EN-US 
ZH 
The Huaxiang Yuanmeng International Volunteer Team of Yuan Ze University traveled to Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, during the summer break and carried out a two-week international volunteer service program. For the third consecutive year, the team collaborated with Hua Lian High School, visited Taiping Peace Children’s Home for the second year, and expanded its service locations for the first time to Sin Min Primary School. Through courses in information technology, sustainable development, and cultural exchange, the volunteers deepened educational exchanges and youth engagement between Taiwan and Malaysia.
Yi-Chun Liu, Dean of Student Affairs of Yuan Ze University, said that this year’s curriculum focused on information technology and sustainable development. By integrating students’ professional expertise with emerging digital trends, the program provided learning experiences that combined knowledge acquisition with hands-on practice. In addition to continuing courses on programming and information security, the information technology curriculum introduced new topics such as Windows game design, Excel applications, and AI tool practices. These activities guided students in understanding essential digital competencies in the age of artificial intelligence while cultivating logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-directed learning abilities.
The sustainable development curriculum centered on the concept of the circular economy. Through case studies and interactive discussions, students learned about resource circulation and the economic models derived from sustainable practices. The course also helped them understand the relationship between daily life and environmental sustainability, encouraging them to consider ways of incorporating sustainable concepts into their everyday lives.
For cultural exchange, the volunteer team introduced distinctive aspects of Taiwanese food culture and guided students in learning about brown sugar cake and Aiyu jelly. For the first time, music was also used as a medium for cultural exchange. By exploring the backgrounds and cultural characteristics of popular music in Taiwan and Malaysia, students were encouraged to examine the similarities and differences between the two cultures. The course concluded with an AI-assisted music creation experience, allowing students to enhance their creativity and interdisciplinary learning abilities through the integration of technology and art.
Yi-Chun Liu noted that this year marked the team’s first service visit to Sin Min Primary School. Four students currently studying at Hua Lian High School, who were also alumni of Sin Min Primary School, were invited to participate. Returning to their alma mater, they transformed from former learners into service providers. Together with the Yuan Ze University volunteers, they led classes and activities, demonstrating the spirit of educational inheritance and service-learning.
Chia-Li Cheng, captain of the Huaxiang Yuanmeng International Volunteer Team and a sophomore student in the College of Management, said that the most touching part of this year’s program was inviting Hua Lian High School students to return to their former elementary school to serve. Seeing their enthusiasm in interacting with younger students and sharing their volunteer experiences with former teachers allowed the team to deeply appreciate the continuing impact of education. “They had grown from students who were once taught by others into individuals willing to contribute and share. This was not only a service activity but also a cycle and legacy of kindness.”
In addition, the volunteer team revisited Taiping Peace Children’s Home, where they accompanied the children through interactive games and cultural experience activities. While sharing their professional knowledge, the volunteers also learned the values of empathy, respect, and selfless contribution throughout the service process.
Yi-Chun Liu stated that Yuan Ze University would continue strengthening its partnerships with schools and social welfare organizations in Malaysia. The University planned to promote inter-school collaborative learning, youth empowerment, and service-learning programs while integrating topics such as artificial intelligence, information technology, sustainable development, and multicultural education. Through these efforts, Yuan Ze University aimed to cultivate young talents with global perspectives, cross-cultural communication skills, and a commitment to social engagement, enabling the power of education and kindness to transcend national boundaries and create a positive cycle of sustainable development.