International Master‵s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development

On Tuesday, November 25,2025, the International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted a seminar titled “USPACE: A Sharing Economy Platform for Smart City Development.” The seminar featured USPACE CEO Allen Song as the keynote speaker, with Prof. Alicia Say facilitating the academic session. In his talk, CEO Allen Song shared how USPACE has evolved into one of Taiwan’s leading innovators in the sharing economy. The company began by transforming idle spaces—such as storefront yards, narrow lots, side-building corners, and private driveways—into smart parking spots accessible to the public. Through the integration of IoT devices, smart cameras, sensors, and a mobile platform, USPACE successfully converts these micro-spaces into components of a broader mobility ecosystem. Today, USPACE’s partnerships with hotels, shopping malls, and commercial buildings have further expanded its managed parking network, marking another important milestone for the company. This model embodies a core concept in smart city development: maximizing the use of existing resources before investing in new infrastructure. “Our model is actually simple. We don’t build new land—we unlock the value of spaces that already exist. Every empty corner, every unused lot in the city can become a shared resource. That’s the sharing economy: turning idle space into economic opportunity for everyone, not just for the company.” Through Allen’s explanation, it became clear that USPACE is redefining the sharing economy by transforming passive assets into productive ones. Rather than relying on large-scale construction, the company enables cities to operate more intelligently by leveraging small, often overlooked micro-spaces across urban areas. Allen continued, “We started with just one parking space. Only one. But from that one space, we built the logic for how a city can operate more efficiently through technology. If you can utilize one idle space, you can eventually utilize the entire city.” This concept underscores USPACE’s central role in Taiwan’s smart city development—efficient, integrated, and focused on making better use of existing urban resources. USPACE’s story illustrates that its success did not begin with massive investment, but with a simple insight: a small prototype, supported by strong data and technology, can scale into city-wide transformation. This serves as a powerful takeaway for students studying entrepreneurship, innovation, and urban development. Allen also highlighted that Taiwan provides an ideal environment for developing such technologies, thanks to its active startup ecosystem, tech-savvy users, and well-established urban infrastructure. Beyond Taiwan, he noted that Japan has become USPACE’s largest market, with Southeast Asia emerging as the next major expansion region. With rapid user growth, regional development, and a million-user base, USPACE is now progressing steadily toward unicorn status. Today, USPACE has evolved far beyond parking solutions. The platform now forms a comprehensive smart-mobility ecosystem that includes EV charging, automated car-washing, subscription-based car insurance, on-demand car maintenance, shared ride, rental car, and designated driver service. This evolution reflects USPACE’s broader vision of building integrated, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility systems for modern cities. In addition to technology and infrastructure, Allen emphasized the importance of human relationships in business. He shared stories about building partnerships and navigating cross-cultural differences—particularly in Japan, one of USPACE’s most significant markets. “In business, the most important thing isn’t just resources—it’s understanding people and their needs. When I approached a major company for an acquisition, I received the president’s approval in just 15 minutes because I came with a solution, not a request,” he said. About USPACE & CEO Allen Song (宋捷仁) USPACE is a Taiwanese smart-mobility technology company founded in 2016. Beginning with a single shared parking space, the company has expanded into a leading platform that integrates IoT-enabled parking, EV charging, mobility services, and AI-driven space management across multiple cities. Allen Song (宋捷仁), Co-Founder and CEO, has led USPACE’s strategic expansion into Japan and Southeast Asia, forging key partnerships and advancing innovative mobility technologies. In 2022, USPACE secured Series A investment from Taiwan Mobile, reinforcing its status as one of Taiwan’s fastest-growing technology startups and positioning the company on a clear trajectory toward unicorn status.

The International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) invited Professor Andriy Bodnaruk, Associate Dean of the College of Business at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), to deliver a talk on Friday, November 28, 2025. Professor Bodnaruk provided an overview of recent developments in U.S. business education and offered guidance on choosing business schools that balance tuition affordability, academic quality, and strong career outcomes. The event was primarily attended by students from NCCU’s College of Social Sciences and International College of Innovation interested in pursuing graduate studies in the United States. As interdisciplinary learning becomes a dominant trend in higher education, an increasing number of non-business majors are choosing to pursue graduate studies in business management after completing their undergraduate training. The talk drew many senior students as well as first-year students from the International College of Innovation who are proactively planning for future study abroad opportunities. Several students sought advice from Professor Bodnaruk on how to strengthen their academic and professional profiles during their remaining undergraduate years to become competitive applicants to top U.S. business schools. Drawing on his Ukrainian heritage and international academic experience, Professor Bodnaruk encouraged students to express themselves confidently and to enhance their communication and cross-cultural skills. He also emphasized the importance of building a solid academic foundation and maintaining consistent effort, noting that such preparation would significantly enhance students’ competitiveness in the application process. Dual-degree programs have become an increasingly important trend in global higher education. Since 2024, NCCU IMES has strengthened its collaboration with UIC’s College of Business, enabling IMES students to pursue business fields such as business analytics, finance, and MIS at UIC while receiving training in applied economics and social development at NCCU. Students can earn two master’s degrees—from NCCU and UIC—within two years. Currently, three IMES students are enrolled in the UIC dual-degree program. In addition to paying tuition rates similar to those of domestic U.S. students, one student will serve as a teaching assistant for Professor Bodnaruk next semester and receive a TA stipend. During the talk, IMES students actively raised questions regarding campus life, safety in Chicago, scholarship and internship opportunities, and career development. Professor Bodnaruk addressed each inquiry thoroughly, helping students gather essential information for their future study-abroad decisions. The event also symbolizes the continued strengthening of dual-degree cooperation between IMES and the UIC College of Business. During his visit, Professor Bodnaruk also met with the NCCU College of Global Banking and Finance and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize future collaboration. Although UIC has long been an institutional partner of NCCU, substantial academic exchange had previously been limited. In recent years, however, with joint efforts from UIC’s College of Business, NCCU IMES, and the College of Global Banking and Finance, bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly. More concrete and diverse forms of academic collaboration and student–faculty exchange are expected in the coming years.

