The “Kua-Le Ga-Jhen: Let’s Be Inclusive with Art from the South to the West” USR project team from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) has achieved remarkable success in community inclusion. After being honored with a Model Award in the Local Inclusion category at the 6th Global Vision USR Awards in April, the project has once again received high praise. It was recently awarded a bronze medal in the University Group for Reduced Inequalities (SDG10) at the Taiwan Sustainable Action Awards, presented by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE). The award was received by Hsiao-Jung Chen, Director of the Center for Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability. This honor is a tremendous encouragement to the faculty and students who have dedicated themselves to the project and proves STUST’s ongoing commitment to using its social influence.

【President Nen-Fu Huang of STUST with Chih-Chieh Hsu, the project leader, and the team members of the “Kua-Le Ga-Jhen: Let’s Be Inclusive with Art from the South to the West” USR project. This photo testifies to the university's leadership's emphasis on and support for the USR project and highlights the team’s outstanding contributions to local community development and social inclusion.】

【STUST won a bronze medal at the Taiwan Sustainable Action Awards. Hsiao-Jung Chen, Director of the Center for Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability, received the award on behalf of the university, acknowledging its outstanding contributions to implementing SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities) and social inclusion.】

Local Inclusion: Promoting Sustainable Towns through Music

The “Kua-Le Ga-Jhen” USR project aims to cultivate musical talent with a humanistic and socially conscious perspective. Through diverse teaching methods, teachers continuously guide students to step out of the classroom and gain practical experience in inclusive creation. Chih-Chieh Hsu, the project leader, stated that the team has been deeply involved in the local culture of Sigang, Tainan. They combine music, film, and performing arts to create songs, documentaries, and e-books rich in local character, even collaborating with the well-known Yueh-Yen theater company to produce an inclusive musical. These creations not only make the stories of local residents visible but also help young people rediscover and cherish local culture. Their work has been highly praised by Sigang residents and local government agencies.

【The “Kua-Le Ga-Jhen” USR project held a briefing for the 2025 musical reading training program. Yen-Chang Yeh, one of the co-hosts, was introducing the training content, which aims to cultivate musical talent with a humanistic and socially conscious perspective through music, film, and performing arts, deepening the connection with the local community.】

Responding to Social Needs and Deepening SDG Implementation

Nen-Fu Huang, President of STUST, emphasized that a university's influence should go beyond academic research to respond to social needs and promote local sustainable development. He added that STUST views sustainability as not just a responsibility but a mission. This award demonstrates the university’s deep commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The award-winning “Kua-Le Ga-Jhen” USR project team has strengthened the close ties between the university and local organizations throughout their work. It is hoped that by gaining practical experience, students will become a key force in Taiwan's creative industries on the international stage.

【The “Kua-Le Ga-Jhen” USR project has achieved great success in Sigang, Tainan. STUST students, Sigang residents, and elementary school students collaborated on the 2024 Sigang Inclusive Musical. This cross-generational collaboration perfectly embodies the project’s core spirit of promoting local inclusion through art.】