Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) was invited to participate in the “Technological Universities × Vocational High Schools × Junior High Schools: Diverse Pathways for Further Education” seminar held at New Taipei Municipal Xinzhuang Junior High School. Dr. Zhen-Shu Liu, Chair of the Department of Environmental Safety and Health Engineering, represented the university and introduced MCUT’s educational philosophy, high-quality resources, generous scholarship programs, as well as the department’s curriculum and career pathways. The session received enthusiastic feedback, with many parents approaching Dr. Liu afterward to inquire about admission opportunities.

　　Dr. Liu noted that although MCUT is a private university, it has achieved outstanding national rankings— placing 9th among all universities in Taiwan in the CommonWealth Magazine 2024 Best Universities Ranking, and 1th among technological universities in Taiwan in the 2024 THE World University Rankings (Science Category). These achievements reflect the university’s strong academic performance and its success in enhancing graduates’ employability. To support students’ diverse development, MCUT offers a wide range of scholarships and an excellent learning environment, enabling students to obtain maximum learning benefits at minimal cost.

　　Introducing her department, Dr. Liu emphasized that it is the only program in Taiwan aligned with both the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Environment, giving students a unique interdisciplinary advantage. The department is equipped with teaching and laboratory facilities that surpass those of many national universities. Its curriculum aligns closely with current industry trends, covering crucial topics such as net-zero carbon emissions, circular economy, and ESG. Graduates enjoy strong career prospects in green energy, environmental technology, occupational safety, and related fields.

　　The seminar also supported the Ministry of Education’s efforts to promote STEM education. Dr. Liu pointed out that while many parents believe that studying STEM is mainly about “finding a good job,” its true value lies in cultivating students’ ability to face an uncertain future—such as interdisciplinary integration, problem-solving, data literacy, and innovative thinking, all of which are essential skills in tomorrow’s society. Addressing stereotypes about women in STEM, she highlighted four major strengths of female students:

1. strong attention to detail, patience, and teamwork communication;
2. outstanding performance in data analysis, design thinking, and medical technology;
3. research showing that teams with higher proportions of women often generate stronger innovative outcomes;
4. global industries increasingly value women’s participation in STEM, helping technology become more human-centered and empathetic.

　　Dr. Liu encouraged parents to support their daughters in bravely choosing STEM fields to strengthen their future competitiveness.

　　The session concluded with an active Q&A, reflecting high parental engagement. Dr. Liu stated that MCUT will continue organizing diverse outreach activities to deepen parents’ and students’ understanding of STEM education, assist junior-high students in exploring their interests, and inspire more young learners to join fields related to sustainability, green transition, and future-driven technologies.

　　Image (No. 1) Description: Dr. Zhen-Shu Liu, Chair of the Department of Environmental Safety and Health at Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT), represented the university at the “Technological Universities × Vocational High Schools × Junior High Schools: Diverse Pathways for Further Education” seminar held at New Taipei City Xinzhuang Junior High School. During the event, Dr. Liu highlighted MCUT’s educational philosophy, high-quality learning resources, and comprehensive scholarship programs. She also introduced the curriculum design and career prospects of the Department of Environmental Safety and Health Engineering, providing parents with a clearer understanding of the department’s academic strengths and industry relevance.

　　Image (No. 2) Description: The photo on the left shows Dr. Liu receiving a certificate of appreciation, while the photo on the right captures the enthusiastic participation and engagement of parents during the session.

中文：【科大×技高×國中：多元升學進路分享講座】—新北市新莊國中場次
This article is simultaneously published in the 42th edition of the SDGs E-paper.