NCKU Builds Taiwan’s Largest Interdisciplinary Learning Platform

Long-Term Support from Alumnus Hsiao-Chung Hsieh and His Wife

With summer approaching, NCKU continues strengthening its Interdisciplinary Modular Curriculum Platform, offering students valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and knowledge exploration during the break. Since 2017, Mr. Hsiao-Chung Hsieh—an alumnus of the Department of Mathematics (Class of '51)—and his wife have generously supported NCKU’s “Interdisciplinary Modular Curriculum Platform.” Recognized for its success, the program has been elevated to a university-level initiative, now led by the Center for General Education. It focuses on promoting innovative teaching practices, implements a winter/summer “third semester,” and nurtures a new generation of interdisciplinary talent.

Diverse Learning Models Bridging Theory and Practice

The platform spans various disciplines: Natural and Engineering Sciences, Life and Health Sciences, and Technological Integration. Featured topics range from programming and anatomy to quantum materials and AI ethics. Courses are delivered in intensive five-day sessions during semester breaks, fostering immersive, hands-on learning and encouraging students to expand beyond their academic boundaries.

Since its launch, the platform has delivered over 250 courses to 14,000 students nationwide—90% from NCKU, with others from Taiwan’s top universities, including NTU, NTHU, NYCU, NCHU, CCU, and NSYSU. The platform has become a student favorite, with many courses that allow complete enrollment within seconds. In recognition of its success, it received the USR Model Award for “Collaborative Talent Development” from Global Views Monthly, exemplifying innovation in education through the combined efforts of alumni, faculty, and the university.