國立政治大學社會科學院應用經濟與社會發展英語碩士學位學程（IMES）於 2025 年 11 月 28 日（星期五）邀請美國伊利諾大學芝加哥分校（University of Illinois Chicago, UIC）商學院國際副院長 Andriy Bodnaruk 教授蒞臨政大，向有意赴美攻讀商學相關研究所的學生，解析美國高等商學教育的最新發展趨勢，並分享如何選擇兼具合理學費、優質教育與良好職涯發展的商學院。此次演講主要面向社科院與創新國際學院中有志赴美留學的同學。 隨著跨領域學習成為高等教育新典範，越來越多非商學院背景的學生在完成大學本科訓練後選擇於研究所階段進修商學管理相關領域。當天講座吸引許多高年級學生到場，甚至有創新國際學院一年級新生提前規劃未來，向 Bodnaruk 教授請益如何在大學三年間強化自身能力，以成為美國商學院青睞的申請者。 Bodnaruk 教授以自身烏克蘭裔背景勉勵學生勇於表達，積極提升語言溝通與跨文化能力；同時建議在學術領域奠定紮實基礎、持續累積學習成果，才能在未來申請時展現強而有力的競爭優勢。 雙聯學位已成為國際高等教育的重要趨勢。政大 IMES 自 2024 年起與 UIC 商學院深化合作，讓 IMES 學生在接受應用經濟與社會發展訓練之餘，亦可赴 UIC 修讀商業分析、財務、資訊管理等領域，於兩年內同時取得兩校的經濟與商學雙碩士學位。 目前已有三位 IMES 學生在 UIC 商學院攻讀雙聯學位。除了享有與美國本土學生相近的學費標準外，其中一位學生更將於下學期擔任 Bodnaruk 教授的課程助教並獲得 TA 津貼。此次講座中，多位 IMES 學生就美國校園生活、安全、獎學金與實習資源及職涯發展等議題踴躍請教，Bodnaruk 教授亦逐一詳盡回應，協助學生掌握更全面的留學資訊，作為後續申請與規劃的重要參考。此次活動亦象徵政大 IMES 與 UIC 商學院在雙聯學位合作上的持續深化。 Bodnaruk 教授此行亦拜訪政大國際金融學院，並與該院完成合作備忘錄（MOU）簽署。雖然 UIC 過去為政大校級姊妹校，但雙方早年實質交流有限；近年在 UIC 商學院、政大 IMES 與國際金融學院的共同推動下，雙邊合作逐步深化，未來也預期將展開更多實質且多元的國際合作與師生交流機會。

The International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) invited Mr. Wei-Yuan Luo, Executive Secretary of Taiwan’s Anti-Money Laundering Office under the Executive Yuan, to deliver a keynote speech on November 21, 2025. Mr. Luo shared the latest developments in Taiwan’s anti–money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist/counter-proliferation financing efforts, as well as emerging money laundering risks and regulatory challenges in the age of virtual assets. The session was moderated by IMES Adjunct Assistant Professor Colin Cheng and attracted strong participation from NCCU students and international exchange students. Amid the global efforts—including recent initiatives by the Trump administration—to regulate virtual assets and combat crypto-related fraud and money laundering, Mr. Luo’s talk offered timely and valuable insights. With extensive experience in both judicial practice and policy coordination, Mr. Luo currently serves as Executive Secretary of the AML Office and Chief Prosecutor at the Shilin District Prosecutors Office. He has long been involved in investigating financial fraud, money laundering, and illicit virtual-asset flows, and he represents Taiwan in engagements with the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). His deep understanding of international regulatory trends and Taiwan’s alignment efforts provided important context for the audience. Mr. Luo highlighted how fraud and money-laundering syndicates increasingly exploit cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin ATMs, anonymous wallets, and cross-border exchanges to build criminal ecosystems characterized by speed, anonymity, and transnationality. He urged students to stay alert to investment scams, romance scams, and schemes that recruit young people as unwitting “money mules” or intermediaries. He further outlined Taiwan’s policy priorities in strengthening virtual-asset oversight and AML frameworks, including enhanced compliance requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), improved suspicious-transaction reporting and blockchain analytics, deeper public-private cooperation, and interagency preparation for the upcoming APG/FATF mutual evaluation. He emphasized that balancing financial innovation with market integrity and public safety is a crucial task for regulators in the digital-asset environment. As financial technology evolves rapidly, new forms of financial crime continue to emerge. Developing talent who understand the intersection of technology, finance, law, and public policy has become essential. Unlike traditional business schools, NCCU’s IMES program equips students not only with knowledge of virtual assets, financial technology, and machine-learning applications in finance, but also with legal and policy perspectives necessary to address the regulatory challenges posed by fintech innovations.

國立政治大學社會科學院應用經濟與社會發展英語碩士學位學程（IMES）於 2025 年 11 月 21 日（星期五）邀請行政院洗錢防制辦公室執行秘書羅韋淵蒞臨演講，與師生分享臺灣防制洗錢及打擊資恐／資武擴最新政策發展，以及虛擬資產時代下的洗錢風險樣態與監理挑戰。此次演講由 IMES 兼任助理教授鄭旭高主持，吸引本校學生與國際交換生熱烈參與，現場互動十分踴躍。 本次演講正值全球政府積極因應虛擬貨幣快速發展、強化打擊加密資產洗錢與詐欺犯罪之際，具高度政策與實務意義。羅韋淵執行秘書具備司法實務與政策統籌雙重專業，現任行政院洗錢防制辦公室執行秘書暨士林地檢署主任檢察官，長期投入洗錢、詐欺偵辦與虛擬資產不法金流追查工作，並代表臺灣參與亞太防制洗錢組織（APG）及金融行動工作組織 FATF 相關國際合作與評鑑事務，對全球監理趨勢與臺灣制度發展均深具洞察。 羅執行秘書從國際規範與實務案例出發，指出近年詐欺與洗錢集團結合加密貨幣、比特幣 ATM、匿名錢包與跨境交易平臺，形成「高速度、高隱匿、高跨境」的新型態犯罪鏈。他提醒青年學子提高對投資詐欺、感情詐欺與「變相車手」等新型態手法的警覺，以避免落入犯罪陷阱。 在政策治理層面，羅執行秘書也分享政府在虛擬資產監理與洗錢防制的重點方向，包括強化 VASP（虛擬資產服務提供者）合規要求、提升可疑交易通報與鏈上分析技術、深化公私協力，以及配合第五輪 APG／FATF 評鑑所需的制度整備與跨部會協作。他強調，如何在促進金融科技創新與維持市場秩序之間取得平衡，是臺灣面臨的重要政策課題。 隨著金融科技蓬勃發展，金融詐欺與跨境洗錢型態不斷推陳出新，國家需要能理解科技、金融與法律交錯影響的跨領域人才。與傳統商學院不同，政大社科院 IMES 學程除教授虛擬資產、金融科技與機器學習在財務領域的應用外，也重視法律與公共政策能力的養成，使學生得以全面理解金融科技帶來的監理挑戰，並在未來投身相關領域時具備跨域整合能力。

