“Sustainability” is one of the key issues leading Taiwan. To explore Taiwan's achievements and challenges in sustainable development, a team of master's students from Indonesia, Kenya, Vietnam, and Taiwan at Taiwan Tech’s Graduate Institute of Digital Learning and Education, formed the team “ECO 4TUNE”. They planned a five-day, four-night sustainable exploration tour of Taiwan, incorporating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their project won third place in the “Explore Taiwan 120h” competition, co-organized by the CTCI Education Foundation and the Foundation of Taiwan Industry Service for Sustainable Energy.

Taiwan Tech student team “ECO 4TUNE” gained in-depth insights into Taiwanese indigenous culture with the guidance of a Bunun guide at the Luanshan Forest Museum in Taitung.

In addition to visiting five designated locations, the students also arranged their own exploration activities related to the 17 SDGs. They visited sites such as the Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, the Taiwan Cement Company DAKA Park, Ji’an Art Village, Miaoli Green Dream Factory, the plastic-free Dongdamen Night Market, the Beitou Library, the New Taipei Metropolitan Park and other places. Through these visits, they can understand the implementation of businesses, government, and civil organizations, providing rich cross-cultural experiences for international students.

Alifia from Indonesia expressed her desire to understand how Taiwan balances economic and technological advancement with sustainable development and tourism promotion through the competition. She intends to bring back the valuable experiences of exploring Taiwan’s natural landscapes and community culture to contribute to sustainable development in Indonesia.

Taiwan Tech students Shi-Bo Hong (first from left), Alifia Ilwi Agusty (second from left), Margaret Wanjiru Kimanzi (second from right), and Lai Huynh Thanh Truc (third from right), along with their advisor, Assistant Professor Tsai-Ju Lee from Taiwan Tech's Graduate Institute of Digital Learning and Education (first from right), won third place in the 2024 10th Explore Taiwan 120h “Sustainability in Action” competition.

Lai Huynh Thanh Truc from Vietnam mentioned that applying Taiwan's experience in waste classification and recycling, along with innovative utilization of natural and cultural resources, could help Vietnam enhance cultural heritage protection, improve energy sustainability, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Margaret from Kenya stated that she learned the importance of community involvement, innovation, and education through the activity. By empowering local communities and using technology to protect the natural environment, she aims to use this knowledge and implement similar measures in her own country, contributing to global sustainable development efforts.

The Taiwan Tech student team posed with SDGs hand gestures to highlight that New Taipei Metropolitan Park integrates flood prevention measures, ecological protection, and recreational design, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 11, 13, and 15.

Among all the sites they visited, the Luanshan Forest Museum in Taitung left the deepest impression on the team. The team leader, Shi-Bo Hong, a Taiwanese student, shared that most Taiwanese people have little understanding of indigenous cultures, let alone students from other countries. Under the guidance of a Bunun guide, the team experienced an immersive exploration of traditional customs and the wisdom of living in harmony with nature. Activities included exploring indigenous hunting paths in the forest, enjoying traditional Bunun meals, making handmade mochi, etc. This experience deepened their understanding of the close relationship between indigenous people and nature. The Luanshan Forest Museum successfully integrates natural and cultural attractions with the SDGs, particularly quality education, sustainable urban and rural areas, and life on land, encouraging visitors to participate in sustainable actions. This competition not only allowed the team to gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan's sustainable development but also gained experience in cross-border and cross-cultural cooperation.

Shi-Bo Hong, along with Alifia, Margaret, and Lai Huynh Thanh Truc, who are currently studying in the master's program at the Graduate Institute of Digital Learning and Education, are involved in Taiwan Tech's Digital Fellowship Program. This program facilitates cross-national education and cultural exchanges online. They introduced Taiwanese cuisine to primary and secondary schools in Kenya and Indonesia, incorporating SDGs into their teaching, thereby enhancing students’ understanding of sustainability, especially in rural areas.

All four students are currently enrolled in the master's program at Taiwan Tech's Graduate Institute of Digital Learning and Education. They hope to integrate their studies with the SDGs and contribute their efforts to the sustainable development of the planet.