2026-07-20

In response to the growing momentum behind net-zero transformation, regional revitalization, and sustainable industrial development, the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) has integrated its academic resources to establish the NUK USR Hub: Local Cross-Sector Sustainability Co-Learning and Action Platform.

Jointly initiated by the Department of Applied Economics and the Executive MBA Center, the platform was officially launched on July 17. It brings together three major networks—education, communities, and industry—to advance University Social Responsibility (USR) through interdisciplinary learning, resource sharing, and practical action. By working with local communities and businesses, the platform aims to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, creating a collaborative framework that combines educational capacity, industrial expertise, and place-based action.

NUK Chief Secretary Hsin-Tai Pan attended the launch ceremony on behalf of the university. He stated that, in addition to teaching, research, and talent development, universities should actively respond to local development needs and use their academic expertise to create broader social impact.

In recent years, NUK has continued to advance sustainable campus development. The university has obtained ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification, gradually introduced smart water and electricity management systems, and upgraded energy-efficient equipment. The establishment of the USR Hub further integrates the university’s teaching, research, and industry–academia resources while connecting community, educational, and industrial partners.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, NUK hopes to bring university resources and expertise into local communities and work with stakeholders to develop a model of shared and sustainable prosperity.

Supporting Net-Zero Transformation and Regional Revitalization

During his remarks, National Development Council Minister Chun-Hsien Yeh commended NUK for establishing the USR Hub. He noted that the platform’s objectives are closely aligned with the council’s policies on Taiwan’s 2050 Net-Zero Transition and regional revitalization.

With the rapid development of the semiconductor industry cluster in southern Taiwan, alongside the growing demand for artificial intelligence applications and net-zero transformation, the platform’s integration of academic research, corporate practice, and local resources can help small and medium-sized enterprises pursue green transformation. It can also contribute to regional revitalization and balanced development while serving as a key platform connecting government, industry, academia, and local communities.

Building a Long-Term Cross-Sector Collaboration Mechanism

Chih-Min She, Chair of the Department of Applied Economics and initiator of the USR Hub, explained that the platform was established to put University Social Responsibility into practice by closely aligning NUK’s research, teaching, and talent development capabilities with local needs.

The platform is structured around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and corporate ESG governance frameworks. It integrates three major partnership networks:

• Education: Connecting senior high schools, junior high schools, and elementary schools to strengthen sustainability education.
• Community: Working with neighborhoods and local organizations to promote low-carbon lifestyles and community development.
• Industry: Linking technology, manufacturing, and service-sector resources to advance industry–academia cooperation and net-zero transformation.

Through these networks, the university aims to become an important hub connecting different sectors of society.

She emphasized that the USR Hub is intended to be more than a platform for occasional exchanges. Its long-term goal is to establish a continuously operating mechanism for sustainability co-learning.

The platform will regularly organize sustainability lectures and cross-sector workshops while developing practical courses on topics such as greenhouse gas inventories and tree-based carbon sequestration. These programs will help businesses implement ESG management and net-zero strategies while enabling schools, communities, and industries to share resources and develop collaborative initiatives.

Through these efforts, sustainability concepts can extend beyond the campus and take root in local communities, forming a model that integrates education, practical action, and industrial application.

Expanding Partnerships across Greater Southern Taiwan

The platform has already connected nearby senior high schools, junior high schools, elementary schools, neighborhood communities, and companies in the technology, manufacturing, and service sectors. Together, these partners are gradually building the platform’s education, community, and industry networks.

NUK will continue to expand the partnership base and integrate additional government, corporate, and community resources. By strengthening cross-sector collaboration, the university hopes to work with its partners to establish a new model for sustainable development across greater southern Taiwan.

Ming-Chang Weng, Director of the Executive MBA Center, stated that the center has long brought together business leaders and senior managers from diverse industries, accumulating substantial practical experience and industrial resources.

Following the establishment of the USR Hub, the EMBA Center will further connect businesses, government agencies, schools, and community partners. This will help companies access academic expertise while enabling university research to respond more directly to industrial needs. The center also looks forward to working with additional local governments and businesses to advance sustainable regional development.

Fa-Hsiang Chang, Deputy General Manager of the Risk Management Division at Cathay United Bank, shared practical corporate experience in sustainability governance. He noted that, in response to net-zero emissions and the global ESG movement, financial institutions are not only promoting green finance but are also helping small and medium-sized enterprises improve carbon disclosure and sustainability management capabilities.

Through the USR Hub, he hopes that academia, industry, and local communities can deepen their collaboration in green transformation, talent development, and social well-being, thereby expanding the practical impact of University Social Responsibility.

Expert Forum Explores Local Learning, Environmental Ethics, and Campus Carbon Sequestration

The launch ceremony also featured an expert forum presenting multiple perspectives on the future development of the USR Hub.

Adjunct Assistant Professor Chiung-Ching Weng of the Center for General Education shared teaching experience from place-based walking and local learning courses and offered recommendations for the platform’s development.

Adjunct Assistant Professor Shu-Wen Lin discussed how courses in environmental ethics and sustainability can help students cultivate sustainability literacy.

Associate Professor Yu-Ling Kao of the Department of Life Sciences presented NUK’s experience in campus green carbon inventories and tree registry development. She explained how a comprehensive tree database can record information such as tree height, diameter at breast height, biomass, and carbon storage. Such a registry provides an important foundation for monitoring the campus’s green carbon sequestration capacity.

Together, the three presentations offered diverse perspectives to support the USR Hub’s future interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainability initiatives.

Current USR Hub Partnership Network

The network will continue to expand.

Education Partners:
Kuo-Chang Junior High School, You-Chang Junior High School, Ciaotou Junior High School, Keliao Elementary School, Chung Shan Senior High School, and Jiawei Elementary School.

Community Partners:
Zhonghe Village, Zhongxing Village, and Lantian Village.

Industry Partners:
De Yao Precision Co., Ltd.; Friendtech Technology Co., Ltd.; Tai Zhun Precision Industry Co., Ltd.; Zheng De Human Resources Management Consulting Co., Ltd.; Jin He Machinery Enterprise Co., Ltd.; Hsin Te Co., Ltd.; Formosa Climate Smart Service Co., Ltd.; and Yi Jun Technology Co., Ltd.

#SDG4 #SDG11 #SDG13 #SDG17
@Department of Applied Economics · Executive MBA Center | Activities