Taiwan Day at the HSZG

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Taiwan Day was held at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, deepening cultural and academic exchange between Taiwan and the region. Organized in collaboration with the Taipei Representative Office in Berlin, the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan, the Görlitz district, the university town of Zittau, and Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the event was an important part of the opening of Intercultural Week in the Görlitz district.

Taiwan Day not only provided a platform for cultural exchange but also gave the numerous visitors—including official representatives and interested students—a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich culture and history. Visitors were able to enjoy culinary specialties and tea from Taiwan, try their hand at the art of calligraphy, and learn fascinating facts about the country. A highlight of the day was the generous donation of books by the Taiwanese ambassador, Prof. Dr. Jhy-Wey Shieh, which enriched both the Christian-Weise Library in Zittau and the Municipal Library in Görlitz. The program was rounded out by a cello duo performing classical European and Taiwanese compositions.

In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Education and International Affairs at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, outlined the wide range of opportunities for cooperation between the university, the Görlitz district, and Taiwan, particularly in the field of semiconductor research. She emphasized that the planned establishment of a major Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer in Dresden is also of great significance for the Lausitz region. “The semiconductor industry offers enormous opportunities for our region. Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is ideally positioned to contribute to the growth of this forward-looking industry through research and practice-oriented education,” she explained.

Prof. Keil announced that Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is already working on a German-Taiwanese Business Day in the spring of 2025 to further strengthen these partnerships and the exchange between academia and industry. A key focus of her presentation was on the ongoing research projects at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, which are part of major EU research networks in the semiconductor industry. Examples include projects such as AIMS5.0, Power2Power , or the idev project—Jobs of the Future, which focus on optimizing production processes and using artificial intelligence to enhance sustainability. These collaborations not only open up new perspectives for research and business but also strengthen Lausitz’s role as a major hub for innovation and technological development.

In his speech, the representative of Taiwan, Prof. Dr. Jhy-Wey Shieh, highlighted the opportunities for closer cooperation between Taiwan and the region. "Saxony has more to offer than Dresden - that is often forgotten. The district of Görlitz with its towns of Görlitz and Zittau is a jewel," he emphasized and praised the hospitality he experienced during his visit.

District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer also referred to the economic prospects arising from the cooperation with Taiwan. "As a dynamic location, the district of Görlitz can benefit from the partnership with Taiwan and its technology sector," explained Dr. Meyer. The establishment of the semiconductor company in Dresden opens up great development potential for the entire region, particularly in the high-tech sector, which could have a positive impact on jobs and value creation in Lausitz.

In addition to the scientific and economic aspects, Taiwan Day also offered a broad cultural program. Visitors of all ages were able to discover the variety of Taiwanese teas at a tea tasting - the traditional bubble tea was a particularly popular highlight. The calligraphy workshop was also well attended and offered participants the opportunity to experience the art of traditional characters up close. There was also a book exhibition and the opportunity to enjoy Taiwanese delicacies. These activities offered a lively insight into Taiwanese culture and were enthusiastically received by visitors to Taiwan Day.

At the “Study in Taiwan” information booth, visitors had the opportunity to learn in detail about study programs in Taiwan, scholarships, and exchange programs. Students took advantage of this opportunity to receive personalized advice and learn more about academic opportunities in Taiwan. In addition, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences presented its own degree programs at a separate booth to familiarize guests with the options available on campus and discuss potential exchange programs.

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences views Taiwan Day as the kickoff for a long-term partnership with Taiwan, both in the academic and economic spheres. The event highlighted how closely culture, research, and economic development are intertwined. As a catalyst for international exchange, the university is already planning concrete steps, such as the 2025 German-Taiwanese Business Day and enhanced cooperation with the Technical University of Liberec in the field of semiconductor research. These collaborations are set to be further intensified and expanded in the coming months.