The Taiwan Tech EDBA/EMBA Alumni Association hosted the “Dream Taipei” event from July 4th to July 5th, 2024, providing a rare opportunity for 68 children from three elementary schools in Hualien’s remote areas, including Guanyin, Changliang, and Mingli. They experienced the diversity of Taipei firsthand, visiting Taiwan Tech, Taipei 101, and the zoo, and engaging in high-tech experiences and various career guidance activities to inspire their passion for learning and future aspirations.

The “Dream Taipei” event provided a rare opportunity for 68 children from remote areas in Hualien, including Guanyin, Changliang, and Mingli Elementary Schools, to experience the diversity of Taipei firsthand.

The “Dream Taipei” initiative originated from the “Gift of Love - Love for Hualien” event held by Taiwan Tech's EDBA/EMBA Alumni Association last year. In that event, 104 EMBA alumni generously donated funds, and 41 of them personally traveled to Hualien, paying their own expenses, to deliver 253 gifts to six remote elementary schools in Hualien including Guanyin, Lehe, Changliang, Dayu, Xuetian, and Mingli.

Mu-Lin Wang, the coordinator of the “Dream Taipei” event, noted that during their visit to Hualien last year, they observed children’s boundless imaginations about the future, constrained by urban-rural disparities. Conversations with local primary school students revealed aspirations such as harvesting daylilies in their hometowns when they grow up, prompting her decision to broaden the horizons of these rural children by bringing them to Taipei, where they could explore diverse futures and possibilities.

The “Dream Taipei” event allowed every student to experience VR and MR technologies firsthand, immersing themselves in the latest technological marvels and broadening their horizons.

At Taiwan Tech, the “Dream Taipei” event featured a series of high-tech experiences, with lively explanations by Taiwan Tech students from the Formula Student Electric racing team.

The “Dream Taipei” program at Taiwan Tech is planned for rural students to experience a range of high-tech activities, nurturing their dreams. Taiwan Tech students from the Formula Student Electric racing team vividly explained the differences between rear-wheel drive vehicles and the high grip “slick tires” with smooth surfaces and high grip compared to other driving methods and tire types. During robot demonstrations, students’ understanding and interest in high technology were enhanced. Under the introduction of the Department of Design, each student also had the opportunity to experience VR (Virtual Reality) and MR (Mixed Reality), immersing themselves in the latest technological marvels and broadening their horizons.

Yun-Ze Qiu (first from right), a first-year student at Mingli Elementary School said, “This is my first time in Taipei and my first time wearing VR goggles. Whether it’s robots, electric formula racing cars, or experiencing VR, it’s all very novel and fun.”

Wen-Lian Zhang, a sixth-grade student from Changliang Elementary School, said, “I've been to Taipei before, but it was her first time to visit Taipei 101.”

Wen-Lian Zhang, a sixth-grade student from Changliang Elementary School, said, “I've been to Taipei before, but visiting Taipei 101 for the first time made me very happy. In the future, I still want to stay in Hualien and pursue my favorite sport, soccer.”

The gratitude dinner featured performances prepared by the children to express thanks and learn about gratitude, fostering a sense of social responsibility. Taiwan Tech President Jia-Yush Yen pointed out, “We are very grateful to the EMBA alumni for their contributions including their money and effort to organizing this event. We hope the children not only feel the enthusiasm for community service but also learn from it and give back to society in the future.”

President Jia-Yush Yen of Taiwan Tech delivered a speech.

Qian-Qi Lin, the legislator of the Amis tribe, attended the dinner and expressed gratitude for the “Dream Taipei” initiative, emphasizing how it provides indigenous children with the opportunity to see a different world and imagine diverse futures, ultimately blossoming into various achievements and practical fruits for pursuing their dreams.

The legislator of the Amis tribe, Qian-Qi Lin, attended the dinner.

The “Dream Taipei” initiative encompassed four major themes: education, technology, culture, and gratitude. It mobilized nearly 300 volunteers from Taiwan Tech's EMBA alumni, aiming to boost confidence and motivation among rural children, exposing them to Taipei’s cosmopolitan charm and showcasing diverse professions and futures. By expanding the horizons of rural children and encouraging the pursuit of education, the initiative aims to empower them with the ability to make choices, nurturing each small dream to potentially become a force for changing the future.