A Feast of International Flavors and Culture! – 2025 NCKU World Cultural & Food Festival-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

To promote cultural exchange and provide a diverse international experience, National Cheng Kung University successfully held the "2025 NCKU World Cultural & Food Festival" on March 15th on campus. This event featured overseas students from various countries setting up stalls to sell traditional delicacies, handmade crafts, and cultural experiences.


Organized by the Office of International Affairs, Overseas Student and Scholar Services Division at National Cheng Kung University, the festival gathered students from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and other countries. The market offered authentic dishes from their homelands, such as Indonesian Fried Noodles (Mie Goreng Indonesia), Vietnamese Bánh Mì, and Thai Milk Tea. Additionally, traditional Indonesian handicrafts, including tote bags, bracelets, and cardholders, were showcased, allowing visitors to not only enjoy delicious food but also take home unique souvenirs.


In addition to the diverse market stalls, the event featured a series of exciting cultural performances and interactive games. The event officially started at 11:00AM with an opening speech by Associate Vice President for International Affairs and Director of the Overseas Student and Scholar Services Division, Professor Wei-Shiun Chang. Following this, an Indonesian music band delivered an energetic performance, setting the stage for a lively event. The university’s dance club then presented a performance integrating traditional cultural elements, showcasing the beauty of cultural fusion. Furthermore, stall owners took turns introducing their stalls and specialty items, providing visitors with deeper insights into their cultures.
 
One of the event’s highlights was the cultural experience booth organized by the Indonesian Student Association, where attendees could participate in hands-on activities such as Wayang Kulit. This interactive segment allowed participants to engage directly with the culture, creating a deeper appreciation for its uniqueness.
 
The market was bustling with excitement, attracting a large crowd of students and visitors. Many participants expressed that this event allowed them to experience international cuisine without leaving the country. Through engaging with stall owners, they also gained a better understanding of different food cultures. For example, Vietnamese stall representatives explained the variations in fillings for their famous Bánh Mì, deepening attendees’ appreciation of international cuisine. Stall owners also actively interacted with visitors, sharing their experiences of studying and living in Taiwan, as well as how they preserve their cultural identities in a foreign land. A student from Thailand remarked, "Being able to share the flavors of my homeland with everyone through this event makes me feel incredibly happy."


"We hope that through this festival, students at our university can connect with cultures from around the world while providing international students an opportunity to share their heritage. This fosters meaningful exchange and mutual understanding," said Associate Vice President Wei-Shiun Chang.
 
The "2025 NCKU World Cultural & Food Festival" successfully concluded, not only offering attendees a taste of different international cuisines but also promoting cross-cultural interaction and understanding. The campus was filled with a strong international atmosphere, and many students expressed their hopes for more similar events in the future to keep cultural diversity thriving at the university.