合校三年多，我們推出了一系列名為「NYCU 1000天」的紀錄影片，回顧了合校三年多來學生、教授、校友的心聲，這是真實的反饋。影片中，幾位學生分享了他們在跨校區學習的經歷，他們談到不僅僅是住在新環境中，更是在與在地校區磨合接軌的過程中，學到了許多許多書本上無法傳授的知識和文化，他們覺得合校提供了一個更大的舞台和場域。我自己看了這些訪談，很有感觸，在這封信中，我想與你們分享一些合校初期的經歷，更要談談我對學習的看法。
在過去，我們通常依照自己所讀的系所或大學的專精領域進行學習規劃。然而，隨著陽明交大合校，我們的同學們有了更多的學習可能性。
合校初期，我們面臨了許多狀況和挑戰，很多地方需要磨合，坦白說師生們也有不少抱怨。比如，不少行政職主管需要在不同校區間奔波開會，學生也因課程需求通車到不同校區上課，這些困難，我自己也感同身受，因為我常常通勤陽明校區和新竹光復校區，若是遇到交通繁忙時段，有時候單趟要將近兩個小時。但是，如果你問我，這是合校帶來的缺點、限制嗎？我反而覺得，這是讓我們走出舒適區的第一步，也是合校後的擁有許多校區的陽明交大獨有的特色。
畫地會自限，大膽跨出去
兩所歷史悠久的大學要整合，你可以想像合校面臨的挑戰當然很多，不僅要考慮交通接送、住宿安排和課程規劃，更需深刻思考如何將兩所學校的文化融合。我很清楚雙主體校區要成功整併，不僅要有資訊的交流，更要真正瞭解彼此的需求，才能產出新的價值。因此，為了拉近兩個校區的地理距離，我們特別設立每天14班次的「Door to Door」交通專車，讓學生和教職員能在不塞車的前提下，約一小時就能順利抵達，縮短通勤時間。當然，縮短地理距離只是鼓勵師生跨出去學習的第一步。
更重要的下一步是跨域學習，在不同知識領域裡學習。在過往的台灣升學體制之下，我們看到有一群學生很想當醫師或者工程師，也非常適合當醫師、工程師，卻無法擠過那道窄門或被迫擇一。然而，這不該是他們的終點，而是新的起點。隨著合校，我們結合了雙方的專業，推動醫學系的「醫師工程師組」，也在電機工程學系中，開設「醫學電資組」。這並不是簡單地將兩所學校的專長結合，而是出於學生和社會的實際需求。我們的課程設計改變了以學校或科系為中心的傳統學習模式，轉而以「學生需求」為中心。
以醫師工程師組為例，學生在大一、大二期間先在新竹校區接受理工訓練，大三到大六則轉往陽明校區修習生物、醫學及臨床等醫學相關課程，最後兩年進行全科實習醫師訓練。這樣的安排不僅打破了傳統的學科界限，還讓學生在畢業後獲得「醫學士學位」與「電資」雙專長。他們將成為兼具數位醫療產業的技術研發、創業與領導能力的專業人才，為未來的醫療和生醫資訊創新注入新的動力。未來我相信會有更多學門間的互跨學門會出現。
跨域也可以發生在傳統文化與新科技之間。我們陽明交大今年新成立的中醫系，更是以跨域學習為核心，結合生物技術、工程、人工智慧、資訊科技和科技管理等多個領域，培育出突破傳統模式的新型中醫師。這些「新中醫師」不僅具備傳統中醫的知識，更擁有現代科技的技術能力，能夠在醫療體系中發揮更大的作用。我心目中的大學教育是融合、跨域，是一片智慧之海，讓愛智者能沈浸其中，悠遊自在。
博雅教育就是生活教育
前面講了地理的跨域，學門的跨域，我也要談人與人之間的跨域。合校後我們一直提倡的「博雅教育（Liberal Arts）」。有些師生會以為這就是過去的通識中心換個新名字而已，何必大費周章。但我們其實想為同學們打造一個人與人之間在生活相處中的彼此學習的環境。所以，在住宿教育方面，我們鼓勵大一新生優先選擇在校住宿，因為宿舍不僅是「有地方住」、「安全方便」的標準而已，更是讓學生之間互動、學習的重要場所。住宿生活應該成為學生建構人際關係的基礎，促進他們在學習素養和文化上的成長。另外，博雅教育中心也舉辦了很多公民素養、美學藝術、體育健康的活動和學分課程，在陽明交大的教育理念中，我們始終強調，除了專業技術的學習，邏輯、思考、創意、素養、人際溝通等各種軟實力也同樣重要。
我們希望打造的博雅教育是生活教育，是人與人之間的相互學習成長。這些軟實力在未來環境尤其重要，這幾年人工智慧（AI）技術發展迅速，很多人總是擔心「AI」會不會取代人類工作。但是我認為AI不會是我們的敵人，而是強大的輔助工具，能夠幫助我們解決許多複雜問題。AI能對技術性、操作性的指令有效執行，但負責下指令的同學們，對問題的思考判斷則是無法取代。所以我們希望所有陽明交大畢業的學生，不僅懂得解題、答題，更懂得「出題」。現今業界對人才的需求已經不同，不僅需要會寫論文的人，也需要能夠產出新知識的人。
勇於探索，尋找適合自己的路
最後，我想鼓勵同學們，真的不要怕跨出舒適圈，而要讓自己跨出去，在不同環境、領域、群體中去學習探索。回顧我的學習和職業生涯，儘管我擔任過多個主管職位，但我覺得自己更像是一個探索者，喜歡迎接新的挑戰和探索未知的領域。之前就有記者問過我，從教授、醫師到衛生局長，最後又回來任校長，學醫是我最初的夢想嗎？我笑答，「我曾經想要當導演，可惜沒有才氣，但卻也因為對影像感興趣，後來改為觀察顯微鏡底下的生命演化。」雖然導演當不成，但我把興趣與職業結合。「我對事情都保持好奇，想透過鏡頭找答案的想法一直沒變，這也讓自己走向微生物免疫學之路，在顯微鏡底下找尋答案。」
我想跟你們分享，唯有不斷嘗試接納新事物並且保持赤子的好奇心，才能創造更多新價值。有想做的事就去做，勇敢跳出舒適圈。就算結果不是你最初規劃的，也絕對會是另一種收穫。
願我們都能不斷踏出探索的腳步。
國立陽明交通大學校長
（內容由林奇宏校長口述，國際宣傳辦公室陳延昇採訪、賴嬿阡撰稿。）
Letters from the President (4) Empowering Learning Beyond Boundaries
