2025 USR EXPO Grand Opening: Advancing the Implementation of University Social Responsibility and Sustainability
The 2025 University Social Responsibility Expo (USR EXPO) was proudly held on September 12–13 at the Expo Dome in Taipei Expo Park, with Minister of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Cheng Ying-Yao hosting the opening ceremony. Under the theme “Universities in Collaboration: Resilience and Innovation,” the USR EXPO brought together 121 universities and colleges from across the Republic of China (R.O.C., Taiwan). The event featured 166 USR program teams’ booths, 91 program poster displays, and a variety of dynamic performances and interactive activities. These displays highlighted how USR initiatives not only fulfill social responsibility but also embody the power of intergenerational co-learning and cooperation, showcasing the remarkable achievements of universities and colleges’ faculty and students in deepening community engagement over the past eight years. The public was warmly invited to visit and experience the diverse displays and activities.
In his opening remarks, Minister Cheng Ying-Yao stated that the MOE launched the USR program to encourage universities and colleges to become more engaged with localities and communities, bringing academic talent and resources to remote areas. He emphasized that social responsibility should be integrated into universities and colleges' institutional governance, guiding institutions through systematic planning and comprehensive support to promote sustainable development and shared prosperity between universities and local communities.
Since its inception in 2018, the USR program has entered its fourth phase, with a total of 945 funded projects, thereby enabling universities and colleges to go beyond campus boundaries and address social needs through active initiatives. In Phase IV (2025–2027), the MOE funds 257 projects across 121 universities and colleges, currently underway in 297 townships and districts across the R.O.C., Taiwan. Minister Cheng Ying-Yao also pointed out a noteworthy achievement, explaining that 26 universities and colleges and 32 projects have expanded their collaborations abroad, reaching 14 countries and 41 cities. These partnerships have allowed the R.O.C., Taiwan to share its USR experiences globally and bring in international expertise, further expanding the program’s influence.
Minister Cheng Ying-Yao also noted that over the past eight years, USR has not only enabled universities and colleges to engage more closely with society and to actively reach remote areas, but has also encouraged corporations to join in supporting these initiatives. He expressed his sincere appreciation to all faculty and students for their dedication, which has allowed the world to witness the resilience and strength of the R.O.C., Taiwan’s higher education in advancing social innovation, as well as the positive values of shared social good.
Besides showcasing the USR program successes, the USR EXPO featured three key interactive zones:
1. “USR Lights Up the R.O.C., Taiwan Interactive Map” – connecting the footprints of USR initiatives across 22 counties and cities.
2. “USR Life4Cut Creative Photo Booth” – turning social issues into creative and fun photo keepsakes.
3. “USR SHOW × USR TALK: Cross-Generational Stage” – showcasing performances and actions among children, youth, and seniors to embody the power of intergenerational co-learning and cooperation.
On the afternoon of September 12, the event featured the “USR × ESG Demo Day | ESG Solution Lab,” where ten USR program teams each delivered a seven-minute pitch to partners from corporations, NGOs, and NPOs, opening up new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. During the USR EXPO, the MOE also recognized six long-term corporate and organizational partners for their continued contributions to the USR program, including Formosa Plastics Group, Taiwan Rural Tourism Association, Echo-Intelligent, Co., Ltd., LASER TEK Taiwan Co., Ltd., Cathay Life Insurance Co., Ltd., and Formosa Optical Technology Co., Ltd.
On September 13, the USR EXPO hosted two international keynote talks featuring Momona Otsuka, Chief Environment Officer of Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center (Japan), and Chu Kim Duc, Founder of Think Playgrounds (Vietnam). Their talks on “Zero Waste Design” and “Co-Creation of the Community”, shared long-term local engagement experiences and innovative approaches that encourage youth participation in sustainability practices, fostering cross-cultural dialogue with universities and colleges’ faculty and students in the R.O.C., Taiwan.
The USR EXPO also featured eight DIY workshops, giving visitors the chance to actively participate in USR creative activities. For example, Da-Yeh University’s “Coffee Grounds Turned into Mosquito Coils” workshop guided participants in turning discarded coffee grounds into fragrant and practical Coffee Mosquito Coils, an innovative approach to circular economy practices. Another workshop, the “Puffed Rice Family Workshop”, planned by a team from National Chung Hsing University, featured traditional snacks as its theme, giving children and adults the opportunity to engage with traditional rice snack culture, fostering nostalgic and intergenerational shared experiences.
The public is welcome to visit and experience the proactive efforts of USR initiatives firsthand. For more details, please visit the official website: https://2025usrexpo.org.tw/
