Chiayi County, October 9, 2024 — The "Bamboo Industry Forum" was held at the Noah Bamboo Cultural Park in Shuishang Township, Chiayi County, attracting top experts from the industry and academia, corporate representatives, and students. With the theme "Exploring Industrial Resilience Through Eco-Friendly Use of Bamboo Waste in Yunlin and Chiayi," the forum highlighted future trends in the bamboo industry and sparked lively discussions. Hosted by the Bamboo Ark USR Team from National Chung Cheng University, the event focused on the sustainable development of the bamboo industry through waste utilization.

The forum began with an opening address by Professor Lu Lung-Chuan, Dean of Student Affairs and Chief USR Project Leader at National Chung Cheng University, and Mr. Chen Chih-Kang, General Manager of Huroya Company. The event centered on the sustainable use of bamboo waste, delving into methods of transforming waste into high-value products and promoting bamboo technology and innovative design to ensure the industry’s steady growth amid changing conditions.

Mr. Tai Cheng-You, Chairman of Puyuan Art Studio, shared insights on “Sustainable Development and the Reuse of Bamboo Waste,” discussing how technologies such as bamboo charcoal and vinegar achieve environmental benefits. Mr. Tsai Shih-Wei, Chairman of the Tianshe Bamboo Weaving Association, presented "Bamboo Technology and Manufacturing Innovation," showcasing the potential of bamboo in smart technology applications to enhance the industry's global competitiveness. Mr. Lin Chia-Hong, head of Yuantai Bamboo Art, demonstrated bamboo's role in modern design and explained how international online and offline channels can elevate product value. Finally, Flora Huroya's General Manager, Mr. Zhou Di, and CEO Mr. Chen Chih-Kang discussed the innovative bamboo flooring production process and global market strategies, revealing how bamboo technology is penetrating international markets.

The interactive session saw vibrant exchanges between attendees and speakers, focusing on the opportunities and challenges of bamboo waste reuse. Participants also enjoyed a unique bamboo craft DIY experience, allowing guests and students to explore bamboo's texture and creative potential firsthand. An Indian student shared, “This forum gave me valuable insights into Taiwan’s innovative bamboo applications, and I will share these experiences in India. The bamboo splitting experience was unforgettable.”

In a commitment to local revitalization, bamboo waste reduction, and fostering a symbiotic bamboo industry, Professor Lu Lung-Chuan, along with key players from the Bamboo Technology Industry Belt, including Huroya Company, Puyuan Art Studio, Yuantai Bamboo Art, and local communities from Gukeng, Adan, and Dalin, issued a “Joint Declaration for Bamboo Industry Revitalization.” This emphasized the significance of the newly formed Bamboo Technology Belt Alliance in building a value chain for the eco-friendly utilization of bamboo and accelerating the industry's revival.

The forum not only showcased the diverse applications of bamboo waste in modern industries but also laid a strong foundation for international cooperation in the bamboo sector, strengthening industry-academic collaboration and promoting environmental sustainability. With the official formation of the Bamboo Technology Belt Alliance, National Chung Cheng University is spearheading efforts to upgrade the resilience of the bamboo industry, heralding a new chapter in sustainable development.