Taiwan Tech, Hwa Hsia complete first-ever public-private merger

Taiwan Tech, Hwa Hsia complete first-ever public-private merger

2023-08-01

Taiwan Tech, or the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, has merged with Hwa Hsia University of Technology. This marks Taiwan’s first-ever merger between a public and private university. On Tuesday, education minister Pan Wen-chung attended a press event announcing the completed deal. He said there were complicated laws and personnel issues surrounding public-private mergers. This first-of-its-kind case could serve as a model for future such partnerships, he said.

Pan Wen-chung
Education minister
During interpellation sessions at the Legislative Yuan, lawmakers often ask when there will be a public-private merger. And I respond that this issue is the subject of long study. It’s difficult. It is very difficult to achieve. Thank you to both schools for giving me a great example to use in the Legislative Yuan in the future.

Liu San-chi
Hwa Hsia University of Technology head
During a recent gathering with friends, many of my friends asked me, “How could you give away a school so freely?” Hwa Hsia University of Technology is hardly unwanted. There are quite a few schools that would be quick to take it.

Yen Jia-yush
Taiwan Tech president
Truly, it is their selfless board of directors that created this possibility today. But throughout the process, I’ll be honest, there were several times when I wanted to say, “Forget it.”

Hwa Hsia currently has 2,817 students, and it stopped taking new ones this year. The school is expected to close officially in 2026. The merger lets Taiwan Tech use Hwa Hsia’s campus for free, and to take over Hwa Hsia’s assets after 2026. But Taiwan Tech must provide courses and credits to Hwa Hsia’s students. It must also provide six years of employment to Hwa Hsia faculty who transfer over to Taiwan Tech.

台科大華夏校區揭牌創公私立併校首例

2023-08-01

少子化讓高教面臨衝擊，台科大與華夏科大整併為台灣科技大學華夏校區，創下國內公私立大學合併首例。教育部長潘文忠親自出席揭牌儀式，表示公私合併涉及法規、人事並不簡單，將借鏡兩校典範，進一步鼓勵更多學校公私合併。

[[教育部長潘文忠]]
“在立法院，好多委員都在經常質詢，到底什麼時候會有公私合併的，我說我們做了很久的研究，這難題，難度是高的，謝謝兩校，讓我未來在立法院答詢，有一個很好的舉例說明”

[[華夏科大董事長劉三錡]]
“我最近跟朋友聚會的時候，很多朋友在問我，你們怎麼可能把一個學校，這樣白端端的送給人家，華夏科大也不是沒人要，搶著要的學校也還滿多”

[[台科大校長顏家鈺]]
“真的是，看到這樣無私的董事會，才能夠今天有這樣的可能，雖然說這過程中，我老實講，我自己都已經有幾次就想說，我們就算了”

華夏目前還有2817名學生，今年已經停招，預估2026年，正式停辦。兩校合併，台科可以無償使用華夏中和校區，等華夏退場後，甚至可以接收校產。但與此同時，必須提供學程、學分，供華夏學生修讀，華夏教師也會專案轉任台科，有六年的工作保障。

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2023-08-01

US state department pressed about Lai’s White House remarks

The DPP’s Lai Ching-te made headlines last month when he said that when Taiwan’s president can enter the White House, “the political goal that we’re pursuing will have been achieved.” The remarks were a hot topic at the U.S. state department’s latest press conference. When asked to respond to Lai, department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the U.S.’ “one China” policy remained unchanged. He also addressed Lai’s upcoming stopovers in the U.S., saying that such transits are, quote, nothing out of the ordinary.

Vice President Lai Ching-te was spotted in Changhua enjoying authentic local flavors. He gave up a smile when locals greeted him as Mr. President.

Lai promised to return as Taiwan’s president. With sights set on continuing DPP rule, Lai will embark on a state visit next week. He will attend Paraguay’s presidential inauguration and transit in the U.S., on his way over and back.

Matthew Miller
US state department spokesperson
And with respect to his transit, such transits have happened numerous times going back decades over multiple administrations, and there’s nothing out of the ordinary about them.

The U.S. emphasized that Lai’s transit stops were normal. But according to insiders, Lai’s previous remarks about entering the White House had sparked concerns in Washington. The topic came up again at the state department’s latest press briefing.