The International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted AmCham Taiwan President Carl Wegner for a guest lecture on November 7, 2025 (Friday) at the College of Social Sciences. His talk, titled “The Role of Consortiums in Blockchain: Effective for Solving Collaborative Problems but Misaligned with Venture Capital Investment Models,” explored the evolving role of blockchain consortiums in addressing real-world business challenges. With extensive professional experience in finance, fintech, and international business, President Wegner offered valuable insights into the intersection of technology, collaboration, and investment strategy. The session was moderated by Adjunct Assistant Professor Colin Cheng of IMES and drew strong attendance from faculty and students across NCCU who are passionate about blockchain and fintech innovation. In his lecture, Wegner emphasized the crucial role of blockchain technology in inter-organizational collaboration, data sharing, and industry standardization. He discussed how different business models align—or fail to align—with venture capital expectations and presented multiple international case studies. Through these examples, students gained a concrete understanding of the challenges businesses face in balancing regulatory compliance, trade secrets, and innovation speed as blockchain technologies move from concept to large-scale implementation. The talk provided IMES students with a rare opportunity to connect classroom theory with real-world industry applications and global capital market dynamics. As Wegner highlighted, fintech and the digital economy are at the heart of today’s global development trends. They play a key role not only in promoting sustainable economic growth but also in driving social innovation. Reflecting this spirit, IMES—the world’s only English-taught master’s program combining applied economics and social development—actively integrates fintech and digital economy themes into its interdisciplinary curriculum, emphasizing both data analytics and social impact. Among these courses, the English-taught “Blockchain and Digital Assets” class has become one of the most popular at NCCU, attracting both IMES students and international exchange participants. The course covers the technical foundations, business models, and regulatory frameworks of digital assets, guiding students through concepts such as stablecoins, tokenized assets, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Through collaboration with ACAMS, the course also supports students in obtaining professional certifications such as the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), strengthening the connection between academic learning and professional advancement. IMES believes that modern higher education should cultivate professionals who can balance economic efficiency with social value creation. The program’s acronym itself encapsulates this mission—“IMPACT on ECONOMIC and SOCIAL VALUES”—signifying its commitment to generating real-world impact on both economic and social fronts. In recent years, IMES has seen a growing number of international students, particularly from Europe and the United States, reflecting its rising global visibility. At the same time, IMES welcomes more outstanding Taiwanese students to recognize its unique advantages over traditional programs, such as international mobility, cross-disciplinary learning, and innovative course design. Applications for the 2026 Fall intake are now open. Students interested in data analytics, social innovation, fintech, and sustainable development are encouraged to apply and join an international learning environment that bridges theory and practice to cultivate globally minded professionals. For more information on admissions and upcoming events, please visit the official IMES website and social media pages.

國立政治大學社會科學院應用經濟與社會發展英語碩士學位學程（IMES）於 2025 年 11 月 7 日（星期五）邀請台灣美國商會（AmCham Taiwan）執行長 Carl Wegner 蒞臨社科院演講，講題為：The Role of Consortiums in Blockchain: Effective for Solving Collaborative Problems but Misaligned with Venture Capital Investment Models (區塊鏈中的聯盟角色：能有效解決合作性問題，但與創投投資模式不相契合)。Wegner 執行長在金融、金融科技及國際商務領域擁有深厚的實務經驗，IMES 很榮幸邀請他與學生分享當前金融科技的前沿議題。本次活動由 IMES 兼任助理教授鄭旭高老師主持，吸引眾多對區塊鏈與金融科技感興趣的師生踴躍參與。 Wegner 執行長首先介紹區塊鏈技術在跨機構協作、資料共享與產業標準化中的關鍵角色，並深入探討各類商業模式如何在實務上與創投投資邏輯結合。他透過多個國際案例，說明企業如何在監管要求、商業機密與創新速度之間取得平衡，讓學生更具體理解區塊鏈技術從概念走向產業應用所面臨的現實挑戰。本次演講讓學生得以跳脫課堂，直接接觸產業實務，並了解全球資本市場與經貿體系中區塊鏈的新角色。 金融科技與數位經濟是當前全球發展的核心趨勢，不僅在經濟永續發展中扮演關鍵角色，也為社會創新帶來新的可能。身為全球唯一結合「應用經濟」與「社會發展」的全英語碩士學程，IMES 除強調數據分析能力外，也積極開設與金融科技及數位經濟相關的課程。 其中，全英語授課的「區塊鏈與數位資產（Blockchain and Digital Assets）」課程深受本校學生與國際交換生喜愛。課程從技術原理、商業模式與監理發展三個面向出發，帶領學生理解穩定幣、代幣化資產與去中心化金融（DeFi）等新興數位資產如何重塑傳統金融與資本市場。課程並與 ACAMS 合作，輔導學生取得國際公認反洗錢師（CAMS）等專業證照，強化學術與職場的接軌。 當今企業不僅追求經濟效益，更需創造社會價值。IMES 認為，大學教育不應只強調單一面向的價值，而應培育能在兩者之間取得平衡的專業人才。IMES 四個字母正象徵其核心理念：「IMPACT on ECONOMIC and SOCIAL VALUES」，即在經濟與社會兩個層面產生實質影響力。近年來，IMES 吸引愈來愈多外國學生就讀，其中歐美學生比例顯著上升，顯示學程的國際能見度與吸引力日益提升。學程同時期盼更多優秀臺灣學生能看見其相較於傳統研究所的獨特優勢——包括國際移動力、跨領域學習與創新課程設計 等特色。目前正值招生期間，IMES 誠摯歡迎對數據分析、社會創新、金融科技與永續發展等議題有興趣的學生申請就讀，在高度國際化與跨領域的學習環境中，培養兼具理論基礎與實務應用能力的全球化人才。更多招生與活動資訊，請參閱 IMES 官方網站與社群平臺。

