Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology recently participated in the 2018 IPITEX International Invention Exhibition in the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) of Thailand, hosted by its National Research Council. The exhibition showed more than 1,000 pieces of work from 24 countries and regions, including Taiwan, Thailand, India, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Britain and many others. The number of visitors to the Asian invention competition exceeded twenty thousand. The interdisciplinary team of "Plum Vase" not only won the gold medal and the Malaysian Special Prize, but also gave full play to the ability of innovation and marketing planning of the students from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology.

【The “Plum Vase” team of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology consists of three students, including Chao-Lun Li (center), Wen-Ling Wang (right), and An-Lan Chou (left).】

The Plum Vase team of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology was co-directed by Prof. Jia-Jun Lin of the Department of Visual Communication Design and Prof. Wei-Zhen Yang of International Business Department. The team consists of three students, including Chao-Lun Li, Wen-Ling Wang, and An-Lan Chou. The work “Plum Vase” is based on the Ming Dynasty porcelain "Plum Vase”, with an appearance of sweet white and glaze inside, showing the nature of the porcelain of Yongle Period. With a combination of screw and thread mechanism, the multi-functional innovative design of oriental plum vase integrates the oriental plum vase with European aristocrat's fruit plate, appears to be an innovative artwork that is highly decorative and practical. The work possesses festive decorations, floral arrangements, and floral designs in line with Chinese tradition. While the work shows graceful lines and natural gestures, very suitable for being a candy box, it also features the gorgeousness and elegance of fruit plate widely used in the West.

【The "Plum Vase" team was explaining their work to the visitors.】

The work "Plum Vase" of STUST, greatly affirmed by the judges, won the gold medal during the International Invention Exhibition. It was not only deeply loved by the visitors, but also favored by some Swiss manufacturers, who even showed willingness to have further cooperation with STUST. It was also recognized by the Malaysian Research and Innovation Society (MYRIS) as a recipient of the Best Invention Award as well as the only work to win a special award. When teachers and students of the team carried the banner of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology to receive the International Invention Exhibition Award, they all felt grateful and greatly honored.

【The interdisciplinary “Plum Vase" team of STUST received Malaysian Special Award: Prof. Jia-Jun Lin (right), Prof. Wei-Zhen Yang (third from right), and the team members received the award from the MYRIS Association Representative (second from right).】

Acting President Deng-Maw Lu of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology said that "Plum Vase" came from a multi-disciplinary and time-sharing course conducted through a teaching innovation pilot project. The course was focused on cross-cultural and creative product marketing and marketing programs. The "Plum Vase" has been developed from the exhibition planning, exhibition booth layout, display, to interpretations reception, allowing the students to experience the real meaning of "learning while doing.” It also showed exhibitors how teachers and students of the team had worked hard with their great intentions and efforts. Through participating in the innovative design exhibition, creative works can immediately attract the attention of manufacturers and improve the business opportunities of these works. Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology is committed to promoting innovation and creative activities to encourage students to participate in creative schools and outside the competition.

【The interdisciplinary “Plum Vase" team of STUST won the Gold Medal of Thailand International Invention Exhibition: Team Leader Chao-Lun Li (second from left) received the medal.】