Author: changwc

[NCCU News Report by Huang Yi-chen]

The fifth installment of the “General Education Lecture Series: Changing the World” took place on April 27, featuring Professor Su Yeong-chin—former Vice President of the Judicial Yuan and former Justice of the Constitutional Court—as the keynote speaker. Titled “Jurisprudence and Justice Entering the AI Era,“ the lecture explored the essence of legal science and the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on legal systems and knowledge production.

The Historical Foundation of Law

Professor Su began by tracing the origins of jurisprudence, reviewing its history as a scholarly discipline since the Middle Ages. He noted that jurisprudence is not a science solely in pursuit of absolute truth, but rather a knowledge system designed to manage interpersonal relationships and social order. Built upon centuries of historical precedent and institutional accumulation, the core function of law remains the regulation of behavior, the resolution of conflict, and the maintenance of societal operations. Su emphasized that legal education holds a pivotal position in a state governed by the rule of law, serving as the essential foundation for the entire system’s functionality.

AI as a New Medium for Knowledge

Addressing the shifts brought about by AI, Professor Su drew a historical parallel to the invention of the printing press and its profound impact on legal development. He identified Generative AI as a modern evolution of the knowledge medium.

“Generative AI has arrived at precisely the right moment,” Su remarked. “While it is not yet at a stage where it can replace human thought, it is immensely helpful for practical application.”

Professor Su distinguished between practical jurisprudence and theoretical jurisprudence, predicting that AI would first permeate the former. Tasks reliant on existing knowledge and established rules—such as summarizing judgments, data aggregation, and drafting educational materials—already showcase AI’s significant potential. Conversely, judicial work involving final adjudications, constitutional values, and the protection of human rights remains beyond the reach of AI for the foreseeable future.

Strategic Implementation and Judicial Reform

During the Q&A session, the discussion centered on the collaboration between AI and legal professionals, as well as strategies to bridge the gap between the public and legal knowledge. Regarding the pace of AI integration, Su noted:

“AI implementation must begin at the grassroots level; any stage involving decision-making must be approached with extreme caution.”

In his closing remarks, Professor Su reminded the audience that technological advancement should not obscure inherent systemic issues. He stressed that current judicial reforms require steady, deliberate progress to gradually build and solidify public trust in the justice system.

[Reported by Tu Yi-hsuan, NCCU News]

On March 30, 2026, the Center for General Education at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted the third installment of the “General Education Lectures on Changing the World.” The university invited Dr. Chu Ching-yi, an Academician of the Academia Sinica, to deliver a keynote address titled “Technological and Economic Competition Between the United States and China.” Drawing upon his extensive experience in international trade and global strategy, Academician Chu provided the faculty and students with an in-depth analysis of the complex U.S.-China relationship through the lenses of technological sovereignty and international economic distribution.

A Paradigm Shift in Global Affairs and Trade Logic

Academician Chu is a seminal figure in Taiwan’s economic landscape. Currently a professor in the Department of Economics at National Taiwan University, his distinguished career includes tenures as Vice President of Academia Sinica, Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Council, Minister of the National Science Council, and Chairman of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research. Furthermore, he served as the Permanent Representative of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu to the World Trade Organization (WTO), bringing a wealth of practical experience in international economic negotiations to his academic expertise.

During the lecture, Dr. Chu noted that the efficiency-driven globalization of the past three decades is gradually undergoing “fragmentation” due to intensifying geopolitical conflicts. He argued that the logic of international trade has shifted; it is no longer governed solely by cost-efficiency but has become centered on national security and value systems. Amidst high levels of economic interdependence, nations are erecting defensive barriers, causing the global system to pivot from free trade toward a value-based alliance of polarized blocs.

The “Digital Wall” and the Supremacy of Critical Technologies

Regarding the transition of U.S.-China relations from cooperation to structural competition, Dr. Chu observed that both powers are erecting a “Digital Wall” to prevent data breaches and ideological infiltration.“One side of this wall consists of technological blockades, while the other involves prohibitions on data collection,” he explained.

Citing the U.S. bans on TikTok and WeChat, along with efforts to discourage the use of Chinese-made GPS systems, Chu underscored that both parties have entered a phase of profound mutual distrust.

In the realm of technological warfare, Academician Chu emphasized that the core of the current struggle lies in the mastery of critical technologies. He explained that the United States has recently adopted a “Small Yard, High Fence” strategy, imposing stringent export controls on core sectors such as semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The objective is to sever China’s ability to develop advanced weaponry and surveillance technologies, utilizing a level of regulatory force that is unprecedented in history.