Journalist
He said that, quote, “When Taiwan’s president can enter the White House, the political goal that we’re pursuing will have been achieved.” What is the state department’s comment on those remarks?

Matthew Miller
US state department spokesperson
I don’t have any reaction to his remarks. I will say that from the United States’ perspective, our “one China” policy has not changed.

In mid-July, the Financial Times reported that Washington sought an explanation from Taiwan, after Lai said entering the White House represented the achievement of his political goal. The report also quoted a senior U.S. official, who said the White House had not been in touch with Lai himself, his campaign, or his staff. During Monday’s press briefing, the state department was asked if it feared Lai’s election could damage U.S.-China relations. The state department declined to respond. It said only that it would not address comments made by any political candidate of another country.

Lin Ching-yi
DPP lawmaker
I think that both we and the U.S. are very clear on the fact that when Vice President Lai Ching-te spoke about entering the White House, he was expressing a hope for more normal exchanges between two democratic nations. Any normal democratic nation understands the need to respect, to not interfere with the public discourse of other countries’ democratic elections.

Ahead of his trip overseas, Lai’s White House remarks have ignited debate. As Taiwan’s vice president and a presidential contender, his every move in the U.S. will be under scrutiny.

2023-08-01

TPP’s Ko Wen-je stirs debate with ‘Vote White, Vote Right’ slogan

The Taiwan People’s Party recently caused quite a stir with its new campaign slogan: “Vote White, Vote Right.” After the slogan went up online, it was criticized for its white supremacist connotations. The party’s presidential candidate, Ko Wen-je, says the controversy stems from a cultural difference. Even so, the TPP has removed the line from its official website.

TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je made an appearance in Kaohsiung on Tuesday. The visit came after his English campaign slogan, “Vote White, Vote Right,” raised an outcry over its racist connotations. U.S. media outlet BNN Breaking picked up the story, noting that Ko is a controversial figure known for his contentious remarks.

Ko Wen-je
TPP presidential candidate
This is a cultural difference. In Taiwan, it’s not problematic. But abroad, it is. In the future, we’ll get real foreigners to work on our websites.

A Taipei councilor said Ko underestimates the cultural awareness of Taiwanese people.

Lin Yen-feng
Taipei councilor (DPP)
Just because the TPP themselves don’t get it doesn’t mean all of Taiwan doesn’t get it. They are completely insulting the intelligence of Taiwanese people. Having a presidential candidate like him speaking on issues of global diplomacy would be a disaster for Taiwan.

Miao Po-ya
Taipei councilor (SDP)
Ko urgently needs to find aides who are qualified in international affairs, diplomacy, defense, national security and matters like that. Truly qualified aides with both talent and morals, and not just a PR team that diverts attention away from blunders made throughout the day.

Ko has a long record of gaffes. In 2015, U.K. transport minister Susan Kramer presented Ko with a pocket watch. When a reporter asked about the gift, Ko said he might give it away or to sell it to a scrap metal dealer for cash. In 2019, after returning from Israel, he landed in controversy with another remark.

Ko Wen-je (February 2019)
Taipei mayor
In Israel, they arranged for us to visit the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. The greatest publicity for Jewish people internationally has been that 6 million of them were murdered during Hitler’s time.

More recently, in June, Ko told Japanese media that Taiwanese fishers did not want to claim the Diaoyutai Islands for Taiwan, but only wanted to fish near them. Ko’s campaign slogan is just another blunder on the list.

2023-08-01

Han Kuang drills criticized for having more show than substance

Since the Han Kuang war games ended last week, there’s been criticism that they did not prepare soldiers for the reality of war. According to one ex-officer, the tactics used could backfire in combat, and the fortifications built would not withstand an attack. In response, the defense ministry said the drills would continue to be improved to better reflect combat situations.

Last Friday marked the end of the 39th Han Kuang war games, which featured high-profile anti-landing exercises. Critics say the drills were more show than substance.

In a talk show interview, a former naval officer questioned whether the fortifications and tactics deployed during the drills would actually be useful in a PLA attack. He said that although footage of the exercises looked impressive, the troops did not have concrete fortifications, and a real enemy may not advance exactly as Taiwan imagines. The ex-officer said Taiwan’s soldiers only had wooden planks and sand to stop the enemy. He said it appeared that the drills were meant primarily for show.

