Remarks by President Hung Hocheng

TSE is probably the most ambitious and largest inter-disciplinary innovation in Taiwan’s higher education.

At this moment of fierce competition and vigorous development of higher education across the globe, the world is also pivoting to Asia, which is a challenge and an opportunity for Taiwan’s universities. Tonby believes that history is written by challenges and responses. This inter-disciplinary innovation is a very timely and powerful response to the challenge. Today we are writing a critical page in the history of education.

First of all, I would like to thank Chairman Huang for his vision, Chairman Lin for his aspiration for educating talents, and Minister Pan’s commitment and determination. Their wisdom, benevolence and courage accomplished this historical action. Many thanks to all the board members for your guidance and support along the way to help National Tsinghua University in this task.

This inter-disciplinary endeavor, first of all, bridges the gap between the public and the private sectors. With the largest donation in the field of social sciences and the solid foundation of a national university, the vitality and resources of the private sector are injected to build a new college. People might not have seen a tiger with wings. However, if we imagine National Tsinghua University as the tiger, the TSE Foundation is exactly that pair of powerful wings.

The TSE will straddle across two giant towers of political science/economic and technology at the same time. The world is now facing many major issues such as environmental sustainability, food, energy, war, and the current pandemic, each of which includes both political, economic and technological elements. The answers to these questions must also be inter-disciplinary. TSE is a cradle that can cultivate a new generation of political and economic talents who can provide inter-disciplinary solutions.

Thanks again to the Minister Pan, Chairman Huang, Chairman Lin and all board members. National Tsinghua University will do its best! Thank you all!