National Chung Cheng University (CCU) delivered an outstanding performance at the 6th Global Views University Social Responsibility (USR) Awards in 2025, receiving prestigious honors for two of its flagship projects. Professor Kuan Chung-Hsiang’s “Study of Minhsiung: Learn from Minhsiung” project earned the Model Award in the Sustainable Curriculum Category, while Professor Huang Shih-Ming’s “Bamboo Replaces Plastic: A Green Economy for Global Resilience” was awarded the Excellence Award in the Industry Co-Creation Category. These accolades highlight CCU’s strong commitment to industry collaboration and community-based education.

Award Ceremony on April 8: CCU USR Team Shines

The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 8. CCU’s delegation, led by the Dean of Student Affairs and USR Office Deputy Director Lu Lung-Chuan, attended the event, underscoring the university’s dedication to promoting USR. Professor Kuan received the award for the “Study of Minhsiung” project, while Professor Huang accepted the award for the bamboo-based sustainability initiative, marking a proud moment for CCU’s USR efforts on a national stage.

Bamboo as a Plastic Alternative: Forging a Green and Sustainable Industry

Spearheaded by Professors Huang Shih-Ming and Wang Shao-Chun, the “Bamboo Replaces Plastic” project aims to establish a bamboo-centered circular economy by collaborating with local industries and international partners. This initiative not only reduces plastic pollution but also boosts technological advancement and market expansion in the bamboo industry. Upholding the USR values of co-creation, shared prosperity, and mutual benefit, the project integrates technological innovation with social practice, positioning Taiwan’s green industrial chain on the global stage and enhancing its resilience and competitiveness.

Learning and Loving the Local: Building a Co-Learning Society through “Study of Minhsiung”

Led by Professors Kuan Chung-Hsiang and Yang Yu-Chun, the “Study of Minhsiung” project focuses on developing a curriculum rooted in local engagement and social practice. Through partnerships with local elders, children, community organizations, and businesses, the initiative promotes cultural preservation and sustainable development in the Minhsiung area. The project puts into action the concept of “the community as the classroom,” enabling students to learn in real-world settings and deepen their understanding of social issues—truly embodying USR’s mission of fostering social change through education.

Commitment to Action: CCU Champions the Spirit of USR

Vice President and Director of the USR Office, Dr. Hung Hsin-Yuan, emphasized that the awards are a testament to the collaborative efforts of CCU’s faculty, students, and local partners, reflecting the core value of “learning from society, acting for society.” He reaffirmed CCU’s commitment to strengthening its ties with local communities and advancing innovative, impactful social initiatives. Dean Lu Lung-Chuan noted that USR not only bridges academia and society but also serves as a vital force for fulfilling the university’s social responsibilities. Deputy Dean Cheng Yang-Yao added that future efforts will focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and policy support to broaden the impact of USR, positioning CCU as both a promoter and practitioner of sustainable development.

With a longstanding dedication to USR, CCU continues to demonstrate its social impact and sense of responsibility across areas such as industry co-creation, educational innovation, and cultural sustainability. These dual recognitions not only validate the university’s efforts but also set a benchmark for USR development in Taiwan’s higher education sector. Through action, CCU continues to embody the spirit of “Just Good,” co-creating a better future with society.