Over the past three years since the merger, we have released a series of documentary films titled ‘NYCU 1000 Days,’ reflecting on the voices of our students, professors, and alumni during this period. These films capture genuine feedback, with several students sharing their experiences of studying across different campuses. They speak about how living in new environments and integrating with local campuses taught them valuable lessons and cultural insights beyond textbooks. Many feel that the merger has provided a larger stage and more opportunities. Watching these interviews, I was deeply moved. In this letter, I would like to share some experiences from the early days of the merger and discuss my views on learning.
In the past, students typically planned their studies based on the specialization of their department or university. However, with the merger of Yang Ming and Chiao Tung Universities, our students now have access to a broader range of learning opportunities.
In the early stages of the merger, we faced numerous challenges and adjustments, and there were understandably many complaints from both faculty and students. For example, administrative staff had to travel between campuses for meetings, and students had to commute between campuses for classes. I can personally relate to these difficulties, as I often commute between the Yangming and Chiaotung Campuses. During peak hours, a one-way trip can take nearly two hours. However, rather than viewing this as a drawback of the merger, I see it as the first step in pushing us out of our comfort zones. This unique aspect of NYCU, with its multiple campuses, is an opportunity to grow and adapt.
Limitations Lie Within Boundaries—Dare to Step Beyond
Integrating two universities with long histories presents numerous challenges, as you can imagine. Beyond logistical issues like transportation, accommodation, and curriculum planning, we must deeply contemplate how to merge the distinct cultures. Successful integration requires more than just exchanging information; it demands a true understanding of each other’s needs to create new value. To bridge the geographical distance between the two campuses, we have established a ‘Door to Door’ shuttle service with 14 daily trips. This service allows students and staff to travel between the campuses in about an hour, minimizing traffic-related delays. However, reducing geographical distance is just the first step. Encouraging faculty and students to engage in cross-campus learning is where the real integration begins.
