NTHU at 115: “Future by Us”
President W. John Kao (center), Alumni Association President Simon Chen, and recipients of the 27th Distinguished Alumni Awards cut the anniversary cake in celebration of NTHU’s 115th founding anniversary and 70 years in Taiwan.
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) marked its 115th founding anniversary and 70th anniversary in Taiwan on April 26 with a series of celebrations under the theme “Future by Us.” Bringing together alumni, faculty, students, and distinguished guests from different sectors and around the world, the occasion reflected both the University’s enduring legacy and its forward-looking vision.
Members of the NTHU community gather on stage, raising reusable NTHU cups in a collective toast to mark the University’s 115th anniversary and 70th year in Taiwan.
The anniversary program featured the release of a commemorative vinyl record, the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, and a grand alumni reunion banquet. Together, these events wove history, culture, and innovation into a unified narrative—one that underscores NTHU’s role as a leading global university and a hub of cross-generational connection.
“Future by Us” embodies a collective conviction: that the future is not merely anticipated, but actively shaped by the NTHU community. With sustained support from its global network, the University continues to drive progress in education, research, and social impact.
President W. John Kao invoked the words of renowned management thinker Peter Drucker: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” In an era defined by rapid technological transformation, geopolitical complexity, and evolving societal demands, he noted, the future resists prediction. “Future by Us,” he emphasized, is both a declaration of confidence and a solemn commitment—anchored in the power of people.
President W. John Kao delivers remarks at the anniversary assembly, encouraging the NTHU community to shape the future together under the theme “Future by Us.”
In recent years, NTHU has launched strategic initiatives, including the Distinguished Talent Fund, the New Horizons Sustainability Fund, and the “NTHU 10 Flagship Research Areas,” which have fostered interdisciplinary innovation and addressed global challenges. This year also saw the establishment of the Tsinghua Future Fund, integrating resources from government, alumni, and industry to support emerging ventures and translate vision into impact.
A Ceremonial Opening Through Sound and Story
The celebration commenced with “Sound of NTHU: Honoring the Future,” a ceremonial opening featuring the release of a commemorative vinyl record. Through sound and narrative, the University set a reflective and dignified tone for the anniversary.
The vinyl record features the university anthem alongside a curated selection of melodies familiar to alumni, newly arranged and recorded by faculty and students from the College of Arts. From artistic production to design, the project represents a collective endeavor—transforming shared memory into a lasting cultural artifact.
To commemorate the milestone, NTHU released the “Future by Us” vinyl record. At the launch event, distinguished guests—including President W. John Kao, former presidents Wen-Tsuen Chen and Hong Hocheng, University System of Taiwan President Lih-Juann Chen, Honorary Alumni Association leaders Yong-Fen Hsieh and Eric Tsai, and Alumni Association President Simon Chen—gathered to mark the occasion.
Simon Chen, President of the Alumni Association, remarked that the initiative was designed to preserve and transmit the spirit of NTHU across generations through music, allowing memories to transcend time and be passed down.
Alumni Association President Simon Chen addresses the assembly, calling on NTHU alumni across generations to move forward together as a collective force.
Distinguished Alumni Honored for Global Excellence
A highlight of the anniversary assembly was the presentation of the 27th Distinguished Alumni Awards, which recognized eight individuals for their exceptional contributions across academia, industry, public service, and the arts.
This year’s honorees—Hong-Tue Wang, Min Lee, Lee-Chung Lu, Shang-Cheng Hung, Yu-Ting Kuo, Roawen Chen, Chao-Wei Chang, Jing-Hong Zhan—represent a breadth of fields spanning semiconductors, artificial intelligence, energy policy, biotechnology, global enterprise, and documentary filmmaking. Their achievements stand as a testament to the global impact and intellectual vitality of the NTHU alumni community.
At the anniversary assembly, eight recipients of the 27th Distinguished Alumni Awards stand alongside President W. John Kao and Alumni Association President Simon Chen, celebrating their achievements and shared honor.
An Enduring Commitment to Future Generations
In resonance with the anniversary theme, alumni from the Class of 1986 established the 1986 Vision and Stature Leadership Program, dedicated to nurturing future leaders through international engagement, volunteer services, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The program integrates scholarships with an alumni mentorship network, which is designed to foster professional development as well as a deep sense of purpose and responsibility.
“Forty years ago, we left NTHU to engage with the world, guided by the University motto—Self-discipline and Social Commitment,” said alumnus Shawn Wang. Reflecting on waves of transformation from semiconductors to artificial intelligence, he noted that while technology lowers barriers to knowledge, it cannot replace the sense of mission cultivated through human connection. The initiative seeks to equip students with resilience and vision in an era of constant change.
Representing the Class of 1986, alumnus Shawn Wang announces the establishment of the 1986 Vision and Stature Leadership Program, aimed at supporting students in developing leadership skills and global perspectives.
President W. John Kao (right) receives the scholarship donation for the 1986 Vision and Stature Leadership Program , presented by alumna Hsiang-Ju Liao (left) of the Class of 1986, with alumnus Shawn Wang (center) as witness.
A Grand Reunion Celebrating Legacy and Continuity
The anniversary banquet, held at the University gymnasium, gathered alumni in a vibrant and heartfelt reunion, with 70 tables symbolizing both heritage and continuity.
The anniversary banquet, held at the University gymnasium, featured 70 tables and brought together alumni from across generations to celebrate NTHU’s 115th anniversary and 70 years in Taiwan.
From the collective singing of the university anthem to shared toasts and renewed connections, the event captured the enduring spirit of the NTHU community. Many alumni returned after decades, revisiting familiar grounds while witnessing the University’s transformation on the global stage.
Specially introduced for this year’s celebration, the NTHU reusable cup allows guests to take part in sustainable practices beyond the event. Dean Yves Tiberghien of the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science joins students in a celebratory toast during the banquet.
As past and future converged, NTHU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing with unity and purpose—toward a future shaped not by circumstance, but by collective endeavor.
Among the distinguished guests, Hsinchu Mayor Hung-An Kao extended her congratulations, commending the University’s longstanding contributions to education, innovation, and urban development. She highlighted the strong collaboration between NTHU and the city with respect to education, sustainability, and the arts.
Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao attends the anniversary banquet and extends her congratulations on behalf of the city government.
The celebration was also attended by prominent leaders from academia, government, and international institutions, reflecting the University’s broad partnerships and global engagement.
The university’s championship-winning athletic teams from the Mei-Chu Games present their trophies at the anniversary assembly, with President W. John Kao receiving the overall championship trophy on behalf of NTHU