Sustainable Development Goals

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Published: July 17, 2026, 4:52 PM

(CNA News Service, July 17, 2026, 4:54 PM)

The Hsinchu City Government held a signing ceremony today (July 17) at the International Conference Hall of the Hsinchu Performing Arts Center to formalize the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Arts, Culture, and Municipal Development Cooperation with National Tsing Hua University (NTHU). The agreement was signed by Hsinchu City Mayor Ann Kao and NTHU President W. John Kao, with Hsinchu City Council Speaker Hsu Hsiu-jui serving as witness.

The MOU officially establishes a strategic partnership between the city government and the university. Through resource sharing and reciprocal collaboration, both parties will work to advance urban arts and cultural development, strengthen the practical application of academic research, and enhance municipal governance. Areas of cooperation will include arts performances, local historical and cultural research, and urban development, with the shared goal of creating a thriving community that benefits citizens, the city government, and the university alike.

Mayor Ann Kao stated that Hsinchu possesses a rich historical and cultural heritage, outstanding educational resources, and a vibrant technology sector. National Tsing Hua University has long been deeply rooted in Hsinchu, making significant contributions to academic research, talent cultivation, and cultural promotion. Through this MOU, the city hopes to integrate the strengths of both institutions, elevate the city's cultural landscape, improve public services, and provide residents with more diverse cultural opportunities and higher-quality civic services.

According to the agreement, the two parties will jointly organize, co-host, or introduce professional music and performing arts programs from Taiwan and abroad to enhance the quality of local performances. The Hsinchu City Government will also provide assistance and support for NTHU's planned Junshan Concert Hall, helping maximize the venue's utilization and public service functions.

The partnership also includes collaboration among cultural institutions. Municipal museums, performing arts venues, and libraries will establish cooperative alliances with NTHU's concert hall, art museum, museum of cultural artifacts, and library. Together, they will promote joint exhibitions, coordinated arts festivals, and other collaborative initiatives to facilitate the exchange and sharing of cultural resources.

NTHU President W. John Kao remarked that the university is committed to working with the Hsinchu City Government to foster a more culturally vibrant environment and improve residents' quality of life, thereby enhancing Hsinchu's appeal to both domestic and international talent. He emphasized that a city distinguished by both cultural vitality and effective governance enables people to develop a stronger sense of belonging. Beyond jointly promoting arts performances and sharing cultural facilities, the partnership will combine the city's practical governance experience with NTHU's research capabilities, allowing academic achievements to address real-world urban challenges and contributing to the shared development of talent, culture, and knowledge in Hsinchu.

Hsinchu City Council Speaker Hsu Hsiu-jui said he was honored to witness the signing of the MOU on behalf of the City Council. He described the agreement as not only the formal establishment of a partnership but also an important milestone in the city's efforts to promote resource sharing and collaborative urban development through the combined strengths of the city government and NTHU.

He noted that the City Council recognizes citizens' high expectations for cultural development and public infrastructure and welcomes deeper collaboration between the two institutions. Through alliances among cultural institutions, arts performances, academic exchanges, and other cross-disciplinary initiatives, the partnership is expected to further enrich Hsinchu's cultural heritage, strengthen the city's competitiveness, and enhance residents' quality of life. He also expressed hope that the partnership will continue to expand into new areas, helping build a more forward-looking and sustainable city whose benefits are shared by all citizens.

Mayor Kao further explained that, in the area of academic and municipal cooperation, the city will draw upon NTHU's academic expertise to conduct collaborative research on topics including urban governance, cultural policy, and local identity. The two sides will also undertake joint research and publication projects on the history of Tek-chham (Hsinchu), the historical development of the Hsinchu region, the evolution of the city's urban fabric, and significant historical landmarks. Special exhibitions hosted at municipal and university venues will further promote local culture and deepen public understanding of Hsinchu's history.

In addition, the city government will invite NTHU to provide academic consultation and professional recommendations during the planning and development of major public infrastructure projects, ensuring that municipal planning benefits from the university's scholarly expertise.

To ensure the sustained implementation of the partnership, Mayor Kao announced that the two organizations will establish a "City Co-Prosperity Steering Committee." Representatives appointed by both the Hsinchu City Government and NTHU will serve as co-conveners and meet regularly to coordinate future initiatives.

By combining the city's governance resources with NTHU's academic and educational strengths, the partnership aims to advance both cultural development and municipal construction, improve residents' quality of life, and build a city distinguished by rich cultural heritage, strong public values, and sustainable development.



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