The Faculty Review Committee of the Institute of Communication Studies at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has sparked controversy by appointing Wei Ran, a Chinese Changjiang Scholar, as a committee member. The committee is chaired by Kuo Liang-wen, a retired NYCU professor who taught at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China for seven years after retirement, raising concerns about academic independence and impartiality.

In response, Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao stated on the 27th, 'Indeed, there are flaws in the composition of the faculty review committee at NYCU’s Institute of Communication Studies. Improvements are needed, and the Higher Education Division has launched a comprehensive investigation.'

The Legislative Yuan’s Education and Culture Committee had initially planned an inspection tour, but Kuomintang caucus convener Lo Ting-wei abruptly changed the agenda to continue reviewing amendments related to university governance reform, including partial revisions to the 'Regulations on Dismissal, Non-renewal, Suspension, or Dismissal of Teachers in Senior High Schools and Below' and Articles 5 and 6-1 of the 'Performance Evaluation Regulations for Public Senior High Schools and Below.' In response, the Democratic Progressive Party caucus issued a top-level mobilization order.

Cheng explained that he had a scheduled morning meeting on attracting international elite universities to Taiwan and was set to accompany gold medalists from the 66th National Science Exhibition into the Presidential Office at 11 a.m., necessitating adjustments to the committee’s agenda.

Regarding the significant cuts and freezes to drone education funding proposed by the Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party caucuses, Cheng expressed deep concern. 'Education should transcend political lines. Drones can be used in primary and secondary schools for educational entertainment, allowing students to learn human-machine collaboration through play. From elementary school through university, early exposure and hands-on experience can cultivate technological talent,' he emphasized.

Cheng added, 'Operating drones helps students develop practical learning skills—an excellent educational approach. Taiwan has many technology industries, but to compete globally for talent, we must provide new generations with more opportunities to learn drone-related fields. This will undoubtedly help them meet the challenges of the AI era.' He urged opposition parties to fully support drone education funding.

Additional related reports include:

· Behind the Scenes: Education groups criticize the minister for using the Ministry of Education’s Facebook page as a personal clarification tool

· Taiwan’s Real-Life Iron Fist Education: University councils have become tools for emotional blackmail and intimidation of teachers, with the Ministry leaving frontline educators to fend for themselves

· Intern teacher allowance increase: The Ministry announces that starting in August, interns will receive a monthly stipend of 15,000 NT dollars

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News