President Lai Celebrates NCKU’s 93rd Anniversary at the Alumni Homecoming Gala
Written by Hsu Tsu-Yueh. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
President Lai Ching-te (right) cut the anniversary cake with NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen (left).
The 93rd Anniversary Celebration of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) kicked off with the highly anticipated “Alumni Homecoming Gala,” held on the evening of November 10, 2024, at the Chung-Cheng Hall on the Kuang-Fu Campus. President Lai Ching-te, a Distinguished NCKU Alumnus, attended the event in person, joining alumni from around the globe to commemorate this milestone. The evening saw an impressive turnout, with 158 tables and over 1,600 attendees, setting a new record for Alumni Homecoming Gala participation and marking an unforgettable celebration.
President Lai Ching-te (right) made a toast to celebrate NCKU’s 93rd anniversary with NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen (left).
President Lai Ching-te, an alumnus of NCKU's Post-Baccalaureate Medicine Program, Class of 1991, and a recipient of the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013, attended the “Alumni Homecoming Gala” for the first time as the President of the nation. He wholeheartedly joined in the festivities, singing the school anthem and participating in the cherished “Passing the Torch” ceremony tradition. Together with past university presidents, distinguished alumni from various years, and leaders of alumni associations worldwide, attendees passed an electronic candle on stage, symbolizing the enduring NCKU spirit. President Lai also joined President Meng-Ru Shen in cutting the anniversary cake and raising a toast to celebrate NCKU’s 93rd birthday.
President Lai Ching-te, a distinguished NCKU alumnus, attended the “Alumni Homecoming Gala” for the first time as the nation's President.
President Meng-Ru Shen opened the evening with a heartfelt speech, expressing his deep emotions as everyone gathered to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of NCKU, founded in 1931. He reflected on the vision set forth by NCKU’s first President, Wakatsuki Michitaka, who aspired for the university to contribute to the nation’s and society’s progress and to nurture students with “cool heads, open minds, and nimble hands.” Generations of NCKU presidents and 220,000 alumni worldwide have diligently pursued these goals. President Shen highlighted several key achievements, including remarks from alumnus and former Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Liang-Gee Chen, who noted that without NCKU alumni, advancements in the global semiconductor industry would lag by at least a decade. Additionally, half of Taiwan’s delegation to the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting are NCKU alumni. Long known for its excellence in science, engineering, and medicine, NCKU expanded its reputation this year when an alumnus was elected an academician in the social sciences—a testament to the university’s well-rounded and comprehensive development.
NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen asked President Lai Ching-te for more opportunities for NCKU to contribute its expertise.
President Shen shared his vision for NCKU’s future, emphasizing its role in strengthening ties with the Greater Tainan region as a regional brand while expanding its global reach. He highlighted the challenges Taiwan faces, such as energy transitions, demographic changes, and geopolitical role, as well as Tainan's transformation from a historic cultural capital to a burgeoning technology hub. Positioned at the cusp of its centennial, NCKU is poised to significantly contribute to developing critical technologies for industries. President Shen addressed President Lai, saying, “We hope President Lai will provide more opportunities for NCKU, allowing us to contribute our expertise fully.”
President Lai Ching-te then took the stage and responded promptly to President Shen’s remarks, “Just now, President Shen proactively asked for more opportunities for NCKU from the government. As the President, when it comes to the nation’s future development, if NCKU wants to contribute to our society, I couldn’t be more eager. Rest assured, there will be plenty of work ahead. We look forward to even greater support from the NCKU team and its global alumni network in shaping the nation’s future.” His remarks drew warm laughter and applause from the audience.
President Lai began his speech by congratulating NCKU on its anniversary and wishing the university continued prosperity. He expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing how returning to Tainan for the Alumni Homecoming Gala gave him a profound appreciation. “These campuses and this city nurtured my life and opened another door for me, allowing me to serve more people. I want to take this chance to thank all my teachers and the university presidents sincerely. Thank you.”
President Lai reflected on his time at NCKU, expressing gratitude for the support of his teachers and classmates. He also acknowledged the profound impact of NCKU’s medical education on his career. “During my medical training, our teachers emphasized the importance of understanding patients’ feelings to provide the best care. This principle stayed with me even in politics, where I strive to listen to diverse perspectives to make the best decisions. I am deeply thankful to NCKU for such invaluable guidance and cultivation. Once again, thank you, NCKU, and thank you to all my teachers.”
