On June 18, Chung Yuan Christian University hosted the 2025 International Austronesian Cultural & Design Industry Forum, bringing together representatives from Indonesia, New Zealand, Palau, and Malaysia, along with global designers and cultural leaders. The forum explored how design fosters cultural translation and international diplomacy. Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen praised CYCU’s milestone and emphasized Taiwan’s strategic role in the global Austronesian network, highlighting the forum’s significance in advancing dialogue with Indigenous communities worldwide
Former Vice President and Academia Sinica Academician Chen Chien-jen praised CYCU’s dedication to Indigenous education and Austronesian cultural exchange, highlighting Taiwan’s potential as a creative hub in the Asia-Pacific. He also recognized CYCU’s remarkable growth and strong performance in higher education as a result of vision, teamwork, and faith.
Chairman Chang Kuang-cheng welcomed guests and announced the establishment of the Center for Indigenous Education and Design Industry Research. The center aims to build a sustainable exchange platform rooted in education, driven by design, and centered on culture. He emphasized that the forum reflects CYCU’s strong commitment to cultural innovation and global collaboration.
Industry Forum was co-hosted by CYCU’s Indigenous Design Program and the Center for Indigenous Education and Design Industry Research. Director Lumav highlighted the forum’s four key themes: Cultural Design & Social Innovation, International Austronesian Exchange, Design & the SDGs, and Cultural Identity & Indigenous Creative Industries. The event brought together global and local perspectives to explore design as a driving force for cultural sustainability and diplomacy.
The forum featured interdisciplinary sessions on cultural sustainability. Professor Chen Chi-Peng from CYCU’s Department of Interior Design presented on “Regenerating Flow and Connection,” examining Taoyuan’s irrigation system as part of a USR initiative to develop Austronesian-informed landscape governance. Kiri Nathan, a Māori fashion designer, and Chelsea Winstanley, a film producer from New Zealand, shared how Māori culture is translated through creative industries to achieve both cultural depth and economic value. Lee Chao-Hsing, Chair of Taiwan Geothermal Resource Development Association, discussed the origins of Austronesian culture and the significance of Indigenous roles in natural resource and spatial design.
CYCU stated that its Indigenous Design Program is rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to merge Indigenous cultural values with contemporary design to cultivate creative talents grounded in both tradition and innovation. The forum successfully brought together international representatives and experts across disciplines, fostering dialogue between Austronesian culture and global design. It showcased the power of design in cultural promotion and diplomacy, while enriching CYCU’s 70th anniversary with meaningful global engagement and marking a new chapter for innovation and sustainability in Austronesian culture.
