On September 13, 2022, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) celebrated the momentous opening ceremony for the establishment of the Nantou Campus and the College of Circular Economy. President Ing-Wen Tsai unveiled the plaque, announcing the official opening of the NCHU South Core University Town. Phase II of the establishment will be launched in 2023, including nine professional colleges and centers, as well as the Ark Botanical Garden, the Insect Museum, and the sports area. Dr. Fuh-Sheng Shieu, the president of NCHU, stated that the Nantou Campus plans to adopt the phased settlement and follow the example of university towns in Europe and America, with the preservation of white walls, red tiles, and low-rise landscape features, the introduction of smart management and renewable energy throughout the area. In the future, whether it is a sports field or exhibition venue, it will become a part of the lives of residents, creating a shared and prosperous vision.
The College of Circular Economy is the first research institute in Asia to focus on circular economy. It has collaborated with 47 renowned domestic companies, including CH Biotech, TSMC, Cheng Loong Corp, China Steel Corporation, AUO Display Plus Corporation, Swancor, etc. It focuses on three key fields, namely, new agriculture, smart technology, and green semiconductors. With Silicon Valley as its inspiration, it brings research capacity to Nantou County, with key national industry research fields as the emphasis, advancing industrial and local development, which in turn cultivates a new generation of net-zero high-level talents.
Vision, Objectives, and Positioning of the Nantou Campus of NCHU
1. Constructing a green axis for the sustainable development of Taiwan
NCHU heads south to reach Zhongxing New Village, where important government agencies and agricultural institutions are connected to build an important "green axis for the sustainable development of Taiwan.”
2. Strengthening research capacity and workforce
Founded over 102 years ago, NCHU, with its rich history, stands as Taiwan's esteemed third-largest research-oriented comprehensive national university. It is characterized by world-class agricultural biotechnology, top-notch green engineering in Asia, and innovative national industries in research and development. Additionally, it has advantages in agricultural biotechnology research, abundant advanced research personnel, and complete infrastructure.
3. Integrating the agricultural industry in Nantou County to create a win-win situation
Combining the existing agricultural research and development institutions and characteristic enterprises in Nantou County, NCHU expands smart agricultural biotechnology research and development capacity and builds Nantou County into a national agricultural biotechnology hub.
4. Jointly creating a healthy and high-quality community
In Phase II, it plans to establish a research center for the health and medical industry and a demonstration park for long-term care services. Combining the resources of the College of Medicine of NCHU and the future needs of residents, we will integrate into the local community to create a life circle centered on health, happiness, and wellness, and improve the quality of the living environment for the locals.
►Student Dormitories - Songyuan Hall # 2 and Songyuan Hall # 12
5. Innovating the industry-university cooperation mode
By integrating the research and development capacity of the Central Taiwan Science Park and universities, and incorporating innovative urban functions and industrial environment, it will become the practical testing ground for smart technology applications.
►Zhongxing New Village Dormitory Group: In the future, it will be renovated and built as a research center for the health and medical industry and a demonstration park for long-term care services.
6. Perpetuating humanistic and artistic heritage
The horseshoe-shaped radial block is a unique street in the south core, with old historical connotations, dormitories built in the era of the Taiwan Provincial Government, vast green spaces, etc. It leverages the inherent buildings and rich sports and leisure facilities in the area to strengthen the diverse use of space. It has the function of preservation and sustainable use of environmental resources.
