【Article by International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development】

2026 MARCH 7-- On a sunny March Saturday, a group of 21 National Chengchi University students and faculty travelled to Hsinchu County to explore the many sides of Taiwan’s “Technology Capital.” Represented in the group were graduate students, both local and international, from various NCCU programs and disciplines, including Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES), International Studies (IMPIS), and International MBA program (IMBA).

For the first stop on the trip, the group took a tour and had lunch at Big Hill North Moon (大山北月), a community center headquartered in a mountainside abandoned elementary school. Here, the students learned about the center’s farmer empowerment programs, farm product innovation and marketing, as well as local history restoration. The students enjoyed a lunch prepared with local specialties and explored the shop’s offerings.

Next, the students visited the heart of Hsinchu’s technology notoriety, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC)’s Museum of Innovation in Hsinchu Science Park. Here, the group was given a tour of various galleries detailing the importance of innovation in daily life, TSMC’s history and facilities, as well as the life and story of the company’s founder, Morris Chang. 

For the final stop of the day, the group was personally welcomed by TSMC Senior Vice President Lora Ho at the Chapel of Angels, a restoration project she has led since 2018. Once abandoned, the church and its surrounding grounds have been thoughtfully revitalized and now feature antique stained-glass windows, refurbished pews, and meticulously restored paintings.

During the visit, Ho shared her vision for the Chapel—not only as a place to spread the Gospel, but also as a cultural space dedicated to the arts, the nurturing of young talent, and the strengthening of the local community.

In her remarks, Ho reflected on both the challenges and rewards of the restoration journey. “From the outside it may look like a burden,” she said, “but we have truly enjoyed the process. At no point did I ever consider giving up or turning back.” Her words underscored the perseverance and passion behind the project, which has transformed a once-neglected site into a vibrant space for faith, culture, and community engagement.

Trang Le, a first-year IMES student, shared her experience: “We had such a wonderful time on the trip to Hsinchu together. I think what's most remarkable for me was the innovative spirit in Taiwan.”

The trip was executed by the head faculty in the IMES department, which sponsored the activity so that students could enjoy the opportunity for free.