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

National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) is actively shaping the future of its students and the fishing villages they serve. This summer, students from NTOU's Bachelor Degree Program in Oceanic Cultural Creative Design Industries embarked on a transformative internship at the Jinliao Incubation Center in Matsu's Jinsha Village. Their mission was clear: develop unique local itineraries that not only celebrate cultural heritage but also prompt reflection on marine waste issues. Their sustainable initiatives have not only gained recognition but have also earned them accolades from the local community. Under the mentorship of Mr. Lin Chia Wei (林家緯, tentative English translation) - the founder of the Jinliao Incubation Center, NTOU students collaborated with peers from Taipei National University of the Arts to form a formidable team. Together, they competed in the 2023 Youth Summer Community Workplace Experience Competition, an event organized by the Ministry of Education and managed by the Foundation of Zhong-Shan Management Education. Their exceptional performance secured them the second position out of 48 teams in the social welfare category, marking a significant achievement.

Since 2023, students from NTOU's Department of Cultural Creative Design have been participating in corporate internships and workplace experiential activities at the Jinliao Incubation Center in Matsu. The five students - Tseng (曾), Yang (楊), Hu (胡), Peng (彭), and Chen (陳) - adeptly managed their time between Matsu and Taipei, employing a relay-style approach to delve into pressing social issues through immersive experiences. They harnessed the power of creative design to address community challenges, all while absorbing invaluable experiences during their month-long corporate internship. Collaborating across diverse domains, from marine waste cleanup and marine waste art creation to managing the Aokou Convenience Store, engaging in digital reading, and fostering sustainable tourism, these students actively contributed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which centers on the preservation of marine ecosystems. Translating their profound cultural experiences into tangible results, and guided by Mr. Lin at the Jinliao Incubation Center, their project, aptly titled "The Encounter Between Artisans and Travelers," clinched the second place in the 2023 Youth Summer Community Workplace Experience Competition's social welfare category.

Mr. Lin, the visionary founder of the "Jinliao" Incubation Center, wholeheartedly commended the students' outstanding achievement, recognizing the unique challenges they overcame during their journey. He hopes that these students, who willingly sacrificed the comforts of city life for an enriching island experience, will leverage their internships as stepping stones for their future careers. He firmly believes that they will emerge as shining stars in Taiwan's design and local revitalization sectors. Speaking on behalf of the team, student representative Tseng expressed her joy and gratitude for the exceptional opportunity they were part of. She acknowledged the invaluable role internships play in providing insights into the professional world and honing independent problem-solving skills. Winning this accolade was an unexpected yet deeply cherished recognition of their team's relentless dedication and hard work.

Professor Tseng Sheng-Wen (曾聖文), the esteemed head of the Department of Cultural Creative Design, reiterated the department's unwavering commitment to equipping students with real-world corporate internships and career prospects. This year, their successful collaboration with local teams facilitated island-based internships, and Professor Tseng extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Jinliao Incubation Center, the Community Development Association, and the residents of Matsu for their invaluable support of NTOU students. Their support enabled these students to complete their internships and contribute significantly to the industrial growth and sustainable development of Matsu. He encouraged students to continue honing their design and professional skills through practical work experience, believing that they will bring fresh perspectives and opportunities to Taiwan's cultural and creative design industry.