To nurture talents in sustainable development, the Department of Environmental and Cultural Resources at National Tsing Hua University has chosen Hsinchu's Old Port Island as the focal point for this year’s freshman orientation.

Originally called Chuchien Port, the Old Port Island was a harbor settlement with a deep historical and cultural heritage. It is the nearest port to Quanzhou and once served as the significant trading midpoint between Taiwan and Fujian during the Qing Dynasty. During the Japanese colonial era, the government even had customs known as the "branch office" the arrange the prospered economic activities. However, due to demographic shifts and societal changes, it was forgotten in the time flow. With the threat of global warming along with the rising sea level, this small island is a compelling case for cultivating interdisciplinary knowledge and creativity in an era of environmental challenges.

During the freshman orientation, students crossed the Headstream Creek, from Old Port Island to Nanliao, on foot, to experience the arduous paths of their forebears. This activity not only allowed them to delve into the culture and history of Old Port Island but also educated them on the importance of sustainable development. Collaborated with the Zhutan Community University and NTHU's Center for Social Responsibility, distinctive community resources were identified to establish the circular economy model for community-based sustainable tourism. University Social Responsibility (USR) course was also introduced to help students develop skills in communication, teamwork, community engagement, and readiness for future challenges.

Under the Sustainable Development Education program that emphasizes interdisciplinary resilience and social engagement, the Department of Environmental and Cultural Resources at National Tsing Hua University also organized the "Headstream Music Festival." This festival was not only an entertainment event but served as a platform where innovation teams, community universities, and the Center for Social Responsibility could host conversations for local revitalization and sustainable development governance. Local musicians, Qishan Revival Band, and community-university teams performed on the banks of the Headstream Creek and raised awareness for the cultural history, ecological environment, and flood control conservation of Old Port Island. The festival highlighted the significance of community involvement and encouraged more people to participate in community affairs.

The success of this project marked the importance of interdisciplinary resilience and social engagement in sustainable development education. The fusion of the hands-on experience and music festivals ignites students' enthusiasm for sustainable community development.