(October 29, 2025) — On a pleasant autumn evening, Ms. Lora Ho, ESG Committee Chairperson and former Senior Vice President of Human Resources at TSMC, returned to her alma mater, National Chengchi University (NCCU), to share her insights in a talk titled “My Journey of Growth: Balancing Work, Life, and Purpose.” The event, jointly organized by the IMBA and IMES programs, was initiated by Professor S.H. Lee, marking his final semester of teaching after 22 years of dedicated service to the IMBA program.  Wearing an elegant Tang-style outfit and a gentle smile, Lora began with warmth and humor: “When I was a student, I joined every club and every competition—even failed accounting once—but I never regretted those years. College is a time to explore who you are.” Rather than speaking as a “corporate controller”, she spoke as a senior alumna and friend. Her message was simple yet profound: “Explore yourself. Find what you love. That’s the most valuable investment in life.” Reflecting on her 26-year journey at TSMC—from Chief Financial Officer to Head of Human Resources—Lora shared lessons on transformation, courage, and leadership. “I spent twenty years managing numbers, and later learned to manage people,” she said. She emphasized that human resources should not be seen as administrative work but as the soul of an organization: “Talent is the most important asset. HR’s mission is to help people grow and help the company find direction.” She also spoke candidly about leadership and fear: “At first, I was even afraid of Dr. Morris Chang,” she laughed, “but later I realized that respect isn’t fear—it’s a reminder to keep improving.” On women’s leadership, Lora encouraged female students to overcome self-doubt: “Sometimes the glass ceiling isn’t above us—it’s within us. Break through it, and the world becomes bigger.” At the age of 45, Lora began to ask herself, “What legacy can I leave for the world?” From that point on, she focused on environmental protection and education, establishing scholarships, supporting students, and assisting underprivileged communities. During the 2009 global financial crisis, she met an environmental activist known as the “Old Tree Mother,” who had nearly gone bankrupt protecting a century-old tree. Lora not only helped her overcome the crisis but also established a foundation to continue her environmental work. “Those old trees reminded me that growth should be slow but deep,” she reflected. Perhaps her most moving project is the reconstruction of a disused Catholic church in her hometown, the “Chapel of Angels,” which she undertook with her husband over a ten-year period. Today, the church serves not only as a place of worship but also hosts charity concerts, youth programs, and local community activities.  Throughout her talk, she returned again and again to the theme of balance: discipline with gentleness, humility and self-confidence. Her daily ritual of photographing each sunrise, she said, is “a reminder that every day begins with hope.” As the evening drew to a close, she left the audience with three phrases that defined her leadership philosophy: “Why not? So what? Let’s go.” And, quoting Tagore, she added softly: “Live yourself as a light, because you don’t know, who by thy light, out of darkness.” The talk concluded with an intimate fireside dialogue between Lora and Professor Lee, where both reflected on honesty, respect, and the courage to speak truth to power. For many students, it was more than a lecture—it was a quiet illumination on how to live with purpose, integrity, and compassion.

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Professor Alicia Say led her international students from the Cross-Border Digital Trade (CBDT) course on an academic field trip to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The visit offered students a rare, firsthand look into how digitalization is reshaping global trade, diplomacy, and international cooperation. The CBDT course, one of the IMES program’s most dynamic English-taught classes, bridges classroom learning with real-world applications of digital trade and policy. This semester’s field trip brought together students from 21 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia, reflecting the program’s global perspective and diversity. During the visit, students engaged directly with Taiwanese diplomats and ambassadors, gaining valuable insights into Taiwan’s economic and political strategies, as well as its initiatives in cross-border digital trade and digital diplomacy. Several MOFA officers who are also proud NCCU alumni joined the session. In addition to presenting MOFA’s core missions and initiatives, they shared their career journeys and professional insights, offering valuable guidance to students interested in pursuing careers in diplomacy and international affairs. The visit was thoughtfully organized and ran seamlessly, with MOFA extending a warm and gracious welcome to the NCCU delegation. During the Q&A session, students actively engaged with the speakers, posing thoughtful and critical questions about Taiwan’s global engagement and the development of its digital economy. During the main session, MOFA representatives introduced Taiwan’s Integrated Diplomacy and International Cooperation Framework, a strategic approach emphasizing collaboration across government ministries, private sectors, and international partners. This framework, as explained by the representative, ensures that Taiwan’s diplomacy and cooperation remains adaptive to global challenges. “Integration is the key component of Taiwan’s diplomacy today,” the MOFA representative stated. “It’s not just inter-governmental coordination, but also the integration of public resources and private participation to make our development projects more sustainable and impactful.” The presentation also introduced Taiwan’s Economic Diplomacy Task Force, which coordinates cross-ministerial efforts to align diplomatic and commercial objectives. This initiative connects directly with the goals of the CBDT course, as it demonstrates how trade, technology, and policy converge in shaping Taiwan’s international engagement. Students were particularly intrigued when the discussion turned to digital cooperation and smart technology programs, such as Taiwan’s “Eight Flagship Projects” in areas like Smart Healthcare, Green Energy, and AI innovation. The Q&A session allowed students to engage directly with the diplomats on a wide range of issues from development cooperation and AI governance to the semiconductor industry and Taiwan’s role in global trade. In response to a question about the semiconductor industry and TSMC’s overseas investments, the representative explained how Taiwan balances free-market dynamics with national strategy. Students also raised thought-provoking questions on AI ethics, geopolitical challenges, and Taiwan’s diplomatic balancing between major global powers. The dialogue reflected both the students’ analytical thinking and MOFA’s openness to engage with diverse global perspectives. For many students, the visit served as an eye-opening experience that connected classroom theories with real-world diplomacy. One of the participants, Zoe, a master’s student in the International Master’s Program in Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES), from Ohio, United States, shared her thoughts: “It was a great experience to visit MOFA as part of the Cross-Border Digital Trade class,” she said. “Despite Taiwan’s unique position in the international community, it is no secret that it plays a critical role in global trade. I feel grateful that MOFA took the time to share with us their initiatives in trade facilitation and expanding Taiwan’s role in the international trade community.” Her reflection echoed the sentiments of many international students who found the visit both educational and inspiring, offering them a clearer view of Taiwan’s leadership in trade and technology diplomacy. Pre-Visit Lecture with Ambassador Simon S. K. T. Professor Alicia designed the Cross-Border and Digital Trade (CBDT) course to be highly engaging, featuring a variety of interactive activities for international students. The course aims to broaden students’ global perspectives and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to compete on the international stage after graduation. As part of this experiential learning, Professor Alicia invited Ambassador Simon S.K. TU., an NCCU alumnus, as a guest speaker on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, to deliver a special lecture introducing MOFA Taiwan and the Practice of Cross-Border Digital Trade. His session covered key topics on the Practice of International Trade and was highly interactive, including group discussions and student presentations that encouraged participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practical issues. This pre-visit engagement provided students with valuable background and a clearer understanding of Taiwan’s approach to internationalization cooperation and trade diplomacy, enriching their learning experience ahead of the visit to MOFA.

