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1011113 FEATURE: Renowned scientist pooling strengths of 4 Taiwan universities

Tainan, Taiwan, Nov. 12, 2012

Nov. 5 marks the official launching of Taiwan Comprehensive University System (TCUS) -- an alliance formed by National Cheng Kung University, National Sun Yat-Sen University, National Chung Hsing University, and National Chung Cheng University -- with world renowned superconductivity researcher Paul Ching-Wu Chu as honorary chancellor.

NCKU alumnus Paul Ching-Wu Chu was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by President Ma Ying-jeou, who gave full endorsement to TCUS and the honorary chancellor.

Chu said, “TCUS symbolizes how schools can work together to create a better learning environment. We will try to take the synergistic approach to make these four universities better overall.”

Chu accepted this position knowing that there would be no salary. Nevertheless, he still regards this as a highpoint in his extraordinary career. “I grew up here and this is my chance to give back,” Chu Said.

Maw-Kuen Wu, a good friend of Chu and president of National Dong Hwa University, said laughingly, “When he asked for my opinion about doing this, I suggested that he retire.”

The two men have a deep bond that goes back to the days when they made a historical discovery of superconductivity over 77K at YBCO, which was later nominated for a Nobel Prize. In all seriousness, Wu said, “It is the passion for his Alma Mater. He is an NCKU graduate, and knew of the personal fulfillment that he would get by accepting this position.”

The alliance of the four leading universities in southern Taiwan will undoubtedly improve their science and technology education, which in turn will have positive economic and social impacts in the southern and central Taiwan region as well.

TCUS does not appear to be a short-term association. Dr. Chu’s spectrum spans much farther than his term as honorary chancellor.

When asked about his goals for TCUS over the next four years, Chu said, “My goals for TCUS are not for just four years, but forever. We would naturally like to achieve success as quickly as possible, though.”

Chu is confident that the universities possess the willingness to collaborate for the integration process. “I think if any difficulties should arise, they can be undoubtedly overcome. All of the presidents have expressed their willingness to work together, and this is the first prerequisite for the success of the TCUS system. The second prerequisite is that since these four universities are very strong in different ways, they are going to have to be complementary to each other through TCUS.”

Yes, Dr. Chu’s synergistic approach is the formula to make the four a harmonious academic force.

He also has a Green Technology Corridor in mind for the southern and central universities. Chu said, “Taiwan is originally from agriculture, and southern Taiwan is unique but we should maintain that uniqueness. In other words, the greenery and farm land can be developed and utilized properly without destroying them. I am looking forward to its success.”

Wu said, “It’s a great move to integrate the universities with TCUS. Every university has its own expertise, whether it is agriculture, medicine, engineering, or oceanography, the integration of the quality resources will allow the students to have a great learning environment.”

TCUS will also boost international cooperation across the education system. “By the universities putting their expertise together, it will attract attention of universities across the globe, and therefore I believe it will enhance the standing of TCUS in the world,” Chu said.

Getting international recognition and collaboration will certainly strengthen Taiwan universities’ reputation and standing in the global arena. There will be endless possibilities of accomplishments at the feet of TCUS research teams if they can effectively share resources and ideas, as well as work efficiently together.

Chu gave an inspiring message to the students who will be getting an education under TCUS. “Everybody should have a dream, especially young people. I truly believe that life without a dream is very dark, and when we have a dream we really try to work on it, because a dream without actions basically leads you nowhere. We would like to see these dreams have the support of the universities, government, and industries. With this I think that it will help everyone to have a dream realized.”

Dr. Chu still maintains his own dream that he is pursuing in the United States -- of achieving a room temperature superconductor. The students clearly have the type of overseer, who is a role model for pushing for an academic culture of striving for aspirations.

“My memories studying at NCKU are a very important part of my life, because I spent the most significant part of my life, those four years, in NCKU. If I owe anything to anyone for what I have done in my life, it goes to NCKU. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to come and help,” Chu said.

Chu has a lot of work ahead of him, but he welcomes the challenge. “The modern world is multitasking, and I learn that from the young generation,” Chu said.

When asked about what the alliance will do for NCKU, Chu said, “NCKU has many strengths, particularly in engineering. Of course this is very broad consisting of many other fields. But other universities also have their strengths. Look at Chung Hsing University. They are very strong in agriculture, biology, and life science. So working together, we can take advantage of those strengths for their research and development of students, turning them both into a world class system.”

TCUS is going to catalyze these universities to a very high level.

Chu is currently a physics professor and T.L.L. Temple Chair of Science at the University of Houston. He served as president of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for 9 years, from 2001 to 2009. He has earned a world reputation for his research in superconductivity, magnetism, and dielectrics.

http://news-en.secr.ncku.edu.tw/files/14-1083-99733,r614-1.php

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News Center National Cheng Kung University
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