Lin Wen-huang
Ministry of National Defense
All military training exercises, including this year’s Han Kuang exercises, are meticulously planned out based on the threat posed by the PLA. We develop the possible scenarios, and based on those scenarios, we plan out the war exercises. Of course we will continue improving our combat-training exercises, making them more realistic and similar to real-life combat scenarios. I think this is something we will continue working on in our training.

The military said that all drill scenarios were based on possible enemy threats. It said drills would continue to be improved to more closely match combat situations. In related news, the military responded to calls for relocating a Keelung ammunition depot, where an explosion injured nine soldiers last month.

Shih Yu-lueng
Medical Affairs Bureau
The two severely injured soldiers have undergone intensive surgical treatment. Wound debridement will continue to be performed in the future, as well as skin grafting and reconstruction. The seven soldiers with minor injuries are due to be discharged today. They will still be called back for follow-up visits for further evaluation.

Chen Chun-chung
Ministry of National Defense
The locations of our ammunition depots are chosen based on operational requirements, based on meticulous and comprehensive reviews. To minimize the impact of this depot on nearby residents, we have already made alterations so that non-hazardous supplies, such as light weaponry ammunition, are stored near residential areas. Moving forward, we will continue earnest discussions with the city government and local residents over this issue.

Amid calls for the depot’s relocation, the military said it had made adjustments and was coordinating with all stakeholders to achieve a resolution.

2023-08-01

Spotlight: Ko Ya-wen, Turkish belly dancer

Turkish belly dancing is known for its dynamic and flamboyant movements. Today we take you to meet Ko Ya-wen, an award-winning Turkish belly dancer and teacher. She started a studio to train Turkish belly dancers, and has traveled around Taiwan to perform at art festivals and events. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to Ko to find out more.

She takes the stage with an explosive and dynamic belly dance performance. Her movements are bold and strong, with many body rolls, spins, and floorwork.

Compared to other belly dance styles, Turkish dance movements are faster and lighter. This is a performance by Ko Ya-wen, an award-winning Turkish belly dancer.

Ko Ya-wen
Founder
There are so many styles now. The most unique thing about our Turkish belly dancing is that it is flamboyant, uses power from the lower belly, and combines movements of the body. The style of music is also more joyful. Because in Turkey, it is performed in front of an audience, so I will make a lot of eye contact with you. We also wear high heels, so controlling our body is quite difficult.

Prior to being a belly dancer, Ko worked in the printing business. She fell in love with belly dance after taking lessons from a Turkish belly dance teacher named Crystal Lian. Ko decided to quit her job in the printing business and start teaching at her instructor’s studio. She also traveled around the world to master the art.

Ko Ya-wen
Founder
Before I became a dancer, I was an assistant at a printing factory. That was a very stable job. I had no foundation in dancing at all, and after seeing this dance, I really liked it and wanted to dance as well as my teacher. I thought I could do it. So I spent a lot of time learning from my teachers, studying abroad, and studying videos of many dancers. Besides giving me confidence, I think Turkish belly dancing is also so beautiful. Because my teacher left Taiwan, I thought it would be a pity to lose this beautiful dance, so I hope to continue to pass it on.

In 2019, Ko opened her own dance studio. One of her main goals is to nurture more Turkish belly dance teachers and talent.

Ko Ya-wen
Founder
I hope Turkish belly dance can continue to be passed on. Therefore, I have been cultivating teachers. Not necessarily teachers, but also people who like to perform very much. I’ve started to let them teach. I am doing this for their future. If a woman really has a dream, I hope to provide a stage where she can fulfill her dream.

Having taught Turkish belly dance for 15 years now, Ko hopes to continue to foster more talent in Taiwan and give them a place to shine. She also wants to let more people know about the beauty of Turkish belly dance and culture.

2023-08-01

Tsai marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Kaohsiung conference

2023-08-01

Council of Agriculture officially upgraded to ministry led by Chen Chi-chung

The Council of Agriculture has officially been upgraded to the status of a ministry. At Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony, the very first minister of agriculture, Chen Chi-chung, gave a 10-minute speech under pouring rain. He said that through the resources of the new Ministry of Agriculture, he would pursue food security, sustainable agriculture, and improved livelihoods for agricultural workers.