The International Master's Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) proudly welcomed 28 new students for the 2025–2026 academic year. This cohort includes 7 Taiwanese students and 21 international students from 12 countries across four continents, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and diversity. Among the international students, six come from Europe and North America—including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, and Spain. Vietnam stands out as the largest source country from Asia, with three Vietnamese students receiving internship scholarships sponsored by Cathay United Bank. Taiwanese students were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 40 qualified applicants. All admitted students demonstrated exceptional academic and professional promise. As an interdisciplinary program, IMES draws students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. This year’s class includes graduates from leading Taiwanese universities and top international institutions such as the University of California system (USA), McGill University and Université de Montréal (Canada), Durham University (UK), University of Zurich (Switzerland), University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), University of Granada (Spain), and Vietnam National University. To help the new cohort acclimate to life at NCCU and feel part of the IMES family, a welcome gathering was held on September 1st at the Ruins Coffee shop in Dah Hsian Library. Over coffee and conversation, students connected with peers and faculty in a relaxed setting, taking in the beautiful campus environment and building anticipation for the academic journey ahead. Another highlight of the orientation was a team-building activity held on September 13th in Magang Fishing Village, located near Santiago Cape—the easternmost point of Taiwan. Led by the program director, the event began with a mindfulness and breathing session facilitated by Professor Alicia Say, a certified yoga instructor and full-time IMES faculty member. Students were guided through techniques to enhance focus and relaxation—tools to manage academic and personal stress. The session was followed by interactive team-building games led by the student council and Professor Say. These activities encouraged collaboration and helped students build stronger interpersonal bonds. Several international students from Europe and North America expressed that they had not anticipated such meaningful team-building experiences within an academic program. Many shared that the activities left a deep impression and strengthened their sense of belonging. Following the event, students visited the Santiago Cape Lighthouse and the sand sculpture exhibition at Fulong Beach, enjoying a sun-filled and memorable weekend. Now in its tenth year, the IMES program continues to evolve and refine its position in response to the growing demand for interdisciplinary talent. With a strong foundation in applied economics and a focus on data analytics, the program also addresses pressing social innovation issues—ranging from the sharing economy and digital transformation to sustainability, fintech, and semiconductors. The increasing number of applicants from both Taiwan and abroad demonstrates IMES’s rising visibility and appeal. A major milestone this year is the launch of a dual-degree program with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Three IMES students have already begun their studies at UIC’s College of Business, becoming the first cohort to benefit from this new partnership. More students are expected to take part in this initiative in the coming years, further expanding their global learning opportunities.

政大應用經濟與社會發展英語碩士學位學程（IMES）於114學年度迎來28位新生，包含7位臺灣學生及21位來自世界各地的國際學生。本屆國際學生分別來自四大洲、12個國家，其中六位來自歐美地區，包括美國、英國、瑞士、法國與西班牙。亞洲國家以越南學生人數最多，且有三位越南籍新生榮獲國泰世華銀行實習獎學金。 臺灣學生則是從超過40位優秀申請者中脫穎而出，競爭激烈，每位錄取的臺生皆具備卓越表現。本學程為跨領域設計，因此新生的學術背景十分多元，不僅來自國內知名大學，也包含多所世界頂尖大學，如美國加州大學系統、加拿大的麥基爾大學（McGill University）與蒙特婁大學（Université de Montréal）、英國杜倫大學（Durham University）、瑞士蘇黎世大學、荷蘭阿姆斯特丹大學、西班牙格瑞那達大學，以及越南國立大學等。 為了協助新生快速融入政大校園生活與IMES這個大家庭，學程於9月1日開學日當天上午，在達賢圖書館的廢墟咖啡館（Ruins Coffee）舉辦相見歡活動。新生一邊享用咖啡，一邊與同學及學程老師輕鬆交流，不僅感受到政大優美舒適的學習環境，也對即將展開的學習旅程充滿期待。 另一個重要的新生活動是團隊建立（team-building），於9月13日由學程主任親自帶領，前往臺灣最東端的三貂角（Santiago Cape）附近的馬崗漁村進行。活動首先由持有瑜珈教練證照的專任教授史蘭亭老師，指導學生透過呼吸練習學習專注與放鬆，幫助他們在未來面對課業與生活壓力時找到紓解方式。接著，由學生會幹部協助史老師帶領一系列團隊合作競賽，讓同學們在互動中更加了解彼此，也深刻體會團隊合作的重要性。 活動結束後，多位歐美籍學生私下表示，原本未曾預期學程會安排如此具有深度與意義的活動，感到驚喜且受益匪淺，也因此更加認同與投入IMES這個大家庭。團隊活動結束後，同學們在陽光普照下參觀三貂角燈塔，並造訪福隆海水浴場的沙雕展，度過了一個充滿熱情與回憶的週末時光。 邁入第十年的IMES學程，透過不斷蛻變與精進，逐步確立其重要定位。現今職場高度重視跨領域人才，而本學程正好符合此趨勢。學程在應用經濟領域強調數據分析能力的培養，社會發展領域則聚焦於多元社會創新議題，包括共享經濟、數位轉型、永續發展、金融科技與半導體產業等，緊扣當代趨勢。因此，IMES畢業生廣受各行各業歡迎。 今年國內外申請人數倍增，也顯示IMES學程的能見度與吸引力日益提升。值得一提的是，本學年度有三位學生赴美國伊利諾大學芝加哥分校（University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC）商學院攻讀雙聯學位，成為雙方簽署合作後的首批派遣學生，期望未來有更多同學透過此計畫赴美深造，拓展國際視野。

Taipei City, May 28, 2025 — The Innovation Management and Digital Transformation class at IMES (International Master’s Program of Applied Economic and Social Development) embarked on an insightful field visit to the Taipei Social Innovation Lab on May 28, 2025. Led by Professor Alicia Say, the visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of Taiwan’s dynamic social innovation ecosystem and its growing connection to sustainable development and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) transformation. Established by the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Taipei Social Innovation Lab serves as a collaborative platform to foster innovative social enterprise models and community-driven solutions. The visit began with a guided tour by the Lab’s onsite team, offering students a firsthand look at creative spaces and displays featuring products from local social enterprises. Highlights included a collection of handmade, recycled goods—such as bags, socks, and household items—demonstrating the potential of transforming waste materials into valuable, marketable products. The space embodied the Lab’s commitment to circular economy principles and inclusive, community-led innovation. A key moment of the visit was a presentation by Dr. Niven Huang, Managing Director of KPMG Consulting Co., Taiwan. Dr. Huang emphasized the three essential pillars of social innovation: science, technology, and cross-sector partnerships. He shared how KPMG collaborates with businesses and government agencies to embed sustainability into their core operations, introducing tools like the Impact Navigator and Diagnose Toolkit that help organizations align strategies with global sustainability goals. Dr. Huang underscored that sustainability is no longer a peripheral initiative but a strategic imperative, and highlighted Taiwan’s proactive role in ESG policy development. His presentation provided students with valuable perspectives on how social enterprises are redefining the intersection of profit and purpose. To conclude the visit, students engaged in meaningful discussions, reflecting on pressing social and environmental challenges in Taiwan—from pedestrian safety and the aging population to plastic pollution—and explored how innovative solutions might address these issues. This immersive experience served as a live case study for the course, bridging academic theory with real-world practice and inspiring the next generation of changemakers committed to social impact.