The more crucial next step is interdisciplinary learning—gaining knowledge across different fields. Under Taiwan’s traditional education system, students aiming to become doctors or engineers often find themselves limited by narrow pathways, forced to choose one over the other. However, this should not be an endpoint but rather a new beginning. With the university merger, we have combined the expertise of both institutions to launch the ‘Physician Engineer Program’ in the School of Medicine and the ‘Biomedical Electrical Engineering Program’ in the Department of Electrical Engineering. This iniviative is not just about merging the strengths of the two universities; it is driven by the actual needs of students and society. Our curriculum design has shifted from the traditional school- or department-centered model to a ‘student-centered’ approach, prioritizing student needs.
Take the Physician Engineer Program as an example. In their first and second years, students receive training in science and engineering at the Chiaotung Campus. From their third to sixth years, they move to the Yangming Campus to study biology, medicine, and clinical subjects, followed by a two-year general practitioner internship. This structure not only breaks traditional disciplinary boundaries but also allows students to graduate with a dual specialization in ‘Medical Science’ and ‘Electrical Engineering.’ These graduate will emerge as professionals equipped with technical research and development skills, entrepreneurial abilities, and leadership in the digital healthcare industry, driving future innovations in medicine and biomedical informatics. I believe we will see even more interdisciplinary crossovers in the future.
Interdisciplinary learning can also bridge traditional culture and new technology. This year, NYCU established a new Department of Chinese Medicine, with interdisciplinary learning as its core. The program integrates biotechnology, engineering, artificial intelligence, information technology, and technology management to cultivate a new generation of Chinese medicine practitioners who transcend traditional models. These ‘new Chinese medicine practitioners’ not only possess knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine but also have modern technical skills, enabling them to play a more significant role within the healthcare system. The university education I envision is one of integration and interdisciplinary learning–a vast ocean of wisdom where knowledge enthusiasts can freely immerse themselves and explore.
Liberal Arts as Life Education
I’ve discussed geographical and disciplinary crossovers; now, I want to address the crossover between people. Since the merger, we have been advocating for ‘Liberal Arts.’ Some faculty and students may see this as a mere rebranding of the former general education center and wonder why it is necessary. However, our true goal is to create an environment where students learn from one another through everyday interactions. That’s why we encourage freshmen to prioritize living on campus. Dormitories are not just about providing a safe and convenient place to stay–they are vital spaces for student interaction and learning. Dormitory life should be the foundation for building interpersonal relationships and fostering growth in both academic and cultural literacy. Additionally, Liberal Arts College organizes various activities and credit courses centered on civic literacy, aesthetics, arts, and physical health. At NYCU, our educational philosophy emphasizes that in alongside professional skills, soft skills such as logic, critical thinking, creativity, literacy, and interpersonal communication are equally important.
The Liberal Arts education we aspire to create is life education, emphasizing mutual learning and personal growth. These soft skills will be increasingly important as artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance. While some may worry about AI replacing human jobs, I believe AI is not our enemy but a powerful tool to help solve complex problems. AI can effectively execute technical and operational tasks, but it is the students–whose thinking and judgment are irreplaceable– who will guide these actions. Therefore, we hope all NYCU graduates will not only know how to solve problems but also how to ‘create’ them.. The industry’s demand for talent has shifted; it’s no longer just about finding individuals who can write papers but also those who can generate new knowledge.
Dare to Explore and Find Your Own Path
Finally, I want to encourage all students not to be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. Push yourself to explore and learn in different environments, fields, and communities. Reflecting on my own academic and professional journey, despite holding several leadership positions, I see myself more as an explorer–someone who enjoys embracing new challenges and venturing into unknown territories. A journalist once asked me, after having been a professor, doctor, and health bureau chief, and now returning as a university president, whether studying medicine was my original dream. I laughed and replied, “I once wanted to be a film director, but lacking the talent, I turned my interest in imagery towards observing life’s evolution under a microscope.” Although I didn’t become a director, I combined my interests with my profession. “I’ve always stayed curious and kept the desire to find answers through a lens, which led me to the field of microbiology and immunology, where I search for answers under the microscope.”
I want to share with you that only by continuously embracing new experiences and maintaining a childlike curiosity can you create new value. If there’s something you want to do, go for it—be brave and step out of your comfort zone. Even if the outcome isn’t what you initially planned, it will still be a valuable experience in its own way.
May we all continue to take steps toward exploration.
President of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University,
(Content narrated by President Chi-Hung Lin, interviewed by Yen-Sheng Chen from Office of International Promotion and Outreach, and written by Yen-Chien Lai.)