-Kaohsiung Medical University - 

Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) has achieved another remarkable milestone! All four proposals submitted by KMU for the Ministry of Education’s Phase IV University Social Responsibility (USR) program have been approved. This achievement reflects the university's outstanding performance in local revitalization and environmental sustainability, as well as its steadfast commitment to deeply engaging in communities and promoting university social responsibility. KMU is determined to be a model institution in fulfilling social responsibility in higher education.

The project titled “Sustainability Beyond One Summer: Namasia and International Remote Area Sustainable Development Project” is the longest-running and largest among the approved proposals. Led by the College of Life Sciences, this cross-college, international USR initiative has long been cultivating resources in the region. The project successfully established a shared ecological corridor and supported the younger generation in Namasia in reconnecting with their cultural identity while nurturing local talents. The Namasia USR team has not only rooted itself in local communities but also expanded its impact to New Southbound Policy partner countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. One notable highlight of the project is the successful transfer of stingless bee breeding technology to the Philippines.

The “University Social Responsibility under Air Pollution: Environmental Education and Health Promotion for Sustainable Development Project” focuses on the industrial areas in Southern Kaohsiung (Siaogang, Linyuan, Cianjhen, and Daliao Districts) as its primary field of implementation. Leveraging the professional resources of KMU and Siaogang Hospital, the project emphasizes community-based medical care and environmental education. It has launched an interdisciplinary “Air Pollution and Healthy Living” credit program that links classroom learning with fieldwork. Addressing the region’s air pollution issues, the project encourages faculty and students to co-create cross-domain value, transforming professional knowledge and local practice into economic strength. It has made significant progress in environmental education and health promotion, extending the university's social influence from the local level to the national and even international (New Southbound) stage.

The “Sustainable Talent Cultivation and Health Development in Laonong River Region Project” centers on the Liouguei and Taoyuan Districts along the Laonong River. With dual goals of two-way talent cultivation and sustainable development of healthy communities, the project embodies the educational philosophy of medical humanities. Through initiatives such as student training, “Weekend Schools,” and various service programs, it enhances students' empathy and strengthens their future doctor-patient communication skills. A new “STEM Innovation Program” was also introduced to foster interdisciplinary learning and cultivate students’ integrative and practical abilities.

The “Intergenerational Collaboration for Healthy Aging: Sustainable and Inclusive Living Circle in Cijin” takes place in the Cijin District of Kaohsiung. It promotes healthy aging and community-wide health empowerment across age groups. The project aims to improve local caregiving manpower and boost characteristic industries, creating employment opportunities for middle-aged and older adults. It also enhances the functionality of community service bases and establishes diverse industry-academic collaboration models to address various aging-related challenges in Cijin. 

All four Phase IV USR projects from KMU have been approved by the Ministry of Education, demonstrating the university’s professional strength and innovative approach to social responsibility. By integrating internal and external resources and implementing mechanisms that encourage faculty participation, KMU ensures the continuity and development of successful experiences. The university affirmed its commitment to using professional knowledge and social responsibility as foundations. Through these diverse and international USR initiatives, KMU will further connect academia with communities, carry forward its successful models, and inject new momentum into health promotion and environmental sustainability.

▲Sustainability Beyond One Summer Project – Philippines Stingless Bee Breeding Workshop and Ecological Survey:

Building a Transnational Cooperation Mechanism for Local Revitalization through Native Bees

▲Air Pollution and University Social Responsibility Project – Children's Asthma Camp: Helping Children and Parents Understand

the Relationship Between Air Pollution and Asthma Care

▲Sustainable Talent Cultivation and Health Development in Laonong Project – KMU Promotes Health and

Community Consensus Deeply in Local Areas

▲Intergenerational Collaboration in Cijin Project – Cijin Long-Term Care Island Cup for Senior Citizens: A Fun Competition to Improve

Health Literacy Through Quiz Games