To strengthen local water environment conservation efforts, the Environmental Education and Youth Empowerment Research Center at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology organized the “Resilient Waters, Silicon Commitment – Sustainable River Protection Action” stream cleanup and riverbank conservation event on May 15, 2026. The initiative brought together government agencies, local communities, science park management organizations, and corporate partners to jointly maintain the water environment surrounding the Xin Zhuang Zi drainage area within the Xin Huwei River basin near the discharge outlet of the Central Taiwan Science Park Huwei Park.

The event demonstrated the concrete achievements of collaborative watershed governance and sustainable environmental action among industry, government, and academia. It also echoed the spirit of the upcoming World Environment Day on June 5 by advocating for collective public participation in protecting local living environments through practical action.

Earlier this year, financial commentator Hsieh Chin-Ho drew public attention to riverbank waste along the Zhuoshui River during a visit to Yunlin, prompting broader social reflection on local water environments. National Yunlin University of Science and Technology noted that the “Resilient Waters, Silicon Commitment” initiative was developed in response to this growing environmental awareness, transforming concern into concrete educational and practical action.

The university expressed special appreciation to the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau for participating in the event under the leadership of Section Chief Yeh Chi-Hua, who provided environmental policy guidance and professional support to strengthen connections between local governance and community engagement.

The Central Taiwan Science Park Bureau also supported the initiative. Representatives from China Environment Corporation—the professional operator of the science park wastewater treatment facility—and Dr. Cheng Hung-Kai from NYUST jointly explained wastewater treatment processes and smart water-quality monitoring systems. Their presentations helped participants better understand the institutionalized management and discharge control mechanisms governing industrial wastewater treatment, highlighting the balance between industrial development and environmental stewardship.

Environmental education booths were also featured during the event. The wastewater treatment facility at the Central Taiwan Science Park Huwei Park and the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau promoted concepts such as “Net-Zero Green Living” and “Carbon Reduction Starts with Everyone,” encouraging public awareness of carbon reduction and sustainable daily practices through interactive educational activities.

Corporate participation included strong support from Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. and the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation. Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. emphasized that corporate development should proceed alongside ecological sustainability. Since establishing operations in Yunlin and preparing for official operation of its Huwei facility at the end of 2025, the company has continuously strengthened local partnerships through ecological conservation initiatives. For two consecutive years, the company has collaborated with NYUST to support river conservation and environmental education projects as part of its commitment to ESG principles and corporate social responsibility.

The ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation further noted that sustainable development requires the integration of corporate expertise, educational outreach, and civic participation. Through collaboration among industry, government, and academia, the initiative introduces sustainability concepts and scientific expertise into local watershed management while encouraging younger generations to understand water resource management through data-driven and systems-oriented perspectives.

Professor Kuo Chao-Yin, project director at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, explained that the Xin Zhuang Zi drainage area near the science park discharge outlet represents an important intersection between industrial development and water environment management. The term “Resilient Waters” symbolizes the long-term resilience and institutional support required for watershed governance, while “Silicon Commitment” reflects the determination of the technology industry and local enterprises to protect water resources together.

Professor Kuo emphasized that the initiative was not only a stream cleanup and riverbank conservation effort, but also an important example of watershed education in practice. Through on-site demonstrations of water-quality testing, participants learned about discharge standards, monitoring systems, and watershed management frameworks. “We hope young people will not only bend down to collect waste, but also understand the scientific logic behind environmental systems and develop the professional capabilities needed to solve environmental challenges,” she stated.

The event included both water-quality testing demonstrations and hands-on stream and riverbank cleanup activities. Participants collected waste along the Xin Zhuang Zi drainage area while learning about water-quality monitoring and watershed governance through professional on-site explanations, combining theory and practice to strengthen environmental stewardship awareness and action.

Photo Captions

Collaborative achievements in promoting sustainable local environmental governance through partnerships among industry, government, and academia

Representatives from Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd., the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau, and National Yunlin University of Science and Technology participating in the “Resilient Waters, Silicon Commitment” river protection initiative

Community members joining the river environment cleanup effort

Official launch of the stream cleanup and riverbank conservation action led by Section Chief Yeh Chi-Hua and Director Huang Hung-Hsiang of Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd.

Promoting environmental protection and ESG implementation through practical local action

Organizing Unit

Environmental Education and Youth Empowerment Research Center

Director

Director Kuo Chao-Yin

Contact Person

Liu Yi-Jun

Contact Number

+886-5-534-2601 ext. 2510