EN-US 
ZH 
Yuan Ze University’s 2026 Academic Year “Freshman Launch” program took place from September 1 to 4, welcoming approximately 1,900 students to campus. Centered on four key themes, namely safety and adaptation, campus exploration, physical and mental well-being, and self-directed learning, the four-day program featured a diverse range of activities designed to help students become familiar with campus life, build interpersonal connections, and gradually discover their academic direction as they embarked on their university journey.
The opening day began with the National Disaster Prevention Day Earthquake Evacuation Drill, which allowed students to practice emergency evacuation procedures and strengthen their disaster preparedness and safety awareness through hands-on training. Other activities included learning the university anthem, campus cultural performances, a welcome address from the President, and alumni sharing sessions. These events introduced students to the University’s traditions and values from their very first day on campus, reflecting Yuan Ze University’s commitment to holistic education and a strong sense of community.
Ching-Jong Liao, President of Yuan Ze University, delivered a speech entitled “What Do You Want to Take Away from Yuan Ze Four Years from Now?” He encouraged students to reflect on the personal growth they hoped to achieve during their university years. He noted that university education was not only a period for acquiring professional knowledge but also an important stage for developing lifelong competencies and character. He encouraged students to cultivate four valuable assets during their time at Yuan Ze University: the ability to continue learning, the courage to embrace challenges, supportive relationships with peers, and mature and dependable character.
Addressing the educational and industrial transformations brought about by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), Ching-Jong Liao stated that future talent would require not only professional knowledge and technical skills but also the ability to think independently and make effective use of technological tools. He pointed out that while AI could provide answers, analyze information, and assist with tasks, it could not replace human judgment, decision-making, or responsibility. Therefore, university students should develop critical thinking, communication skills, and interdisciplinary competencies in order to establish their own competitive advantage.
The University also invited Shu-Lin Hsu, an alumnus of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Co-founder and Chairman of the well-known beauty e-commerce company Beauty88, to return to campus and share his experiences. Speaking on the theme “Turn Every Choice into an Opportunity,” he reflected on his journey from university studies and extracurricular involvement to entrepreneurship and business management. He encouraged students to embrace new challenges, learn from setbacks, and make full use of opportunities during their university years through student organizations, part-time work, internships, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Shu-Lin Hsu recalled experiencing academic setbacks during his university years while actively participating in the university judo team and badminton club. Through repeated challenges and failures, he learned perseverance and resilience. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, he also encountered online transaction fraud. However, he chose not to give up. Starting a business in 2004 with NT$300,000 and a single computer, he began with online auctions and gradually built the company into a beauty e-commerce brand employing hundreds of people and generating annual revenues exceeding NT$1.5 billion.
Discussing the latest wave of industrial transformation driven by generative AI, Shu-Lin Hsu encouraged students to make effective use of technological tools to improve learning and workplace efficiency. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of cultivating sound judgment, a strong sense of responsibility, and dependable character. He observed that as technology became increasingly powerful, uniquely human qualities became even more valuable. These qualities, he noted, would remain a key source of competitive advantage in the future workplace.
To help students move beyond simply getting to know the campus and toward gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, the second through fourth days of the “Freshman Launch” program focused on campus adaptation, health and well-being, and self-directed learning. Activities included campus safety education, anti-fraud awareness sessions, a student club fair, and creative university anthem performances, all of which helped students become familiar with campus life while expanding their horizons for diverse learning opportunities. The third day featured health examinations, mental health resources, and career exploration programs, guiding students in self-understanding and introducing them to the University’s support systems. On the fourth day, academic departments introduced their curriculum features and development pathways, while self-directed learning micro-courses encouraged students to explore interdisciplinary learning opportunities and develop learning approaches best suited to their individual needs.
Yi-Chun Liu, Dean of Student Affairs, stated that “Freshman Launch” served not only as students’ first introduction to campus life but also as a comprehensive program designed to cultivate self-directed learning, strengthen students’ sense of belonging, and encourage reflection on future development. She noted that Yuan Ze University would continue providing comprehensive academic resources, international exchange opportunities, diverse learning experiences, and holistic support systems to accompany every student throughout their university journey. Through these efforts, students would be encouraged to explore their potential, build their competencies, and create a fulfilling and meaningful university experience.
