YunTech Partners with SPIL and the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation to Launch
“Resilient Water, Silicon at Heart: River Stewardship for Sustainable Action”
On January 12, 115 ROC, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) officially launched the “Resilient Water, Silicon at Heart: River Stewardship for Sustainable Action” initiative at the wastewater treatment plant of the Central Taiwan Science Park (Huwei Park). The program is jointly promoted by YunTech, Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. (SPIL), and the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation, integrating corporate sustainability practices, academic research capacity, and place-based action. Together, the partners are committed to the governance and ecological restoration of the Xin Huwei River Basin, marking a concrete example of industry–academia collaboration to safeguard one of Yunlin’s vital waterways.
SPIL emphasized that corporate sustainability should extend beyond factory operations to encompass the broader river basin. By supporting river patrols and smart monitoring systems, and by connecting industrial parks, academia, and local communities, the initiative enables a more comprehensive understanding of river dynamics and enhances governance effectiveness. It also provides meaningful opportunities for corporate volunteers to participate directly in environmental stewardship, strengthening a culture of sustainability.
The ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation noted that water resources are a critical foundation for both industrial sustainability and social resilience. Guided by its long-standing principle of “protecting the environment from the source,” the Foundation supports collaboration between academic research units and local partners. Through scientific monitoring and civic engagement, corporate ESG initiatives can more effectively respond to local needs and help ensure a healthy water environment for future generations.
The Xin Huwei River Basin flows through densely populated residential areas, agricultural zones, and industrial clusters, making it a key river for both daily life and production in Yunlin County. Over time, it has faced sustained pressure from the combined impacts of domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities. With SPIL’s entry into Yunlin and the commencement of operations at its Huwei plant in the fourth quarter of the 114th year, corporate responsibility for local water sustainability and river protection has become even more pronounced—closely aligning with the core mission long championed by the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation.
Driven by these shared objectives, SPIL and the Foundation are supporting YunTech through an industry–academia collaboration that provides funding and resources to address real river-basin needs through scientific monitoring and on-the-ground action. Drawing on its strong research foundations in smart water environment monitoring, environmental engineering, and interdisciplinary integration, YunTech serves as the central source of technical and knowledge support for the project.
The initiative is led by Professor Kuo Chao-Yin of YunTech’s Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering, in collaboration with Professor Weng Wan-De of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Professor Cheng Yu-Shen of the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering. Together, the team is implementing a multifaceted strategy that includes smart water quality monitoring, citizen science participation, river patrols, and the establishment of vegetative buffer zones, with the goal of building a river basin governance model capable of long-term operation.
Professor Kuo noted that the Xin Huwei River is more than a drainage channel; it is a river that carries the collective memory and intergenerational connections of Yunlin’s residents. She expressed sincere appreciation to the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation for its financial support and cited the well-known 1854 declaration of Chief Seattle: “The flowing waters of the streams and rivers are not just water, but the memory and lifeblood of a place.” Rivers, she emphasized, have long sustained human settlements and continuity, linking past generations, present lives, and the environment upon which future generations depend. True river basin governance, she stressed, arises from a shared responsibility to the land and to those who will come after us.
Strong support has also been provided by Chung Hsin Environmental Services Co., Ltd., the professional team operating the wastewater treatment facilities at the Central Taiwan Science Park Huwei site. Plant Manager Chang Chen-Wei remarked that collaboration with YunTech, SPIL, and the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation allows sustainability efforts to expand from internal water management to a basin-wide perspective, enabling corporate sustainability actions to extend beyond factory boundaries and connect more deeply with local communities. Deputy Plant Manager Chang Yeh added that he looks forward to systematic and continuous river patrol and monitoring efforts along the entire Xin Huwei River—from upstream to downstream—through the joint participation of corporate volunteers, students, and local communities.
Looking ahead, YunTech plans to host a project成果展示 (outcomes showcase) around World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) in September, in collaboration with SPIL and the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation. The event will publicly present smart water quality monitoring data, progress in river protection, and achievements in environmental education, and will invite participation from industry, government, academic and research institutions, and local communities. Through this open engagement, the public will be able to see tangible impacts generated by corporate ESG initiatives and smart water environment technologies.
“Resilient Water, Silicon at Heart” is not only a river management project, but also a symbol of action that unites technology with commitment. “Resilient Water” represents the resilience rivers must possess in the face of multiple environmental pressures, while “Silicon at Heart” reflects the care and dedication with which SPIL and the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation apply the strengths of the technology industry to water resource protection. Through close collaboration with YunTech, the partners aspire for the Xin Huwei River to become a leading model of water environment governance in Yunlin—one that is understood, cherished, and collectively protected.
Group Photo of Participants at the Launch Meeting of “Resilient Water, Silicon at Heart: River Stewardship for Sustainable Action,” Bringing Together Representatives from Industry, Academia, and the Foundation to Demonstrate a Shared Commitment to Cross-Sector Collaboration.
Scene from the Launch Briefing Session, where Professor Kuo Chao-Yin of YunTech presents the project’s vision and implementation plan.
On-site View of the Xin Huwei River Environment.
Group Photo Taken Outside the Central Taiwan Science Park Huwei Wastewater Treatment Plant. From left to right: Professor Weng Wan-De (Department of Electrical Engineering), Professor Kuo Chao-Yin (Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering), and Professor Cheng Yu-Shen (Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering), jointly demonstrating their support for river stewardship efforts.
Organizing Unit: Environmental Education & Youth Center
Head of Unit: Chief Director Kuo Chao-Yin
Contact Person: Ms. Liu Yi-Chun
Telephone: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2510
※The above is an AI-generated translation and may not be 100% accurate. For reference only — please double-check any important details.
