Founder, Chairperson and President

Dr. Clement C. P. Chang

Founder, Tamkang University
(1929.3.15~2018.5.26)

Transcending

With the rapid spread of higher education, the scarcity of government resources, and the intense competition among Taiwan's more than one hundred universities, Tamkang University must now emphasize its distinguishing strengths to further burnish the Tamkang brand. Over the years, TKU has experienced Four Waves of Development—"the Foundational Period, balancing quality and quantity," "the Positioning Period, emphasizing quality," "the Uplifting Period, featuring strategic academic internationalization," and "the Transformational Period, involving diversification, in line with the times". These waves have led TKU into a comprehensive university with four distinct campuses: the Tamsui Campus, the Taipei Campus, the Lanyang Campus, and the Cyber Campus. On the 67th anniversary of the school, we now with the help of our many alumni celebrate the advent of the Fifth Wave, displaying a spirit of perseverance and transcendence, as symbolized by our new Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center.

During the past sixty-seven years, TKU has practiced four models of governance: the Collegial model, the Bureaucratic model, the Political model, and the Market model. They jointly help promote the Total Quality Management. Previously, in my featured article, "Tamkang, the Fourth Wave", I pointed out the need to promote the Three Circles of Curricula—professional, general education, and extracurricular curricula—to put into practice the Five Disciplines of Education of "conduct, intelligence, physical education, teamwork, and beauty". In this decade, quite a number of students went effectively under the nurturing influence of "Triple Objectives of Education" : Globalization, Information-oriented Education, and Future-oriented Education. They have equipped themselves with the core values of the "Three Circles and Five Disciplines of Education" to truly possess "Excellence with a Soul." They now become the mainstays of the nation and society.

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W. Chan Kim and Ren Mauborgne stated that "… understanding the context and right strategic moves is the key to success." The long-term performance of Tamkang has already received affirmation from all walks of life. And, our building of a conference center that reflects our worldview, will not only raise the profile of our research, but render better administrative services. This and other high quality innovations, in line with the times, duly bring into full play the "Matthew Effect". They set us on a new Sigmoid-curve arching towards the next wave's peak.

In the Age of the Fox, typified by intense change and transformation, we need to maintain our hold on the operating characteristics of TKU. We will base our strategy on the emerging trends in higher education. We should continue to take "simplicity, truthfulness, firmness, and perseverance" as the essence and accordingly deepen "Tamkang Culture." We encourage every Tamkangian to "establish a firm foothold at Tamkang University, hold the world in view, grasp the latest information, and create a brighter future." We encourage all the faculty members and students at Tamkang to meet all sorts of challenges, and to spare no efforts in carrying on our glorious mission hand-in-hand. By so doing, we shall continue to enrich the Five-Tiger Hill Saga.

Tamkang University (TKU) has used a succession of waves as the transitional hub for all of its administrative development. In 2017 TKU embarked on a new epoch, “The Fifth Wave,” with the spirit of transcendence, repositioning the dual-track transformation, using "AI+SDGs=∞" 5 times of efforts to create a smart future. Looking back, “the First Wave” unfolded the threefold foundational policy of Global Perspective, Informational Literacy, and Vision for the Future; “the Second Wave” advanced Total Quality Management (TQM); “the Third Wave” promoted international academic resources; “the Fourth Wave” ushered in the management thinking of the Market model which were integrated with the original Collegial model, Bureaucratic model, and Political model to become the Four Management Models, shaping four campuses.

The Fourth Wave took the Palace-style Buildings as an image to construct the House of Quality of TKU to link up with the mission of “To maintain Tamkang’s venerable heritage, create a positive influence on society, and nurture talented, ambitious professionals.” Utilize the six strategies: “Wave-by-Wave Development and Four Distinct Campuses,” “The Three Circles and Five Disciplines of Education and nurture excellence,” “TKU’s Triple Objectives and create an academic kingdom,” “Setting up the Sigmoid Curve and activate the Second Curve,” “Promoting the Matthew Effect and strive for social resources,” “Blue Ocean Strategy and create competitive advantage,” to establish the direction of development. Develop the full spirit of participation and continuous improvement, adjust the organizational culture so as to continue the outstanding school performance to win the 19th National Quality Award.

