【Article by Office of International Cooperation】

As his four-year tenure draws to a close, Representative David Steinke of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office paid a special farewell visit to National Chengchi University (NCCU) on September 14 to express his appreciation to President Tsai-Yen Li in person. Representative Steinke shared emotionally that his four years in Taiwan have been wonderful and fulfilling, highlighting NCCU as his closest university partner in Taiwan while expressing deep gratitude for NCCU’s long-standing dedication and enthusiasm in advancing higher education exchanges between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

During the meeting, Representative Steinke noted that while signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between universities is important, it is the boundless effort and passion behind them that truly drive meaningful exchanges. He particularly mentioned the visit of Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil to Taiwan in June this year, where President Vystrcil witnessed the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between NCCU and Charles University, as well as the inauguration of the "NCCU Czech Classroom." He commended NCCU for its meticulous and successful organization of these events, which established a new milestone for higher education cooperation between the two nations.

Reflecting on his four-year term, Representative Steinke expressed a profound fondness for Taiwan’s people and culture. He remarked that Czechs and Taiwanese share similar character traits: while Czechs tend to possess a rebellious spirit, Taiwanese are adaptable and deeply spiritual. Whenever hosting Czech delegations, he took pleasure in taking them to visit NCCU and the nearby Zhinan Temple to experience local cultural beliefs, adding that he was saddened to learn of the temple's recent fire.

Addressing the Representative’s query regarding the greatest challenge facing NCCU in recent years, President Li identified it as the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). President Li stated that as AI permeates daily life, NCCU, as a leading institution in humanities and social sciences in Taiwan, holds an important responsibility to formulate guidelines for the application of AI by faculty and students. NCCU has established relevant policies for AI-assisted learning, and faculty members are actively adopting innovative assessment methods. Representative Steinke maintained a more cautious and reserved stance toward AI applications, emphasizing that even as technology continues to evolve, human critical thinking remains the most vital asset of our era.

At the conclusion of the visit, the NCCU team presented Representative Steinke with a thoughtfully prepared Siwei Hall commemorative ceramic plaque, along with a custom card and a USB drive containing photos documenting his four years of engagement with NCCU. Visibly moved by the warm atmosphere, Representative Steinke welcomed President Li, faculty, and students to visit him in Prague for beer and conversation in the future. NCCU sincerely wished Representative Steinke a smooth journey home and every success in his future endeavors.

As the lead institution in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences for the University Academic Alliance in Taiwan (UAAT) and its partnership with the Czech ICU Alliance, NCCU will continue to serve as an academic and cultural bridge between Taiwan and the Czech Republic to drive bilateral development.