: Seventeenth Century East Asian Port Cruises" allows participants to navigate the challenges of international trade in the 17th century; "Sailing with the Wind: Seventeenth Century Maritime Trade Treasure Hunt" is an exploration-themed board game where players discover treasures and opportunities in East Asia; and "Adventure Awaits! Recreating Li Dan's Legendary Life" is a LINE game that immerses visitors in Li Dan’s daily trade journey, experiencing the risks and allure of maritime trade in the past.
Associate Professor Chia-Pin Chen of the Institute of Art, also the Research and Planning Group Leader at the Art Center, shared that an important task this year was digitizing historical data with 3D scanning technology and preserving sounds. The third unique feature of this year’s exhibition connects with the "2024 Taiwan Voices and Images: A New Horizon" exhibition held in June. It includes various types of phonographs and sound installations, allowing students to explore the scientific art of sound and vision. This year’s curation also combines real-life and 3D modeling with virtual reality and interactive multimedia technology, offering a more immersive exhibition experience and attracting new audiences to promote the integration of art into everyday life, making art more vibrant and evolving.
Since the launch of Taiwan Studies, NCKU has continuously used diverse exhibition methods, combining static and dynamic displays, multimedia, AI, AR, VR, and MR tools, to deeply explore Taiwan’s unique historical, artistic, and technological significance, establishing impactful narratives. Additionally, combining student works allows the audience to better understand Taiwan’s local and global historical materials while experiencing virtual reality.
The exhibition utilizes online platforms and social media as powerful promotional tools, pushing Taiwan’s art and culture preservation globally. By learning and utilizing digital technology, NCKU aims to bring innovation and a bright future to the sustainable preservation of Taiwan’s art.
Exhibition Details:
"Formosa by the Sea e Location – Sailing from Formosa to East Asia V"
Exhibition Dates: December 9 (Mon) – December 12 (Thu), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Exhibition Location: NCKU History and Cultural Relics Museum, Guangfu Campus
The 2024 NCKU Taiwan Studies "Formosa by the Sea: Sailing from Formosa to East Asia V" event held its opening on December 10.
Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen hopes that visitors will gain valuable insights and inspiration from the exhibition.
The work, guided by Professor Cheng-Ta Yang, Director of the Humanities and Social Sciences Center, translates historical texts using technological methods, combining AR and game design for the exhibition.
Associate Professor Chi-Chang Lee from the Department of History led students in presenting their results through immersive displays and tabletop games.
Associate Professor of the Institute of Art and Director of the Research and Curatorial Group at the Art Center, Chia-Pin Chen, curated the exhibition using phonographs, allowing students to explore a new scientific and artistic experience of sound and visuals.