The Evolution of Modern Warfare

Addressing the future of conflict, Dr. Chu posited that competition will migrate toward the “Fifth Space,” dominated by AI and Big Data. Warfare is no longer confined to physical borders; instead, it manifests as “hybrid warfare” involving Deepfake-driven disinformation and cyberattacks designed to paralyze infrastructure.“If you lose the battle in the digital space,” Chu noted, “your actions in the physical space will inevitably be constrained.”

During the interactive session, a student inquired how other nations should navigate the international trade system given the current stalemate within the WTO. Dr. Chu responded that the WTO was established before the advent of the digital era. Consequently, its regulatory framework targets traditional trade and is ill-equipped to address modern digital trade issues. Furthermore, because the WTO operates on a “consensus-based” decision-making process, the system remains largely paralyzed when faced with competition between authoritarian regimes and democratic digital spaces.

With the 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump for a second term, the U.S.-China confrontation has faced new shocks and variables. Dr. Chu remarked candidly that Trump represents an “unguided force,” making his behavior difficult to forecast. When asked how the public should respond to such a chaotic global climate and the future trajectory of U.S.-China relations, he concluded with a touch of humor:

“What should the citizens do? Let the bullets fly for a while longer.”

By Yang Kai-jie, NCCU News

The Core Pillars: Desire, Ideals, and Will

On April 13, the Center for General Education at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted the fourth installment of the “Changing the World” General Education Lecture Series at the Chen-En Lecture Hall. The event featured Yeh Chi-jeng, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at National Taiwan University, who delivered a keynote titled “The Interplay of Desire, Ideals, and Will: The Collective Mental Mechanism of ‘Changing the World’.” Rumored to be perhaps his final public lecture, the event drew a large audience of faculty and students eager to explore the underlying forces driving social evolution and epochal change.

Professor Yeh posited that from the 19th to the 21st century, Western social theory has revolved around three core concepts regarding global change: desire, ideals, and will. He argued that the “world” is the result of social changes occurring in chronological sequence, while “changing the world” is a state of subjective action that must manifest within the individual. Consequently, to alter existing social structures, one must first transform the self through education and continuous introspection to achieve self-awakening.

The Manifestation of Collective Will: The Case of Taiwan

Yeh further explained that the key to collective action lies in how instinctive human desires are transformed into specific ideals, which are then executed through the persistence of will. The friction and synergy between these three elements serve as the “locomotive” driving the world forward.

To illustrate the manifestation of collective will, Professor Yeh cited Taiwan’s democratization process. He reflected on the Formosa Incident (1979) and the Wild Lily Student Movement (1990), explaining that these historical turning points represented more than just structural shifts; they were a profound awakening in the thought and action of the Taiwanese people. However, he noted that for collective will to successfully overturn an authoritarian regime, it requires not only a foundation of democratic ideals but also the alignment of specific historical opportunities to achieve substantive reform.

Addressing contemporary society, Yeh offered a sharp critique of globalization and capitalist expansion. He analyzed how society has shifted from a focus on production to a core of consumption and temptation. This invisible conditioning amplifies human desire while eroding the power of the oppressed classes to consolidate their free will, leading individuals to become unconsciously immersed in digital consumption and instant gratification.

Capitalist Logic, Utilitarianism, and the AI Impact

During the Q&A session, students and faculty raised concerns about modern universities becoming “academic production machines” governed by KPIs and point systems, as well as the impending impact of Artificial Intelligence.

In response, Professor Yeh encouraged students not to blindly chase fame and fortune within a system dominated by capitalist logic. Instead, he urged them to seek and adhere to their own ideals and pursue genuine “inner freedom” (zizai). He emphasized that 21st-century politics should evolve toward a “politics of the soul,” where the public cultivates compassion and rationality rather than being consumed by rigid ideologies or market logic.

“The future of politics lies in the spirit; we must cultivate love and reason to avoid being swallowed by the machinery of capital.”

As the lecture concluded, Professor Yeh shared a poignant reflection, noting that he had taught at NCCU for two years a half-century ago and still holds a deep, indescribable affection for the institution. The lecture, rich in philosophical depth and contemporary relevance, ended to thunderous applause, leaving the audience to reconsider the vital relationship between the self and society.