2025年5月28日，國立政治大學IMES創新管理與數位轉型課程，前往臺北社會創新實驗中心進行參訪。此次參訪由Professor Alicia Say帶領，旨在深化學生對臺灣多元社會創新生態系的認識，並了解其與永續發展及ESG（環境、社會與公司治理）轉型之間日益緊密的連結。 臺北社會創新實驗中心由臺灣經濟部中小企業處設立，致力於打造一個跨領域合作平臺，促進創新型社會企業與在地社區連接之解決方案。 參訪行程由實驗中心團隊帶領導覽，讓學生實地參觀創意空間與展區，展示來自臺灣社會企業的產品。其中包括一系列以回收材料手工製作的商品，如背包、襪子與家居用品，展現如何將廢棄物轉化為具市場價值的創意產品，體現實驗中心對循環經濟與社區共創創新的承諾。 參訪的重點之一，是由KPMG安侯顧問公司Managing Director Dr. Niven Huang所進行的專題演講。黃博士強調社會創新的三大核心支柱：科學、科技與跨界合作，並分享KPMG與企業及政府機關如何攜手合作，將永續理念融入核心營運，介紹如「Impact Navigator」與「Diagnose Toolkit診斷工具包」等實務工具，協助組織與全球永續發展目標同步。 黃博士指出，永續發展已不再是企業邊緣議題，而是攸關競爭力的核心策略，同時強調臺灣在推動ESG政策上的積極作為。他的分享讓學生更深入了解社會企業如何重新定義「利潤與使命並行」的可能性。 在行程最後，學生們進行交流與討論，針對臺灣當前面臨的社會與環境挑戰，包括行人安全、高齡化社會及塑膠污染等議題，提出創新解決方案的構想與反思。這次沉浸式的參訪經驗，成為課程中的一個現場案例，結合理論與實務，激發下一世代成為社會影響力實踐的創新行動者。

Professor Heiko Rachinger, a German scholar from the University of the Balearic Islands—National Chengchi University’s Spanish sister university—visited the International Master's Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at the College of Social Sciences starting April 21 for a week-long teaching and academic exchange, supported by the EU’s Erasmus Faculty Exchange Program. The Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea, are a renowned tourist destination in Spain that attracts many visitors from the EU and the United States. The University of the Balearic Islands is situated in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, and is known across Europe for its excellence in tourism-related teaching and research. Professor Rachinger, who teaches in the Department of Applied Economics and specializes in statistical analysis, delivered a three-hour lecture on Tourism Macroeconomics to IMES and ETP students on the morning of April 21. He introduced the tourism resources of the Balearic Islands and used data to explain the tourism industry’s impact on the local macroeconomy. He also introduced commonly used data analysis methods in tourism research. Students commented that Professor Rachinger was highly knowledgeable and dedicated in his teaching, and they gained a lot from the session. In his second lecture, Professor Rachinger shared his recent research paper titled Spurious Precision in Meta-Analysis of Observational Research with graduate students from the Department of Economics and IMES. As big data analysis becomes increasingly popular, this topic proved especially relevant and useful for NCCU students interested in data-intensive research. During his visit, Professor Rachinger also engaged in academic discussions with several NCCU faculty members. The IMES program director arranged a meeting with Professors Chuang Yi-Chi and Huang Po-Chun from the Department of Economics, Professor Fu Chien-Hao from the Department of Public Finance, and Professor Su Yu-Hsuan from the Graduate Institute of Development Studies. In addition to scholarly exchange, NCCU faculty expressed strong interest in visiting the University of the Balearic Islands for further collaboration. In recent years, the IMES program has actively promoted internationalization. Initiatives include a dual-degree program with the University of Illinois-Chicago, the annual International Symposium on Applied Economics for young scholars in the Asia-Pacific region, and the hosting of EU scholars through the Erasmus Exchange Program. These efforts aim to broaden students' global academic exposure. This year’s fall admissions include students from the UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy, reflecting the growing diversity in student backgrounds and nationalities. Current NCCU students interested in joining IMES can apply through the 4+1 program, departmental transfer, or by pursuing a double major or minor.

國立政治大學西班牙姊妹校──巴利阿里群島大學（University of the Balearic Islands）應用經濟學系的德籍教授 Heiko Rachinger，於 4 月 21 日起透過歐盟 Erasmus 教師交換計畫，赴政大社會科學院應用經濟與社會發展英語碩士學位學程（IMES）進行為期一週的教學與學術交流。   巴利阿里群島位於地中海，是西班牙著名的觀光勝地，吸引眾多歐盟及美國遊客造訪。該校位於馬略卡島首府帕爾馬（Palma），並以觀光研究與教學聞名於歐洲。Rachinger 教授專長於統計分析，目前任教於應用經濟學系。他於 4 月 21 日上午，為 IMES 與 ETP 學生講授三小時的「觀光總體經濟學（Tourism Macroeconomics）」，課程內容包括介紹巴利阿里群島的觀光資源，並透過數據分析說明觀光產業對當地總體經濟的影響，亦介紹觀光研究中常用的統計分析方法。課後學生普遍反映 Rachinger 教授學養深厚、教學認真，獲益良多。   Rachinger 教授的第二場演講則是向經濟系與 IMES 學生分享其近期研究成果，主題為〈Spurious Precision in Meta-Analysis of Observational Research〉。隨著大數據分析日益重要，該主題對於有志從事相關研究的政大研究生而言極具參考價值。此次訪問期間，Rachinger 教授亦與政大多位教師進行學術交流，IMES 學程主任特別邀請經濟系莊奕琦與黃柏鈞教授、財政系傅健豪教授，以及國發所蘇昱璇教授與其進行座談。除學術討論外，政大教師們亦表達未來前往巴利阿里群島大學進行實地交流與合作的高度興趣。   近年來，IMES 學程持續推動國際化，除了與美國伊利諾大學芝加哥分校合作雙聯學位、每年舉辦亞太地區年輕學者參與的國際應用經濟論壇外，亦透過 Erasmus 交換計畫積極邀請歐洲學者來訪，希望讓學生有更多機會接觸多元的國際觀點。2025 年秋季班歐洲申請者來自英國、德國、法國、瑞士、西班牙與義大利等國，顯示 IMES 學生組成日益多元。政大在學學生若有興趣加入 IMES 學程，可透過「4+1」計畫、轉系、雙主修或輔系等途徑申請。

