2026-03-10

The second annual Sunlight Island Lifestyle Festival was held from March 6 to 8 at Central Park, attracting large crowds of local residents and international visitors over the three-day event. The National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) was invited by the Kaohsiung City Government Administration and International Affairs Department to participate, showcasing the university’s diverse achievements in sustainability, international engagement, and cultural innovation.

During the event, NUK Executive Vice President Wu Hsing-Hao, Dean of International Affairs Lin Hsing-Ju, and Dean of Student Affairs Wang Ming-Yueh attended to show support. Director Chang Yen-Ching of the Kaohsiung City Government Administration and International Affairs Department and Neil Gibson, Chief of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan, also visited the university’s booths and praised students for their creativity and cultural engagement.

On March 6, NUK’s Office of the Executive Vice President coordinated an exhibition featuring a variety of institutional achievements. Highlights included a circular economy collaboration with ASE Technology Holding and Pao Hoo Footwear to develop recycled anti-static shoe soles, demonstrating both industry–academia collaboration and University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives. The university also introduced its Summer School programs, Asian Virtual Academy initiatives, science outreach projects, and interdisciplinary education achievements to help the public better understand its sustainability efforts.

On March 7, NUK’s Office of International Affairs partnered with the university’s Vietnamese Student Association to host a popular Vietnamese drip coffee experience. Through demonstrations using traditional Phin filters, students introduced visitors to Vietnamese coffee culture and the philosophy of slow living. International students were involved in every stage of the project—from budgeting and coffee preparation to booth operations—gaining practical entrepreneurial and cross-cultural experience.

On March 8, NUK’s Office of Student Affairs led participation by the university’s Calligraphy Club and Baking Club. The Calligraphy Club displayed student works and offered personalized calligraphy services, while the Baking Club prepared handmade cookies and desserts on-site, attracting enthusiastic participation through art and culinary creativity.

Executive Vice President Wu, who also serves as Director of NUK’s Center for Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, emphasized that the university’s participation in the festival reflects President Chen Chi-Jen’s vision of “rooted locally, connected globally.” Through cultural exchange, international engagement, and hands-on student participation, NUK continues to demonstrate its commitment to building a sustainable, diverse, and dynamic campus community.

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