[Center for General Education News]

The inaugural session of the newly established General Education course for the Spring 2026 semester, the “Changing the World General Education Lecture Series,” was held on March 2 at the Cheng-En Lecture Hall, College of Law. Titled “Is Innovation a Science?”, the lecture featured Professor Se-Hwa Wu, Chair Professor of the Graduate Institute of Technology Management and Intellectual Property at the College of Commerce.

Professor Wu has an illustrious career in academia and public service, having served as the Dean of the College of Commerce, Director of the Center for Innovation and Creativity, President of National Chengchi University (NCCU), and Minister of Education. Given his long-standing tenure and deep emotional ties to NCCU, Professor Wu delivered a profound two-hour presentation. He elucidated why innovation is considered a rigorous “science,” exploring its conceptual roots, historical development, inherent possibilities, and its transformative impact on global civilization.

The Evolution of Innovation: From Industrial Economy to Humanistic Sustainability

Professor Wu began by defining the core meaning and objectives of innovation, distinguishing it from creativity, inventiveness, and entrepreneurship. He then analyzed the practical evolution of innovation through various case studies:

• Innovation 1.0 (Industrial Economy): Focused on capital concentration and entrepreneurial drive. Key examples included Ford (process innovation), General Motors (brand innovation), and Starbucks (innovation of meaning).

• Innovation 2.0 (Knowledge Economy): Guided by Moore’s Law, Gilder’s Law, and Metcalfe’s Law. Companies leveraged emerging technologies for breakthroughs, exemplified by TSMC and the Pokémon phenomenon.

• Innovation 3.0 (Humanistic Sustainable Economy): Driven by new technologies, values, and generational shifts, innovation has become a daily necessity. Notable examples included ColaLife’s infant incubator liners and IMPCT, an educational investment platform founded by NCCU students.

A Guide for Action: The “Ten Lectures on Innovation”

Addressing why innovation often fails, Professor Wu introduced his “Ten Lectures on Innovation” as a framework for success. He concluded that innovation is the intersection of rational insight and sustainable practice. The overlapping social, economic, and personal goals of innovation continue to reshape the trajectory of modern civilization.

The Q&A session was moderated by Vice President for Academic Affairs Chi-Ping Lin. Students seized the opportunity to ask about innovation within the public sector. Professor Wu responded by sharing successful case studies from his tenure as Minister of Education. The lecture seamlessly integrated theory and practice, providing faculty and students with invaluable insights.

Upcoming Lectures

The “Changing the World” series is open to all faculty and students. External guests are also welcome to attend by registering through the online system. The second lecture, featuring Academician Kuan-Yen Hsiao of Academia Sinica, will take place on March 16. His topic, “Rousseau’s Social Contract and the Shaping of Modern Republican Democracy,” is highly anticipated.

Lecture Series Schedule

[Center for General Education News]

The Center for General Education at National Chengchi University (NCCU), in collaboration with the Colleges of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), successfully launched the intensive summer general education course Flying Heroes. The program, part of the Taiwan–Hong Kong Joint College initiative, brought together students from both institutions to engage in cross-cultural learning and in-depth exploration of Taiwan’s immigrant communities.

Taiwan–Hong Kong Student Teamwork to Understand Taiwan’s New Immigrants

Over the course of two weeks, mixed student teams conducted fieldwork in Southeast Asian enclaves across Taipei. The course design was inspired by the “Little Flying Heroes Workshop” organized by Brilliant Time: Southeast Asian Bookstore. Through site visits, expert lectures, and hands-on workshops, participants expanded their perspectives, gained insights into the lives of new immigrants, and documented Taiwan’s evolving multicultural society.

This year, the program further incorporated the NCCU USR Grocery Project, guiding students to the Zhongzhen Community in Longgang, Taoyuan, as well as the Taoyuan Youth Bureau Startup Hub. Professor Ya-Ping Wang of NCCU’s Department of Ethnology noted that these activities not only enabled Hong Kong students to step beyond Taipei and New Taipei but also challenged their stamina. She humorously described the program’s pace as being “like drinking espresso.”

Despite the intensive schedule, the final student presentations impressed both faculty and peers. Their reports highlighted exceptional creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving capacity. Professor Wang reflected: “Listening to the students’ reports, I was deeply moved by their creativity and endless potential for action.”

This course underscores NCCU’s commitment to fostering global perspectives, intercultural exchange, and the development of civic-minded, action-oriented learners.

