Intercultural Week starts with new perspectives for international cooperation
On Sunday, September 22, 2024, the Taiwan Day took place at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, which deepened the cultural and scientific exchange between Taiwan and the region. Organized in cooperation with the Taipei Representation in Berlin, the Ministry of Culture Taiwan, the district of Görlitz, the university town of Zittau and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the event was an important part of the opening of the Intercultural Week in the district of Görlitz.
The Taiwan Day not only provided a platform for cultural exchange, but also gave the numerous visitors, including official representatives and interested students, an insight into the rich culture and history of Taiwan. Visitors were able to enjoy culinary specialties and tea from Taiwan, try their hand at the art of calligraphy and gather exciting information about the country. A highlight of the day was the generous donation of books by the Taiwanese ambassador Prof. Dr. Jhy-Wey Shieh, which enriched both the Christian Weise Library in Zittau and the municipal library in Görlitz. The program was rounded off by the performance of classical European and Taiwanese compositions by a cello duo.
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice Rector for Education and International Affairs at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, presented the many opportunities for cooperation between the university, the district of Görlitz and Taiwan, particularly in the field of semiconductor research. She emphasized that the planned establishment of a large Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer in Dresden is also of great importance for Lusatia. "The semiconductor industry offers enormous opportunities for our region. Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is ideally positioned to contribute to the growth of this forward-looking industry through research and practical training," she explained.
Prof. Keil announced that the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is already working on a German-Taiwanese Business Day in spring 2025 to further intensify these partnerships and the exchange between science and business. One focus of her presentation was on the ongoing research projects at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, which are part of large EU research networks in the semiconductor industry. Examples include projects such as AIMS5.0, Power2Power or Project idev - workplaces of the futurewhich deal with the optimization of production processes and the use of artificial intelligence to improve sustainability. These collaborations not only open up new prospects for research and business, but also strengthen Lusatia's role as an important location for innovation and technological development.
In his speech, the representative of Taiwan, Prof. Dr. Jhy-Wey Shieh, highlighted the opportunities for closer cooperation between Taiwan and the region. "Saxony has more to offer than Dresden - that is often forgotten. The district of Görlitz with its towns of Görlitz and Zittau is a jewel," he emphasized and praised the hospitality he experienced during his visit.
District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer also referred to the economic prospects resulting from the cooperation with Taiwan. "As a dynamic location, the district of Görlitz can benefit from the partnership with Taiwan and its technology sector," explained Dr. Meyer. The establishment of the semiconductor company in Dresden opens up great development potential for the entire region, particularly in the high-tech sector, which could have a positive impact on jobs and value creation in Lusatia.
In addition to the scientific and economic aspects, Taiwan Day also offered a broad cultural program. Visitors of all ages were able to discover the variety of Taiwanese teas at a tea tasting - the traditional bubble tea was a particularly popular highlight. The calligraphy workshop was also well attended and offered participants the opportunity to experience the art of traditional characters up close. There was also a book exhibition and the opportunity to enjoy Taiwanese delicacies. These activities offered a lively insight into Taiwanese culture and were enthusiastically received by visitors to Taiwan Day.
At the "Study in Taiwan" information stand, visitors had the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about study opportunities in Taiwan, scholarships and exchange programs. Students used this opportunity to obtain individual advice and find out more about academic opportunities in Taiwan. In addition, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences presented its own study programs at a separate stand in order to give guests an understanding of the opportunities on site and to discuss potential exchange programs.
Good to know: If you are studying at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and are interested in going abroad, we offer numerous opportunities. The advantages of a small university are obvious: personal support, close contact with lecturers and no long waiting lists. The HSZG offers many opportunities to gain international experience during your studies. If you are interested, please contact the head of the International Office: alina.bulcsu@hszg.de
The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences sees the Taiwan Day as the start of a long-term cooperation with Taiwan, both in the scientific and economic fields. The event made it clear how closely culture, research and economic development are interwoven. As a catalyst for international exchange, the university is already planning concrete steps, such as the German-Taiwanese Business Day 2025 and increased cooperation with the Technical University of Liberec in the field of semiconductor research. These collaborations are to be further intensified and expanded in the coming months.
