News--Welcome to National Chiayi University

　　With support and assistance from people in Chiayi, “Chiayi Studies” International Symposium–now in its 12th year – takes place from Oct. 14th to Oct. 15th at the International Conference Hall, Library Building, Minghsiung Campus, National Chiayi University. The opening ceremony was attended by NCYU Vice President Chyung Ay, Chiayi Cheng-Huang Temple Director Lai Yong-Chuan, and guests of honor including Lin Jun-Hui, Section Chief of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Chiayi County. Approximately a hundred scholars at home and abroad participate in the symposium, which features exchange report by Yukio Hinoyama and Tatsuro Aratake, professors respectively from Chukyo University and Tokushima University, both sister schools of NCYU.

　　The symposium this year covers a wider range of discussion points of interest in correspondence with the theme on “regional social studies.” With a focus on the review and prospect of the study of regional history, it hopes to introduce various viewpoints on the methods and experiences of regional social studies by showcasing a diverse wealth of study results. Their research subjects involve seven domains: maritime culture, religion, ethnicity, postcolonialism, local literature, local culture and cultural creativity, as well as family and people. A total of over 60 scholars from Taiwan and nationwide are invited to present 26 papers, which were published in the academic journal Journal of Chia Yi Research.

　　The symposium unveils with the keynote speech titled “Chaiyi People Talk About Chiayi” by Jian Ting, Chairman of HuangMeng International Development Co., Ltd., who was born in Dalin Township. The speech is followed by at least 3 to 5 paper presentations for each subject. Each session is participated not only by speakers, but hosts and discussants. The comprehensiveness of the two-day event is bound to bring an inspiring experience to all participants.

　　According to Li Ming-Jen, Chairman of the Taiwan Culture Research Center, NCYU, it has been a decade since the center was founded in 2006. They have carried out numerous projects and publications throughout the years. The “10th Anniversary of Taiwan Culture Research Center” this year was organized in conjunction with the NCYU anniversary celebration and Chiayi Studies International Symposium, with a view to offering the students a glimpse into the evolution of the studies on Taiwanese culture, thus facilitating studies on Chiayi and history of Taiwan.