[Center for General Education News]

Walking into Commerce Building Room 304, one finds a bright and relaxed space. Students sit together, chatting while operating band-weaving machines, discussing pattern designs, and admiring each other’s work.

This special course was initiated by first-year students through the Self-Directed Learning Program and guided by Prof. Wang Ya-Ping from the Department of Ethnology.

Bringing together students from different colleges, the course involved hands-on weaving practice, appreciation of textile aesthetics, participation in workshops in Wulai, and deeper learning about Atayal weaving techniques and cultural narratives.

Atayal Weaving Culture

For the Atayal people, tninun (life) originates from the ancestral spirits’ tminun (weaving). This course went beyond skills acquisition, encouraging students to explore the cultural meanings and historical contexts embedded in weaving.

Students from diverse backgrounds joined the class, expanding their understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity through weaving. Over the semester, many began as complete beginners and ultimately completed two woven works. For them, weaving became more than beautiful patterns—it turned into a journey of self-reflection and discovery.

From Weaving to Self-Understanding

“Weaving is a process of facing myself,” one student shared. “Sometimes I felt frustrated and wanted to start over, but those moments tested my ability to adjust and persist.”

Another student described weaving emotions into fabric: “Blue symbolizes courage, pink represents the love around me, and the white in the middle is myself.”

Each stitch became a record of feelings, each woven band a trace of months of growth—making every piece a unique expression of self.

The students’ reflections conveyed sincerity and joy. Thanks to their and the instructor’s active participation, the classroom atmosphere was warm and relaxed, a heartwarming scene in the busy weeks before finals—and a cherished memory woven into their university journey. The General Education Center encourages students to apply for self-directed learning, explore areas of interest, and invite friends to create a unique and meaningful college life together.

For details about the Self-Directed Learning Program application, please click “Self-Directed Learning” or contact Ms. Chang at the Center for General Education (ext. 63871).

[Campus News | Reported by Hsu, Chiao-Hsin]

Self-Directed Learning Final Presentation: Bridge Exhibition Game

On the evening of January 4, the semester-end Bridge Exhibition Match took place in Yunxiu Hall. Four players gathered around each table, carefully considering their strategies and focusing on the unfolding plays. This event was held as the final competition for the self-directed learning project “Advanced Applications of Probability and Logic in Card Games” and invited members of the NCCU Bridge Club to join in. The goal was to allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practice while exchanging skills with peers.

The match adopted the contract bridge rules recognized by the World Bridge Federation (WBF) and was played in a team format. Each team had four players seated at two tables, with one pair sitting North–South and the other East–West. Bridge consists of two stages: bidding and play. During the bidding stage, players decide on the contract and trump suit based on their hands; during play, they take turns playing cards over 13 tricks to complete each round.

Learning by Doing: The Spirit of Self-Directed Learning

To help students learn by doing, course instructor Prof. Chen Yuan-Tsung explained that classes were structured with concept reviews, followed by practice rounds, and then post-game discussions. “Many students had no prior experience with bridge, but after a semester of practice, they showed remarkable improvement,” he noted. Although the first two weeks were challenging due to the complexity of bridge, consistent guidance, peer support, and practice helped students gradually improve both their understanding and skills.

Bridge is not only a mental sport but also a test of teamwork. Players must calculate probabilities and solutions while working seamlessly with their partners. Lee Yi, a junior from the Department of Advertising, shared that she and her teammates often discussed strategies after matches to resolve uncertainties. Over time, she became more familiar with her partners’ thinking, allowing smoother cooperation during gameplay.

Next semester, the General Education Center will offer six self-directed learning projects: University Innovators, Free Software Inkscape: Creation and Applications, Podcasting and Audio Media Creation, Applications of Probability and Logic in Card Games (Bridge), Building with Bamboo: Indigenous Architecture and Culture, and Theory and Practice of Humanities of Tea.

Innovative Learning Models: Emphasizing Autonomy

Dean of Academic Affairs Lin Chi-Ping also attended the event to encourage students. He remarked that learning models can vary based on interdisciplinary combinations, and NCCU has been actively promoting self-directed learning courses in recent years. He explained that this bridge course exemplifies the approach by integrating knowledge across different fields while providing practical training. “Beyond strengthening card-playing skills, the course cultivates new ways of thinking,” he said, expressing hope that students will continue to embrace the spirit of autonomy and creativity fostered through self-directed learning.

Source: NCCU Official Website