The Indigenous Design Bachelor’s Program at Chung Yuan Christian University’s College of Design held its annual student exhibition, Future Design: A Symphony of Innovation and Heritage, from June 2 to 4. Featuring learning outcomes from 20 courses across all year levels, the exhibition highlights students’ creativity, design capabilities, and cultural perspectives through a diverse collection of projects, models, and interactive displays, reflecting CYCU’s commitment to Indigenous higher education, design talent development, and cultural sustainability.
The opening ceremony was held on June 3 at the University’s Clock Tower Lawn, drawing support from tribal elders, church pastors, local representatives, and industry partners, who praised the students’ achievements and creative work. Program Director Lumafu noted that students come from diverse Indigenous communities and cultural backgrounds, each bringing unique life experiences into the field of design. Through coursework, exhibitions, community-based projects, and industry engagement, the program encourages students to reconnect with their cultural roots and transform cultural knowledge into design capabilities that are meaningful, practical, and responsive to future needs.
Dean Chao Chia-Lin of the College of Design noted that the Indigenous Design Program has long used design education as a means to support cultural preservation, youth empowerment, community development, and industry engagement. The exhibition features a wide range of student work, including spatial design, visual communication, cultural interpretation, creative product development, field studies, community-based learning, digital applications, and capstone projects, highlighting students’ growth from classroom learning to practical design implementation.
The exhibition also reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of quality education, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land, and partnerships. It further demonstrates CYCU’s commitment to University Social Responsibility (USR) by integrating Indigenous community issues, local needs, and public engagement into the curriculum. Through fieldwork, interviews, observation, and hands-on projects, students gain a deeper understanding of community life and local development challenges, strengthening the connection between higher education and society.
The exhibition received strong support from both the University and the wider community. Attendees included CYCU faculty and administrators, representatives from the Indigenous Peoples Commission, legislative and local government offices, industry associations, community organizations, church leaders, and tribal elders. Their presence reflected broad recognition of the program’s efforts in Indigenous design education and its contribution to cultural preservation, talent development, and community engagement.
Program Director Lumafu emphasized that Indigenous design education requires sustained support and resources to cultivate young talents with strong cultural roots, professional expertise, and a sense of social responsibility. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Indigenous Peoples Commission, the Taoyuan Youth Affairs Bureau, and CYCU for their long-term support of Indigenous education and talent development.
CYCU noted that design is not only a form of artistic expression but also a powerful tool for understanding communities, addressing social challenges, and promoting cultural sustainability. Through the integration of academic learning, community-based fieldwork, industry collaboration, SDGs, and University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives, the Indigenous Design Program aims to nurture future Indigenous leaders who can transform cultural heritage into contemporary design practices and meaningful social impact.