With the tug of a banner, the Ministry of Agriculture makes its debut.

Lai Ching-te
Vice president
On May 20, 1988, farmers staged a protest with seven key demands. One of them was to upgrade the Council of Agriculture into a ministry. After more than 30 years, that dream has finally become reality.

The first minister of agriculture is Chen Chi-chung, formerly the head of the Council of Agriculture. Braving the rain, Chen gave an impassioned speech.

Chen Chi-chung
Agriculture minister
This is a step that’s been in the making for 35 years. The harder it rains, the stronger we become. Let us take our agriculture sector forward.

Turning down an umbrella held by an aide, Chen spoke under the rain for almost 10 minutes.

Chen Chi-chung
Agriculture minister
As the first minister, I would like to thank the DPP administration led by President Tsai Ing-wen for giving a country boy like me the opportunity to take on this position.

Chen received a seal from Premier Chen Chien-jen. Also witnessing this historic moment were Su Tseng-chang and Lin Chuan, former premiers of the Tsai administration.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
We take care of our farmers in every possible way. Especially since 2016, when we established a four-pillar welfare system for farmers consisting of three insurances and one pension fund.

Su Tseng-chang
Former premier
With the efforts from Minister Chen Chi-chung and the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s agriculture will find a way forward.

Chen Chi-chung
Agriculture minister
Taking care of our farmers and fishers, ensuring food security, and striving for sustainability are our three main objectives. That’s in addition to resolving problems that our farmers and fishers may face and raising farmers’ income.

Chen laid out a vision, pledging to look after farmers and fishers and enact systematic reforms. Through the new ministry, Chen aims to lead Taiwan’s agricultural sector into a new era.

2023-08-01

Taiwanese luxury kids’ clothing brand aims to make waves on the global scene

Now for a spotlight on one of Taiwan’s most ambitious fashion brands. This children’s clothing company began just seven years ago, and after four years in business it was already making inroads in the global fashion market. It’s stocked at several luxury department stores worldwide, including the Printemps stores in France. The brand’s founder Wei Chun-fang spoke to us about her vision for a first-rate brand from Taiwan to make waves on the global scene.

They discuss the design, draw up the pattern and cut it out. Then on the sewing machine it goes and gets a good press.

Customization is on offer: embroider a pair of baby feet, a birth date, or any other message. This sample workshop can produce 100 samples of new kids’ clothing styles every season. It’s the heart of the brand, and Wei Chun-fang’s favorite place to be.

Wei Chun-fang
Children’s clothing brand founder
What is it that I actually want to say with this brand? It’s that you start aesthetic education from childhood. I want to express my hope that children can build their confidence with these clothes.

Wei was previously a commercial stylist for 13 years. She wanted to break through the idea that children’s clothes are just a vehicle for cartoon characters. In 2016 she mortgaged her house, took on more than NT$60 million in debt, and founded her company. She didn’t realize that just as she started off on her aesthetic revolution, a pandemic was about to hit.

Wei Chun-fang
Children’s clothing brand founder
When we first started, to be honest, we were losing money on every item. But this is the truth – if you have decided, “I want to make a first-rate children’s clothing brand, I want to create an international brand from Taiwan,” then you won’t compromise.

Of the six years the brand has been operating, three were during a pandemic. But Wei is undaunted, and has pushed the company onward and upward. She’s opened four concessions in foreign department stores, including Printemps, a premium French store, and the brand has featured in international fashion weeks.

The brand has spared no expense to establish their reputation, importing organic Japanese cotton, and adopting costly made-in-Taiwan functional fabrics. These clothes aren’t cheap. But they’ve won the hearts of high-end customers, and last year the brand’s revenue grew 81% year-on-year.

Wei Chun-fang
Children’s clothing brand founder
It’s about children’s health. So we block all toxic materials at the source. So we use 100% organic cotton, or for example we’re using zinc oxide on our fabric too. I want everyone to have confidence that Taiwan has the capacity to go global, to make people see that Taiwan can do design and can make it happen.

Wei has a strong vision of the clothes she wants to make and the brand she wants to establish. Along the way, she might just contribute to a new global image of Taiwan.

2023-08-01