For many years, Paraguay has been severely affected by the serious epidemic of dengue fever. Therefore, Taiwan Tech initiated a mosquito vector control project in Asunción, Paraguay. This project led students from the Universidad Politecnica Taiwán Paraguay (hereinafter referred to as Taiwan-Paraguay Tech University) to raise awareness among students about mosquito vector issues. Through the design of solar-powered mosquito lamps to assist in epidemic prevention efforts, students' social responsibility awareness is enhanced, and the international influence of Taiwan Tech is also expanded."
The Taiwan-Paraguay Tech student team is engaging in discussions regarding the design of solar-powered mosquito lamps.
Taiwan Tech has invested international educational resources to launch the USR-Hub project in Paraguay, allowing Taiwan-Paraguay Tech students to use their knowledge and focus on the development and application of solar-powered mosquito trap devices, effectively reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and providing a safer living environment for Paraguay. At the same time, the use of solar power reduces energy consumption, promoting both environmental protection and sustainability. Taiwan Tech integrates project-based practical courses with Paraguayan life experiences, guiding students to give back to the community through practical actions based on the skills they have learned at school.
The Taiwan-Paraguay Tech students are working on the exterior structure and circuit design of the mosquito trap.
Associate Professor Meng-Kun Liu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering stated that they have formed teams with students from different departments to brainstorm ideas for the mosquito trapping device. Apart from learning circuit board design and exterior design, they also aim to instill the spirit of vocational education, where students learn by doing, into Paraguayan students. He also pointed out that in the next phase, they will collaborate with local Asunción University to enhance the air intake efficiency of the mosquito trapping device through fluid dynamics analysis. The finished products will be placed in the community to address mosquito problems, a prospect that excites the students greatly.
The Taiwan-Paraguay Tech students are assembling the solar-powered mosquito lamps themselves.
Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease transmitted through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Without timely medical treatment, the mortality rate can exceed 20%. Paraguayan students participating in the project have pointed out that dengue fever is a severe public health issue in their area. Through this project, they are expanding their practical knowledge of mosquito traps and related electronic components, enhancing their problem-solving abilities, and proving that they can contribute to their community's well-being by applying their technical skills.
Taiwan-Paraguay Tech held a results presentation event where students showcased the outcomes of the USR project.
Additionally, Taiwan Tech organized a results presentation event in Paraguay, inviting Ambassador Chih-Cheng Han, the Dean of the Faculty of Technology at Asunción University, Chairman Mei-Gui Gu of the Asunción Chinese Association, and Vice Chairman Yi-Hua Lee to join the event. They gathered to observe and share Taiwan's outstanding achievements in Paraguay.
Taiwan Tech is also actively recruiting new talents, encouraging Taiwan- Paraguay Tech students to study in Taiwan and participate directly in projects. By involving them in projects, the aim is to provide more learning opportunities for Paraguayan students who come to Taiwan and enable them to effectively apply their knowledge and professional skills to address local, national, and global issues. This initiative seeks to cultivate international talents who possess both skills and social responsibility while strengthening the friendly cooperation between Taiwan and Paraguay.
The group photo of Taiwan-Paraguay Tech's results presentation. In the front row, the third person from the left is Ambassador Chih-Cheng Han, Taiwan's ambassador to Paraguay, and the second person from the left is Chairman Mei-Gui Gu of the Asunción Chinese Association.