Text by NCKU News Center　Photos provided by Ta-Hui Lin

 

Distinguished Professor Ta-Hui Lin of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has received the Ministry of Education’s 2026 Excellent Teacher Award. Having dedicated nearly 40 years to teaching at NCKU, Prof. Lin has long pursued research ranging from combustion technology and energy education to, more recently, net-zero carbon emissions. He previously served as principal investigator of the Ministry of Education’s Clean Energy Systems Integration and Application Talent Development Program, through which he promoted energy education nationwide, and has received numerous honors for teaching excellence and student mentorship. He has always upheld the belief that “research discovers knowledge, while teaching conveys knowledge,” transforming complex concepts into courses that everyone can understand. Speaking about the award, Prof. Lin said with a smile, “I’m retiring next year, so at least I’ll have a good ending.” His understated remark conveys both the satisfaction this honor brings and the educational commitment that has guided his nearly four-decade career.

 

Distinguished Professor Ta-Hui Lin has received the Ministry of Education’s 2026 Excellent Teacher Award

 

Prof. Lin candidly admitted that he had never imagined pursuing a career in teaching. After graduating from NCKU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, his father encouraged him, saying, “If you have the chance to study, go abroad and do it!” That advice marked the start of his years overseas. He went on to earn both his master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University in the United States, where he also began his career in research.

 

After returning to Taiwan, Prof. Lin joined the faculty at NCKU. From establishing a laboratory to founding a research center, he built a career centered on combustion science, fire safety, and energy engineering, working closely with industry to bring his findings into practical use. Reflecting on why he has stayed at NCKU for nearly 40 years, Prof. Lin said, “Whenever you’re given an opportunity, you should do your best to make the most of it. As you keep going, you eventually realize that what you’re doing isn’t just producing results — it’s also a responsibility to your students and your team.”

 

When speaking about the students in his classes and the graduate students in his laboratory, Prof. Lin admitted that, like many teachers, he had once felt students were becoming increasingly difficult to teach. But years of classroom experience brought him to a different realization: “It is not that the students have changed; rather, teachers have grown increasingly distant from their students.”

 

Using himself as an example, Prof. Lin noted that the students he teaches have always been around 20 years old. Their age has not changed; what has changed is that educators often remain rooted in their existing ways of thinking. Teachers therefore need to understand the language, culture, and lifestyles of today’s students in order to truly communicate, resonate, and connect with them, rather than simply expecting students to meet standards based on past teaching experience.With the rapid development of AI in particular, teachers and students alike are facing new challenges. Educators must continue learning and keep pace with the times, while students need to develop the ability to critically assess and think about AI. Prof. Lin emphasized, “The truly irreplaceable value of a teacher lies in guiding students to see the future.”

 

Prof. Lin believes that the most precious value of education lies not only in imparting knowledge to students, but also in being there for them when they need support and accompanying them through the difficult periods in their lives

 

Prof. Lin believes that the most precious value of education lies not only in imparting knowledge to students, but also in being there for them when they need support and accompanying them through the difficult periods in their lives. He recalled an international student who had come to Taiwan to pursue a dual master’s degree. During a chance encounter, Prof. Lin casually asked her, “How have you been lately?” That simple question unexpectedly became one of her warmest memories for years to come. After graduating and moving to the United States, the student continued to send him greetings during holidays and festivals, helping Prof. Lin realize that even a brief, timely expression of concern can accompany a student far from home through the isolation of studying abroad.

 

Another student struggled with both physical and mental well-being, as well as setbacks in the job search. Prof. Lin never gave up on the student, holding regular video calls every week and offering daily encouragement and support through LINE. Step by step, the student found her way through that low point. Prof. Lin also acknowledged that not every situation necessarily leads to a positive outcome. What teachers can do, he said, is not give up easily when students need them most, but remain by their side and accompany them through the difficult periods in their lives.

 

Prof. Lin expressed his gratitude for the support and assistance of his family

 

Throughout his journey in education, Prof. Lin expressed his gratitude for the support and assistance of his family, students, and industry partners. He is particularly grateful to his father for encouraging him to study abroad and to his university mentor, Professor Chen-Chiu Ma, whose teaching— “Apply what you have learned in practice, become an engineer, and devote yourself to engineering applications”—has had a profound influence on his life and educational philosophy. In facing challenges in teaching and in life, Prof. Lin has also drawn strength from his personal motto: “Be a vessel quiet and humble enough; enrich yourself every day, give hope to others at all times, and seek to please God in all things.” He said, “Be humble, but do not deny yourself. Even after recognizing your own limitations, you must still have the courage to face challenges.”

 

Prof. Lin said that, as a teacher, he has always kept these words in mind: “There are channels between generations, covers over the channels, and warm currents flowing within them. Grace reaches across generations; you and I become the covers, allowing warmth to flow without end.” He encouraged students not to worry if they have yet to discover where their interests lie, because “Interests are not innate. Once you become proficient at something, it becomes your interest.”