At the 36th Golden Melody Awards—the most prestigious recognition in Taiwan’s music industry—Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) received double honors. Professor Meng-Hui Wu from the Department of Popular Music Industry, along with Shiao-Jun Dai, won the Best Arranger Award for their arrangement of the song “Dipin Kari Tang (Bread Curry Hedgehog).” Meanwhile, alumnus Ming-Ting Chang contributed to the recording and mixing of Shi-shuan Lu’s album “Good Voice and Heroic Spirit,” which was awarded Best Chinese Album this year. These accolades highlight the exceptional accomplishments of STUST in both popular music education and practical industry engagement.

【Professor Meng-Hui Wu of the Department of Popular Music Industry at STUST received the Best Arranger Award at the 36th Golden Melody Awards.】

Professor Meng-Hui Wu’s award-winning work showcased her deep cross-disciplinary musical talent and cultural interpretation. Her innovative arrangements transcends language barriers and breathes new life into indigenous music traditions. In her acceptance speech, she stated, “Aboriginal music is a difficult road. I hope our value will no longer be measured by the output value in New Taiwan Dollars!” His words resonated deeply within the music community and the public, calling on society to evaluate music through the lens of cultural diversity and creative spirit, rather than solely economic output.

【Professor Meng-Hui Wu of the Department of Popular Music Industry at STUST took the stage to receive the Best Arranger Award at the 36th Golden Melody Awards.】

In addition to the remarkable success of its faculty, STUST celebrated outstanding news from its alumni. Ming-Ting Chang, a graduate of the Department of Popular Music Industry, played a key role in the recording and mixing of the award-winning album “Good Voice and Heroic Spirit,” which claimed the title of Best Chinese Album. This achievement clearly reflects the department’s balanced emphasis on both theory and hands-on experience, producing graduates with professional expertise aligned with international production standards. The results are extraordinary and a source of pride for the university.

【Professor Meng-Hui Wu (center), teaches in the Department of Popular Music Industry at STUST.】

President Nen-Fu Huang highly praised these prestigious honors, noting that they not only reflect the department’s deep academic strength but also significantly enhance its reputation and enrollment appeal. He emphasized that Professor Meng-Hui Wu brings invaluable energy to her teaching and serves as an exemplary role model for students. Having top-tier educators—like award-winning songwriters and arrangers—is one of the school’s greatest assets. For students in the Department of Popular Music Industry, these successes offer both inspiration and motivation to pursue excellence in the music industry. Looking ahead, STUST will continue to strengthen its connections between industry and academia, foster creative practice, and encourage students to boldly chase their dreams—ensuring that the brilliance of Taiwanese music continues to shine on the global stage.。

【STUST alumnus Ming-Ting Chang (right) contributed to the recording and mixing of "Good Voice and Heroic Spirit," winner of the 36th Golden Melody Award for Best Chinese Album.】