國立政治大學應用經濟與社會發展英語碩士學位學程（IMES）於2025年4月9日成功舉辦【2025永續創新講座】，邀請三位來自臺灣尤努斯基金會、PackAge+ 以及 Escura 的產業領袖蒞臨分享。此次講座為「創新管理與數位轉型」課程的一部分，期望透過產學對話，引導學生深入了解永續與創新的實踐交集，為未來社會帶來積極改變的可能。 活動由政大史蘭亭助理教授（Prof. Alicia Say）主持，首先登場的是臺灣尤努斯基金會經理丘建賢(William Chiu)。他介紹了基金會的使命與倡議，鼓勵同學踴躍申請現已開放給國際學生的「尤努斯社會企業創新獎」。他也特別分享了「3ZERO 行動者倡議」（3ZERO Doer Initiative），該線上眾籌平台鼓勵青年集結力量，解決當前迫切的社會問題，實踐尤努斯教授所提倡的「三零願景」：零碳排、零貧窮、零失業。 第二場演講由 PackAge+ 共同創辦人暨策略長周博恩（Chris Chou）主講。他以自身創業歷程為引，介紹該公司如何透過「包裝即服務（PaaS – Package as a Service）」模式，打造循環經濟下的新包裝體驗。PackAge+ 的包裝可重複使用逾50次，有效減少50%碳排放並節省成本。目前已有超過150個品牌客戶合作，包括臺積電與蝦皮等知名企業。PackAge+ 亦建構起涵蓋便利商店與咖啡廳的回收網絡，服務涵蓋 B2B 與 B2B2C 領域，並正積極拓展至國外市場。其整合物流、清洗與數據追蹤系統，讓品牌能清楚掌握循環包裝對環境的正面影響，為 ESG 報告與永續行銷提供實證價值。 壓軸登場的是 Escura 品牌長黃孟倪（Wayne Huang），他以互動式問卷揭開序幕，引導大家思考塑膠汙染與快時尚所帶來的環境危機。ESCURA 運用榮獲獎項肯定的 Lyocell 再生纖維與德國專利技術，研發出創新的 33°C 溫控機能內著。該產品不僅具備智慧溫度調節功能，亦可完全生物分解，並榮獲 2024 年日本優良設計獎 (Good Design Award)。儘管價格較高，Escura 致力於打造兼具質感與環保的精品選擇，並透過聯名企劃、教育推廣、募資活動等方式與社會大眾互動。黃孟倪也指出，臺灣雖擁有60%森林覆蓋率，但木材自給率僅1%，呼籲各界共同正視森林自給的重要性，加速臺灣邁向永續創新之路。 本次講座充分展現永續創新的核心價值：以創新為手段，以社會及環境福祉為目標，並以行動實踐正向改變。活動尾聲，史蘭亭助理教授頒發感謝狀予三位講者，並與同學合影留念，為充實且高啟發性的講座畫下圓滿句點。 展望未來，IMES學程將持續搭建產學對話平臺，鼓勵學生關注社會議題、投入創新實踐，培育具有國際視野與永續思維的行動者。

Taipei City, April 9, 2025 –IMES (International Master’s Program of  Applied Economy and Social Development) of National Chengchi University (NCCU) successfully hosted the Seminar on Sustainable Innovation on April 9, 2025, featuring distinguished speakers from the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, PackAge+, and Escura. This seminar aimed to provide students with valuable insights into how innovation and sustainability can work hand-in-hand to shape a better future, in alignment with the design of the course Innovation Management and Digital Transformation. Hosted by Professor Alicia Say, the event opened with a presentation by William Chiu, the Manager of the Yunus Social Business Taiwan Foundation. He introduced the foundation’s mission, highlighted its ongoing efforts to foster social entrepreneurship, and encouraged students to apply for the Taiwan Yunus Social Business Innovation Award, which is now open to international students. The foundation also introduced the 2nd 3ZERO Doer Initiative, an online crowdfunding platform that unites passionate youth to tackle pressing social issues. The initiative embodies Professor Muhammad Yunus’s Three Zero Vision: Zero Net Carbon Emissions, Zero Poverty, and Zero Unemployment. The second session featured Chris Chou, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of PackAge+, who shared his personal journey and the vision behind establishing a circular packaging company. PackAge+ is on a mission to reduce environmental damage caused by single-use packaging. Their innovative 'Package as a Service (PaaS)' model enables over 50 reuse cycles per package, resulting in a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions and significant cost savings. With over 150 clients, including major brands like TSMC and Shopee, PackAge+ has developed a network of return points across Taiwan, including convenience stores and cafes. Serving both B2B and B2B2C sectors, the company is now expanding into the East Asian market. The system also incorporates logistics, cleaning, and data tracking, allowing brands to measure their environmental impact, which is valuable for ESG reporting and sustainability marketing. Closing the seminar was a presentation by Wayne Huang, Chief Brand Officer of Escura, who began with a quiz to engage the audience and highlight the environmental issues associated with plastics and fast fashion. Escura specializes in sustainable textiles, particularly Lyocell, a regenerated fiber sourced from FSC-certified forests and manufactured using eco-friendly processes. ESCURA developed the innovative 33°C Thermal Regulating Base Layer using award-winning Lyocell fibers and patented German technology. Fully biodegradable and smart in temperature regulation, it earned the 2024 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. Made from FSC-certified sustainable fibers and infused with Smartcel zinc oxide, it also provides deodorizing, antibacterial, soothing, and UV-protective benefits. Despite its higher price point, Escura aims to position itself as a premium, sustainable alternative to fast fashion by emphasizing comfort, durability, and ecological value. Escura’s success includes co-branding collaborations, educational programs, and over NT$10 million raised through crowdfunding. By integrating technology from Austria, Germany, and Taiwan, Escura produces innovative, functional textiles that have gained attention in economic media reports. The presentation concluded with a call for greater self-sufficiency in Taiwan’s forestry sector, which currently has a 60% forest coverage but only 1% timber self-sufficiency. This urgent issue further underscores Taiwan’s need to embrace sustainable innovation. Sustainable innovation emphasizes the positive social impact, putting together the care for environment and social welfare in business establishment. As a token of gratitude, Professor Alicia Say presented certificates of appreciation to all three speakers, followed by a group photo session with students, marking a meaningful end to a day full of learning, inspiration, and innovative spirit.

