Written by Hsu Tsu-Yueh. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
The quantum technology lecture of the 14th welcomed international scholars, industry and government representatives, and academic scholars and attracted participation from the public.
The Center for Quantum Frontiers of Research & Technology (QFort) of National Cheng Kung University took the stage in the "Tainan 400," a series of cultural events celebrating the 400 years of history of Tainan City. On April 14, in honor of World Quantum Day, a lecture titled "Quantum Carnival - Frontiers of Quantum Technology" was held at the Tainan Art Museum. Renowned international scholars, Academia Sinica Academician and Professor at the University of Houston, Paul Ching-Wu Chu, and Professor William D. Oliver, Director of the Center for Quantum Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), shared insights on the topic of "From Quantum Technology to Quantum Computing." Tainan Deputy Mayor Tse-Shan Yeh, NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen, and numerous industry and government representatives and academic scholars attended the event. The lecture was also open for public registration for those interested in quantum technology, and the venue was filled to capacity.
The event commenced with an opening speech by Director Tse-Ming Chen of the NCKU QFort. Director Chen remarked that Tainan is renowned not only for its culinary delights and historic sites but also for its significant role in technology development. Taking quantum technology as an example, which the current global forefront considers the most revolutionary technology of the next generation, Tainan is the base for the nation's quantum technology research and development. NCKU is the first academic institution in Taiwan to venture into quantum technology research. Held at the Tainan Art Museum, an esteemed cultural hub, this event aims to pioneer innovation through the fusion of arts and technology.
Tainan Deputy Mayor Yeh Tse-Shan expressed that Tainan will become a crucial research base for quantum science in the future.
Tainan Deputy Mayor Yeh Tse-Shan pointed out in his speech that Tainan celebrates its 400th anniversary this year, and various offices of the City Government and private organizations have organized a series of activities and exhibitions. However, most focus on reviewing history and current developments, with few discussions on forward-looking content. Therefore, he is pleased with the organization of this forward-looking event. In recent years, Tainan has made remarkable achievements in terms of technology, as the Southern Tainan Science Park has surpassed Hsinchu Science Park in output value, and Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City has also experienced rapid development, attracting top research units nationwide. With the dedication of the NCKU QFort to quantum research, it is believed that Tainan will become a crucial research base for quantum science in the future. This event will leave a wonderful scientific imprint on the Tainan 400 celebrations.
NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen emphasized the importance of universities as significant academic engines that aid the nation and local governments in transformation.
During his speech, NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen mentioned that NCKU, now 93 years old, has grown alongside the city of Tainan and the nation. NCKU strives to be a university that moves people and makes the nation proud. Its departments and alumni have achieved numerous successes through their efforts, such as in Low-Earth Orbit Satellites and aerospace technologies. President Shen emphasized the importance of universities as significant academic powerhouses that aid the nation and local governments in transformation. Currently, NCKU is progressing alongside the city's development in Shalun, contributing to Tainan's transformation from a historical cultural capital to an innovative technological capital.
Academia Sinica Academician and Professor at the University of Houston, Paul Ching-Wu Chu, shared his insights on the future of quantum science.
The lecture was delivered by Academia Sinica Academician Paul Ching-Wu Chu, a Professor at the University of Houston Professor and distinguished alumnus of NCKU, along with Professor William D. Oliver, Director of the MIT Center for Quantum Engineering, who, due to a flight delay, couldn't arrive on-site in time but still shared his insights via video. These two leaders in the field of quantum technology presented their perspectives on the future of quantum science in a lively and engaging manner, making complex quantum theories accessible to the audience.
QFort Director Tse-Ming Chen also demonstrated to the public the operating principles of quantum computers, combining theory and experiments, effectively igniting the curiosity and enthusiasm for science among the citizens and students of Tainan. This not only deepened the understanding of quantum technology among the citizens of Tainan but also provided students with new opportunities to explore the world of physical sciences. Moreover, the lecture introduced industry representatives to the application prospects of quantum technology, promoting communication and collaboration between academia and industry and generating new momentum for the technological development of Tainan and Taiwan.
NCKU QFort stated that NCKU has always placed a premium on and supported scientific research. The Tainan City Government also hopes that quantum science can create more opportunities for businesses and provide insights into future industry trends. This special lecture held outside the campus aims to broaden public participation. In addition to bringing technological innovation to the Tainan 400 celebrations, it also highlights Tainan's ambition to promote scientific and technological development.