National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) has long placed sustainable development and social engagement at the heart of its institutional development. By integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into university governance, teaching, research, and community engagement, YunTech continues to combine technological innovation with local needs to advance meaningful and impactful sustainability initiatives. At the 5th Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards (APSAA) and the 6th Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards (TSAA) in 2026, organized by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), YunTech received a total of four awards—two Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze. The award-winning projects span cultural heritage preservation, smart water resource management, rural resilience, and cultural revitalization, demonstrating the University's diverse achievements in sustainability. The award ceremony was held on August 27 at Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1.

At the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards, a research team led by Professors Hwang Shyh-Huei and Hsieh Jui-Lung received a Gold Award for their project, "Preservation, Cultural Interpretation, and Promotion of Temple Heritage in Xiluo" (SDG 11). Through cultural preservation, interpretation, and promotion, the project strengthens the transmission of Xiluo's temple heritage and reinforces local cultural identity, highlighting the University's contributions to preserving cultural heritage through academic expertise and community engagement.

At the Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards, three YunTech projects received recognition. A team led by Professor Pan Chih-Long won a Gold Award for "AI-Powered Smart Water Recycling Management" (SDG 6), which applies artificial intelligence and smart technologies to improve the efficiency of water resource recycling and reuse. Professors Fang Kuo-Ting and Liu Wen-Yu led a team that received a Silver Award for "Building Rural Resilience Through Tea-Based Community Engagement" (SDG 11). The project brings together local industries, communities, and university resources to strengthen rural resilience and promote local development. Meanwhile, a team led by Professor Weng Han-Teng received a Bronze Award for "ACG-Driven Cultural Revitalization in Dounan" (SDG 4), integrating education, culture, and community revitalization to encourage young people to participate in local development initiatives.

The four award-winning initiatives address SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Spanning technological applications and cultural heritage preservation, these achievements demonstrate YunTech's strengths in interdisciplinary collaboration and community-based initiatives. In recent years, the University has also received consistent recognition for its university social responsibility (USR), sustainable development, and overall institutional performance. In 2026, YunTech retained its position as the top-ranked public technical and vocational university in the University Citizen Awards organized by CommonWealth Magazine. It was also ranked in the 101–200 band worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, maintaining its position as Taiwan's leading university of science and technology.

YunTech President Chang Chuan-Yu stated that the University's development is guided by five core strategies: Diversified Learning, Industrialization of Research, Sustainable Resource Management, Internationalization of the University Brand, and Agile Decision-Making. These priorities are complemented by its 3T strategy of preserving institutional heritage, embracing change, and pursuing transformation. Through these approaches, YunTech continues to strengthen industry-academia partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration while enhancing institutional governance and social impact. The University remains committed to its vision of becoming a responsible smart university driven by technological research, development, and innovative services.

In response to the challenges of declining birth rates and intensifying global competition, YunTech will continue to embrace innovation and pursue new opportunities for development. By deepening industry-academia collaboration, expanding AI applications, and cultivating professionals with global competitiveness, the University aims to integrate its strengths in teaching, research, and community engagement. Through these sustained efforts, YunTech will further expand its social impact in sustainable development and smart governance.

YunTech Vice President Professor Hwang Shyh-Huei (right) accepts an award on behalf of the University at the 2026 Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards ceremony.

Members of YunTech's award-winning teams pose for a group photo to celebrate their achievements at the 2026 Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards.

Political Deputy Minister of Education Liu Kuo-Wei visits YunTech's exhibition booth at the sustainability expo.

Members of YunTech's award-winning teams pose for a group photo in front of the University's exhibition booth at the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Expo.

YunTech's Sustainable Development and Social Practice Research Center showcases the University's sustainability achievements at the sustainability expo.

Organizing Unit: Sustainable Development and Social Practice Research Center

Unit Director: Professor Lu Li-Shu

Contact Person: Chen Yi-Hua

Contact Number: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2484

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