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From the Fourth Wave to the Fifth Wave, TKU has used the five general trends of a macroscopic view policy, winning leadership team, high quality faculty and student body, sufficient resources and facilities, and clear-cut performance indicators to be the school goals responding to the changing 21st century economy, technology and industry. Using the “Map of the Learning Value Chain,” TKU has set up a system that with the student as the core while allowing the faculty and administration to support mutually and grow collectively. TKU has planned a systematic, diverse faculty improvement and encourages the overall development of teaching and academic career. TKU has implemented an overall evaluation standard of the curriculum, instruction and assessment mechanism in order to improve the quality of learning and teaching. With the aim of producing an industry-university environment that “knowledge and skills progressing collaboratively” TKU has strengthened the ability of the faculty to do research and development and the ability of students to obtain employment and thus to create another academic kingdom with a new Sigmoid Curve.

In the 2022 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), Singapore retained its position as the number two country in the world. The key characteristics of being the top 3 in the world since 2013 include the steady improvements in the outstanding performance in formal education, the investing in life-long learning, strengthening skills, attracting and retaining global talent, etc. It has been a target of benchmark learning. TKU has been founded over 70 years and has nurtured students with the Three Circles Curricula, Five Disciplines of Education, and the Eight Essential Qualities. By promoting the forward thinking of Triple-Objective Education, TKU is capable of keeping pace with the times while possessing complete Tamkang DNA and earning the first place for 26 consecutive years in Cheers Business Magazine survey of the most favored private university students by enterprises. TKU, in the future, shall continue producing the most favored students by businesses and most outstanding students to promote the excellence of Tamkang Culture. Together with the support of TKU alumni worldwide, we shall establish a superbly outstanding, comprehensive world-class university.

Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang

Chairperson, Board of Trustees

Dr. Hui-Huang Hsu

President, Tamkang University

Moving Forward Together: Creating New Glory for Tamkang through AI and Sustainability

Since its founding in 1950, Tamkang University has remained steadfast in pursuing the educational vision of its Founder, Dr. Clement C. P. Chang, centered on the Triple Objectives of Globalization, Information-oriented Education, and Future-oriented Education. Through five waves of development: “The Foundational Period,” “The Positioning Period,” “The Uplifting Period,” “The Transformational Period,” and "The Transcending Period,” Tamkang has established a strong and integrated foundation across its four campuses: Tamsui, Taipei, Lanyang, and Cyber.

Student-Centered Education: Building a Comprehensive Learning Value Chain

Tamkang University has always upheld a learner-centered education, addressing students’ developmental needs from the “first mile” of entering the University to the “last mile” of employment and entrepreneurship. Through its “Three Circles Curricula,” which integrates professional education, general education, and extracurricular activities, complemented by honors programs, cross-disciplinary learning, career-oriented programs, and capstone courses, the University bridges learning and practice while fostering the Five Educational Disciplines of “Conduct, Intelligence, Physical Education, Teamwork, and Aesthetics.” Through this comprehensive educational framework, students develop “Eight Essential Qualities of Global Perspectives, Information Literacy, Future Insights, Moral Integrity, Independent Thinking, Cheerful Attitude and Healthy Lifestyles, Spirit of Teamwork and Dedication, and the Sense of Aesthetic Appreciation”, preparing them to become Tamkang graduates distinguished by excellence with a soul. To date, around 340,000 alumni worldwide demonstrate their professional competencies to make an immediate impact in the workplace, providing compelling testament to the quality and impact of a Tamkang education.

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Embracing an Intelligent Future: Advancing the University through Digital and Sustainable Transformation

In an era of intense competition and rapid change, Tamkang University has secured registered trademarks for“AI+SDGs = ∞_® ”and“ ESG+AI = ∞_®” and is committed to building a resilient university city characterized by“Glocalization, Intelligent Cloud, and a Sustainable Future.”

Strengthening AI governance and digital transformation: Through our AI Governance Committee, the University establishes clear guidelines grounded in security and ethics while harnessing AI to streamline administrative processes and foster innovation in teaching and learning.
Deepening cross-disciplinary learning and flexible programs: The University strengthens the cross-disciplinary advising capabilities of our faculty members and mentors, supporting students in independently designing personalized learning pathways and cultivating cross-disciplinary integrative capabilities that will remain essential in the age of AI.
Creating a thriving campus with a strong sense of belonging: The University campus is more than a place for learning; it is a community where people live, connect, and grow. The University will continue to transform our campus environment so that every member of the Tamkang community can thrive in surroundings that combine beauty, vitality, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Together, We Create Excellence

Tamkang University is more than an institution where knowledge is created and shared. It is a community where faculty and staff are valued and recognized, where students find a true sense of belonging, and where alumni take pride in being part of Tamkang. Building on the outstanding achievements of our former presidents and generations of the Tamkang community, we will continue to honor our legacy while embracing innovation and opening new possibilities for the future. Together, we will shape a new model for the university of the future and advance confidently toward our vision of becoming a world-class comprehensive university distinguished by quality and excellence.