National Taiwan Ocean University Center of Media, Public Relations and Publishing

The Institute of Oceanic Culture at National Taiwan Ocean University is proud to announce the commencement of the "2023 International Academic Exchange and Practical Workshop on Oceanic Culture." This eight-day event, starting from August 20th, aims to promote and deepen ocean culture through vibrant and diverse creativity.

Bringing together 74 students and faculty from four esteemed universities across three countries, this workshop is set to foster valuable exchanges on the subject of "marine culture." Participants hail from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Future University Hakodate in Japan, Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan, and Sangmyung University in South Korea. The event's central theme is "Keelung," a vibrant coastal city in Taiwan.

International Scholars and Students Eagerly Engage in Marine Culture Exchange at NTOU's Institute of Oceanic Culture

Professor Yan Jy-Ing (顏智英), from National Taiwan Ocean University's Institute of Oceanic Culture, will lead this international endeavor as the event's coordinator. With participation from 12 teachers representing both domestic and international institutions, the workshop will feature dynamic and static activities, including field visits, hands-on experiences, and thought-provoking academic discussions. The focal points encompass various aspects of Keelung, including transportation, cuisine, tourism, local development, and the pursuit of sustainable ocean cities. Through sharing observations, experiences, and constructive suggestions based on their respective nations' experiences, participants will contribute to the enrichment of our collective understanding.

Joining Professor Yan is Associate Professor Chuang Yu-Li (莊育鯉), from the Bachelor's Degree Program in Marine Creative Design Industries, who serves as the deputy coordinator. Under his guidance, 87 students from both domestic and international backgrounds will engage in group discussions centered on the theme of "Service Design in Keelung." This comprehensive approach will include phases such as field investigations, concept development, midterm presentations, design thinking, visualization, and final presentations. The culmination will involve the presentation of findings and recommendations in diverse design formats, ranging from products and apps to systems, AR, VR, and more. This multifaceted perspective will provide valuable insights into Keelung's development on an international scale.

Vice President of National Taiwan Ocean University Lee Ming-An (李明安) expressed the institution's unwavering commitment to the ocean. He highlighted the university's Institute of Oceanic Culture, founded in 2007, dedicated to comprehensive research in "marine culture." This institute has consistently organized successful academic events that engage scholars from both domestic and international backgrounds, leading to impactful research outcomes. Vice President Lee anticipates that this workshop will be a source of mutual inspiration among scholars from diverse nations, further enriching Taiwan's already diverse marine culture.

Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Hsiao Tsung-Yuan (蕭聰淵) underscored the Institute of Oceanic Culture's long-standing dedication to nurturing and preserving marine culture. This year's workshop format sets it apart from previous conferences. Nearly a hundred students and faculty members from domestic and international institutions will have the opportunity to explore, exchange, and showcase the profound significance of "Keelung" marine culture from a broader perspective. The livelier interactions and concrete results are eagerly anticipated, with the final day featuring presentations that promise to be enlightening.

Director of the Institute of Oceanic Culture Prof. Wu Chih-Hsiung (吳智雄) emphasized its unique position as the nation's first and only academic unit focused on marine culture within the higher education system. Over the past decade, the institute has dedicated itself to researching and promoting domestic marine culture. Through interdisciplinary integration and collaboration in fields such as literature, history, and social sciences, they aim to broaden academic horizons and deepen the understanding of marine culture. In addition to their regular events, this year's workshop has been meticulously planned to enhance the international perspective of both faculty and students. It will construct new-era interpretations of marine culture, with the eight-day program encompassing diverse activities such as field investigations, discussions, and presentations. These activities are expected to yield innovative and captivating ideas.

From left to right: Director Prof. Wu Chih-Hsiung (吳智雄), Dean Prof. Hsiao Tsung-Yuan (蕭聰淵), Vice President Prof, Lee Ming-An (李明安)

This workshop has garnered substantial support from key figures, including Tong Tzu-Wei (童子瑋), Chairman of the Keelung City Council; Chang Kuei-Chao (張桂肇), Researcher at the Ocean Affairs Council; Ivan Huang (黃偉傑), General Manager of Heping Island Park; Tom Chiu (邱孝賢), General Manager of the Keelung Commissioned Store; and Ader Ho (何立德), General Manager of iTurn. The outcomes and processes of this event will be compiled into a publication, furthering the effective promotion of marine culture.