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In an era shaped by rapid advancements in AI and digital technology, learning was no longer a passive, exam-oriented process—it became a journey of continuous exploration and self-motivation.
Yuan Ze University’s International Language and Culture Center took the lead in creating a new learning environment by partnering with Hahow for Campus and the Lung Zhong Xiang Shang Education Foundation to launch the Self-Directed Learning Challenge. The event began in April, and all 200 available spots were filled quickly, reflecting students’ strong enthusiasm and expectations for active learning and self-improvement.
After six intensive weeks, the final presentation event was held on June 11, drawing more than a hundred faculty members and students and filling the venue. In his opening remarks, Vice President for Academic Affairs Chien-Hsing Hsieh stated, “AI will not replace learners—but it will replace those who refuse to learn.” He emphasized Yuan Ze University’s commitment to creating a learning environment that encouraged bravery in learning and proactive exploration of the future. He also praised the event’s student-centered design, which was aligned with future workplace needs.
The competition emphasized openness, freedom of choice, and self-planning. Students were allowed to freely choose courses on the Hahow for Campus platform, set their learning schedules, and define their individual goals. The top ten finalists were honored during the presentation by Chien-Hsing Hsieh, Hahow's Chief Operating Officer Yu-Tsung Kao, and Lung Zhong Xiang Shang Education Foundation’s Strategic Operations Director Chung-Yen Pu.
First place went to Yu-Chun Liao, a sophomore from the Department of Information Management, who completed 120 courses and logged over 13,000 minutes of study time in just six weeks. In his speech, he shared: “How for Campus wasn’t just a platform for self-selected learning—it also integrated with school courses. It helped me rekindle my passion for knowledge and regain my initiative. I’ve become a unique weirdo, and I’m proud of it.”
Second-place winner Jung-Chi Huang, who completed 101 courses, described the journey as “drawing a life investment map.” Third place went to Meng-Yun Hsieh, who quoted, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” She reflected on her transformation from being afraid to speak to confidently delivering presentations in English, highlighting the transformative power of self-directed learning.
Beyond student reflections, the event also featured two keynote speakers from academia and industry. Yu-Tsung Kao of Hahow delivered a talk titled “From Campus to Career,” analyzing how learning abilities of the new generation impacted the workplace. Meanwhile, Te-Hui Wang, Chief Advisor of the Lung Zhong Xiang Shang Education Foundation, presented “Weirdos Creating the Future,” encouraging students to boldly reshape their lives and challenge societal norms through action.
Shin-Hung Chen, Director of the International Language and Culture Center, noted that the event was a microcosm of the future of education. By integrating resources from universities, enterprises, and nonprofits, the event truly embodied student-centered education and cultivated a new generation of learners who could take charge, embrace challenges, and adapt to change. Yuan Ze University would continue to explore diverse learning models and support every student in carving out a unique learning path at their own pace.
