2025.10.21
The inauguration ceremony for NTHU's new College of Education building brought together faculty, students, alumni, and guests from across Taiwan.
The College of Education at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan officially opened its new building on October 21. Seven departments, three graduate institutes, and one undergraduate program—comprising nearly 2,000 faculty members and students—have moved from the Nanda Campus to the Guangfu Campus, marking the end of nine years of split teaching and administration since the merger. The 10-story building—eight floors above ground and two below, covering about 26,400 square meters—integrates classrooms, administrative offices, and communal spaces, bringing the entire college together for the first time and ushering in a new chapter in NTHU's integration of education and research.
“In this rapidly changing era, the most important thing is talent,” said NTHU president W. John Kao (高為元) at the inauguration ceremony. He emphasized that the event not only commemorated the opening of a new facility but also served as a reflection of Taiwan's progress in education. Kao expressed his hope that the new building would continue to nurture the talent society needs for the next 50, 80, or even 100 years.
Hsin-Yuan Tseng (曾新元), deputy director-general of the Department of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education (MOE), remarked that the new building exemplifies the integration of research and education within higher education and demonstrates the success of regional collaboration. Over the nine years since the merger, NTHU and NHUE have gradually achieved both institutional and cultural balance. “This new building brings together research depth and educational breadth on one campus, truly embodying the spirit of the merger,” he said.
Former NHUE president Hsieng-Cheng Tseng (曾憲政) and former NTHU president Hong Hocheng (賀陳弘) also attended the ceremony. They reflected on the merger process and thanked the Ministry of Education and faculty members for their wisdom and perseverance. “A better environment will help attract more outstanding teachers and students,” Tseng noted.
Sweeten Real Estate Development chairman Xing-Shu Ke (柯興樹), an outstanding alumnus of the College of Education, recalled, “I graduated from National Hsinchu Teachers College in 1964, and I'm deeply moved to see that the name ‘Hsinchu Teachers' still endures.” He said that ‘Hsinchu Teachers' symbolizes the continuous lineage that links together National Hsinchu Teachers College, National Hsinchu University of Education, and NTHU's College of Education.
A Space That Embodies Education: The “College Core” in Action
Dean Tzu-Hua Wang (王子華) explained that the new building embodies the concept of the “College Core,” envisioned from the very start as a space to break down departmental barriers and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The bright, open atrium extends learning into outdoor spaces, while areas such as the Makerspace, Storybook Classroom, Dance Studio, STEAM Classroom, and “Idea Hub”—a hybrid lounge and pantry—encourage interaction and creativity. “Learning doesn't only happen in classrooms; it happens naturally through interaction,” Wang said.
Governance Innovation: Collaboration as Daily Practice
Associate dean Chun-Min Wang (王淳民) noted that the building's layout reflects governance innovation under the “College Core” framework. Administrative staff now work together in a shared office, classrooms and meeting rooms are centrally managed, and faculty offices are distributed across different floors. “When your next-door colleague is from another department, discussion and collaboration happen much more easily,” he said.
Assistant Professor Hsin-Hui Wang (王薪惠) of the Institute of Mathematics and Science Education said that the new environment makes it much easier to transition between meetings and classes. “At the Nanda Campus, I often had to rush between several buildings, but now I can go straight from a meeting to a lecture.” She added that student participation in class has become much more dynamic: “In just one month, I've already seen more than a dozen group discussions.”
Yi-Chi Li (李依萁), a senior in the Department of Early Childhood Education, said that the new classrooms are bright and spacious, which helps her stay energized and engaged. “The lighting is great, so even after sitting all day, I don't feel tired,” she said.
Ming-Chun Hua (華明俊), a senior in the Tsing Hua Interdisciplinary Program, said his favorite spot is the “Floor Classroom,” where the early evening sunlight streams in through the windows. “That moment makes education feel warm and full of life,” he said, adding that he looks forward to taking classes there.
Continuous Improvement for Long-Term Impact
Most teaching and administrative areas are now open, while some performance and communal spaces are still being completed. The college has issued space-use guidelines emphasizing safety and shared access and it will continue to review and adjust them under its “College Core” governance model. Dean Wang added that the college will regularly evaluate how the facilities are being used to ensure resources are fully utilized, providing long-term support for teaching and research.
From left: College of Education dean Tzu-Hua Wang (王子華), NTHU president W. John Kao (高為元), Senior Vice President Nyan-Hwa Tai (戴念華), and former NTHU president Hong Hocheng (賀陳弘) view a photo wall of the college's history.
Students from the Department of Early Childhood Education presented a black light children's play under the guidance of Professor Shu-Ying Liu (劉淑英).
Faculty, students, alumni, and guests gathered to celebrate the inauguration of NTHU's new College of Education building.
NTHU president W. John Kao (高為元) encourages the College of Education to continue cultivating talent and making a global impact.
Deputy Director-General Hsin-Yuan Tseng (曾新元) of the Ministry of Education (MOE) attended the event and commended NTHU for balancing research and education.
Sweeten Real Estate Development chairman Xing-Shu Ke (柯興樹), an outstanding alumnus, attended the opening ceremony.
Dean Tzu-Hua Wang (王子華, left) and Associate Dean Chun-Min Wang (王淳民) in front of the new building. The red beam behind them symbolizes the “Gate of Virtue,” representing the passing down of educational values.
The new College of Education building—eight floors above ground and two below—is located on the southeastern side of NTHU's main campus and features an open, light-filled design.
The new College of Education building integrates teaching, administrative, and communal spaces.
The STEAM classroom inside the new College of Education building.
Students discuss coursework in the open study area for graduate students inside the new College of Education building.
Students discuss coursework in the open study area for graduate students inside the new College of Education building.
