CYCU brings the real world into the classroom, implementing the Ministry of Education’s USR (University Social Responsibility) initiative to encourage faculty and students to address local needs through action. Business Administration students assist remote farmers in selling their agricultural products online, while Interior Design students create insulated ceilings for a community charity thrift store to improve its high-temperature environment. The Design College’s irrigation channel project, in collaboration with UCSI University in Malaysia, hosts activities such as “Bamboo Architecture Workshops” to strengthen international connections.
At CYCU, USR is not just a slogan but a daily practice for both faculty and students. The principle of “service for mutual benefit” has become part of the CYCU DNA, embodying the soft skills that cannot be replaced by AI.
Director Li Ming-Yan of the Sustainable Governance Office at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) emphasized that the university approaches sustainability from a holistic education perspective. Within its diverse sustainability courses and programs, CYCU places particular focus on addressing the impact of social inequality on sustainability. Through the USR initiatives, students are guided to take actionable steps to meet the needs of local communities. By executing these projects, students not only gain valuable experience but also develop creative thinking, insight, and teamwork—soft skills that cannot be replaced by AI. Furthermore, they cultivate a “pro-social” value system, making their contributions even more meaningful.
“CYCU’s USR initiatives have deeply rooted in local communities for many years, proving that small innovations can lead to significant changes!” reflected Li Ming-Yan as he reviewed Chung Yuan Christian University’s progress in sustainability. He elaborated that CYCU has partnered with World Vision to assist indigenous communities in Nantou with online vegetable box sales. The university also empowers social innovation organizations, such as Shuanglian Pear Social Enterprise and Huo Yuan Marketing Consultancy, while collaborating with charitable groups like HeySong Education Foundation to integrate sustainability education into local elementary schools.
Additionally, CYCU connects with international partners, leading students to Okinawa for space revitalization projects and establishing community-benefiting collaboration mechanisms. These efforts provide students with a wealth of hands-on sustainability skills, equipping them to address real-world challenges effectively.
CYCU celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, and its alumni—who once served together in rural communities and supported social causes during their time at the university—continue to be “super teammates,” extending their impact for mutual benefit even years after graduation.
Director Li Ming-Yan emphasized that holistic education at CYCU not only equips students with professional knowledge and cultural literacy but also provides long-term benefits for their careers and personal growth. By bringing the real world into the classroom, CYCU enables students to quickly grasp real challenges faced by enterprises and communities, opening up a wider range of possibilities for their future career development.
The Office of Sustainability at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) stated that every initiative the university has undertaken, from social participation to social innovation and sustainable development, embodies the spirit of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its USR programs and the integration of sustainability into curricula across all departments, CYCU encourages faculty to guide students in applying sustainability practices directly from the classroom. Each year, faculty and students from various colleges implement over 180 professional service-learning projects, combining their expertise with external resources to support rural and disadvantaged communities, thereby fostering meaningful societal impact.
CYCU President Li Ying-Ming emphasized that sustainability has become a global focus in recent years. In response, CYCU has consolidated its foundational efforts to establish the “Sustainable Development Academy,” offering a variety of general education course modules and diverse teaching environments to help students envision a sustainable future.
In addition to its numerous USR initiatives, CYCU also boasts a variety of service-oriented student organizations. This culture has ingrained the spirit of “service for mutual benefit” into the DNA of every CYCU student. President Li highlighted that this unique ethos is the inner brilliance that sets CYCU graduates apart—a form of soft power that AI can never replace.
