Charles Kao (高錕), a member of Academia Sinica and known as the “father of fiber-optic communications,” has just been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. More than a decade ago, Kao, as vice chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, took that institution into the ranks of the world’s top 100 universities. However, he did not seek only to promote individual research by professors and citations of their theses. He did not forget society’s expectations of publicly funded universities, especially taxpayers’ expectations that a top university will turn out top-quality graduates. During his 10 years of leadership at the university, Kao laid great importance on the university’s core values. Besides research, he did not forget the importance of teaching and fostering quality in the next generation. He did not forget that a university is duty-bound to care about and serve society. Being listed as one of the world’s top 100 universities is no more than a means to the ends of fostering more talented people and upholding social justice. Surely the purpose is not just to bring fame and wealth to the university itself.
What influence will NTU’s entry into the world’s top 100 have for higher education in Taiwan and for society as a whole? The objective was not just for NTU’s benefit. More important is fostering each university’s soul and special characteristics. Research in the arts and social sciences should not be divorced from Taiwan’s social environment.
It is not enough for the government to invest a lot of money. They should formulate policies on the direction of Taiwan’s higher education.
As to our colleagues at NTU, in the midst of their celebrations they should not forget that their funding comes from the taxpayer’s blood and sweat. What taxpayers want in return is top-quality, talented people ready to serve the country.
Prudence Chou is a professor in the Department of Education at National Chengchi University and a convener of a series of forums on education reform.
TRANSLATED BY JULIAN CLEGG
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