President Lai highlighted NCKU’s rise as a cornerstone of technological innovation and knowledge in southern Taiwan, crediting the dedication of past presidents, faculty, students, and alumni. He praised the university for fostering an environment conducive to innovation, where students can explore their interests through diverse courses, acquire new knowledge, and connect with various sectors of society. By working hand-in-hand with people across Taiwan, NCKU has helped tackle challenges and pursue progress. “Tainan today is a city of global significance,” he remarked, noting its transformation from a cultural capital into a thriving technology hub driven by significant investments. “Behind Tainan’s development lies the contributions and growth of NCKU.” President Lai also reflected on his tenure as Mayor of Tainan City, during which he initiated vital projects such as establishing Tainan as a cultural capital and smart city and developing the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City. “I am deeply grateful to NCKU for always being a vital pillar of support for this city, offering wisdom and dedication.” Looking toward the future, he expressed confidence in NCKU’s ability to lead Taiwan forward in the era of global digital transformation. “NCKU’s progress symbolizes the progress of Tainan and Taiwan. I am certain that NCKU and its alumni will continue significantly contributing to the nation and society.”
Following his speech, President Lai joined NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen, former presidents Cheng-I Weng, Chiang Kao, and Huey-Jen Jenny Su, Secretary-General and Alumni Association Center Director Wei-Cheng Lo, and Global Alumni Association President Peter Chen for a group photo. They were accompanied by alumni association leaders from various regions, including Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, East China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Southern California, and Northern California, along with 16 past recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
President Lai Ching-te participated in the “Passing the Torch” ceremony, a NCKU Alumni Homecoming Gala tradition.
The 16 Distinguished Alumni who attended the Gala included Jer-Nan Juang (Engineering Science, Class of 1969), awarded in 1995; Kuang-Hwa Yu (Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Class of 1964), awarded in 1999; Ching-Yang Su (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1970), awarded in 2005; Yai-Chung Chang (Physics, Class of 1974), awarded in 2009; Tien-Yu Chen (Chemistry, Class of 1969), awarded in 2010; James Wang (Accountancy, Class of 1982), awarded in 2015; Yung-Chang Chang (Transportation & Communication Management Science, Class of 1976), awarded in 2016; Yao-Chung Chiang (Systems and Naval Mechatronic Engineering, Class of 1974; Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1976), awarded in 2016; Sheng-Tien Chen (Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, Class of 1970), awarded in 2018; Nan-Yuen Huang (Architecture, Class of 1956), awarded in 2023; Tom I-P. Shih (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1976), awarded in 2023; Duen-Jen Cheng (Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Class of 1982), awarded in 2023; Su-Pin Hu (Electrical Engineering, Class of 1985), awarded in 2023; and the three awardees of the year 2024, Ho-Shang Lee (Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1979), Pei-Ming Chen (Electrical Engineering, Class of 1987), and Ter-Chang Yao (Electrical Engineering, Class of 1985).
A highlight of every Alumni Homecoming Gala is the capping ceremony for alumni celebrating their 60th, 50th, and 40th graduation anniversaries. Over 250 alumni proudly received their caps this year, continuing the cherished tradition. Many senior alumni expressed their excitement, saying, “We’ve finally returned to our alma mater for this moment. It’s an incredible honor and one of the most unforgettable memories of our lives!” After the ceremony, each capped alumnus posed for a photo with the president, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
During the capping ceremony, alumni from various regions took turns performing songs that have become an annual tradition. Highlights included the Global Alumni Association and domestic alumni associations singing Friends, the Alumni Association of Malaysia singing Tomorrow Will Be Better, the Alumni Association of Northern California singing Under the NCKU Banyan Tree, and the Alumni Association of Thailand singing the Thai version of Fighting to Win. The evening concluded with the announcement that the 15th biennial NCKU Alumni Carnival is scheduled for October 24–26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This grand event will bring together alumni from around the globe for vibrant activities and engaging seminars. The Gala ended on a high note, with the Tainan Alumni Association leading everyone in a moving group sing-along of Until We Meet Again, marking a joyful and memorable conclusion to the celebration.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2024-11-20