The International Master's Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at the College of Social Sciences, National Chengchi University (NCCU), has been approved by the Academic Affairs Meeting to offer double major and minor options for NCCU graduate students starting from the first semester of the 114th academic year (Fall 2025). IMES will become one of the first regular master’s programs at NCCU to introduce such opportunities, setting a new precedent for interdisciplinary learning at the graduate level. IMES is a fully English-taught, interdisciplinary master’s program, and it is the only graduate program in the world that integrates applied economics and social development. Students in the program develop data analysis skills while engaging in topics related to social innovation, including sustainability, the sharing economy, digital innovation, fintech, artificial intelligence, and the semiconductor industry. With its interdisciplinary nature, IMES provides an ideal platform for graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds to pursue a double major or minor and broaden their academic horizons. Additionally, with two-thirds of its students coming from abroad, IMES fosters a highly international learning environment, making it an excellent choice for NCCU graduate students looking to enhance their global mobility and cross-cultural communication skills. To further strengthen its international connections and diverse learning opportunities, IMES signed a dual-degree agreement earlier this year with the College of Business at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). Through this collaboration, students may choose to study at UIC during their second year or after graduation to pursue a master’s degree in Finance, Business Analytics, or Management Information Systems. Moreover, IMES students will benefit from domestic tuition rates at UIC, significantly reducing the financial burden compared to regular international student tuition. In the future, IMES double major students will also be eligible for this pathway to earn an additional master's degree at UIC. By continually expanding international partnerships and fostering an interdisciplinary academic environment, IMES is committed to providing students with a comprehensive and globally competitive learning experience. The application information for double major and minor is expected to be announced on the IMES website in early April. Graduate students interested in international education and interdisciplinary studies are encouraged to apply.

本校社會科學學院應用經濟與社會發展英語碩士學位學程（IMES）正式通過教務會議審核，將於114 學年度第一學期開放本校碩士班與博士班學生雙主修或輔系。IMES 成為政大首批少數提供雙主修與輔系選項的正規碩士班，為校內研究生開啟更多元的學術發展機會。 IMES 為全英語授課之跨領域碩士學程，亦是全球唯一結合應用經濟與社會發展的研究所。課程涵蓋數據分析能力培養及社會創新議題，如永續發展、共享經濟、數位創新、金融科技、人工智慧及半導體產業等。憑藉其跨學科特性，IMES 特別適合各研究所學生透過雙主修或輔系，拓展學習領域。 此外，IMES 學程學生約三分之二來自國外，全英語授課環境可有效提升學生的國際移動力，極具競爭優勢。對於希望增強國際視野、提升跨文化溝通能力的研究生而言，IMES 提供一個理想的學習平臺。 為進一步強化國際連結與多元學習，IMES 於今年初與美國伊利諾大學芝加哥分校（UIC）商學院簽訂雙聯學位合作協議。學生可選擇於第二年或畢業後前往 UIC 攻讀財務、商業分析或資訊管理碩士，並享有與美國本土學生相同的學費優惠，大幅降低國際學生的經濟負擔。未來，IMES 雙主修學生亦可透過此管道，進一步攻讀 UIC 碩士學位，拓展全球發展機會。 IMES 學程持續深化國際合作，並致力於打造跨學科、跨文化的學術環境。雙主修與輔系申請資訊預計於四月初公告於IMES網站，歡迎對國際學習與跨領域發展有興趣的學生踴躍申請。

On February 21, the International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at the College of Social Sciences hosted the International Symposium on Applied Economics. The event invited eight scholars from five countries and seven universities and research institutions to present their research findings in the field of applied economics. As the only applied economics institute in Taiwan—and one of the few in Asia offering courses entirely in English—the IMES program aims to build a platform for young applied economics scholars from the Asia-Pacific region to exchange ideas. This year marks the second edition of the symposium. The morning session focused on labor economics research and was moderated by Professor Tzu-Ting Yang, who is jointly appointed by Academia Sinica and IMES. Professor Saisawat Samutpradit, originally from Thailand and currently teaching at Osaka University in Japan, discussed how elderly Thais adjust economically after the loss of a spouse. Professor Jisoo Hwang of Seoul National University in Korea analyzed the impact on Korean women’s earnings after becoming mothers, using Korea—one of the countries with the world’s lowest birth rates—as an example. Professor Po-Chun Huang from NCCU’s Department of Economics examined the sources of wage inequality both between companies and within firms in Taiwan. Professor Chihiro Inoue from Kobe University in Japan explored how the proportion of girls in Japanese elementary school classrooms affects the academic performance of both female and male students. The afternoon session focused on several important areas of applied economics, including trade, industry, healthcare, public finance, and agriculture. It was moderated by Professor Jack Wu, from the Department of Public Finance and the director of the IMES program. Professor Joonkyo Hong, a Korean national from the Department of Economics at National Taiwan University, used the ECFA signed between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait as an example to analyze whether trade liberalization has enabled industries or companies exporting to mainland China to gain greater monopsony power in the labor market. Researcher Han-Loong NG from Academia Sinica’s Institute of Economics, originally from Malaysia, used the U.S. Medicare system as a case study to explore the strategic choices of kidney transplant centers following the implementation of a performance evaluation mechanism for kidney transplant surgeries. Dr. Yi-Chun Ko, an alumnus of NCCU’s Department of Public Finance now working at the Asian Growth Research Institute in Japan, examined whether the impact of climate change on crop yields is influenced by the age of rice farmers, using aging farmers as an example. Professor Chien-Hao Fu from the Department of Public Finance at National Chengchi University analyzed the political and economic factors involved when Taiwanese local governments decide on the average property tax rate and property valuation mechanisms. The young applied economics scholars from various countries found the symposium highly rewarding, actively offering comments and suggestions on their peers’ presentations. With the event open to NCCU faculty and students, several campus members attended as well. The IMES program, the only interdisciplinary graduate program in the world combining applied economics with social development, plans to continue hosting such small yet refined forums annually, inviting more young scholars from the Asia-Pacific region to NCCU for academic exchange.