Ming Chi University of Technology’s Industry-Academia Collaboration Brings “Lightscape” to the City, Illuminating Taiwan’s North Coast
The annual summer festival “North Coast Tide & Fire” once again captivated audiences this year with spectacular international fire performances and a vibrant seaside market. For the first time, the event also incorporated AI interactive technology and outdoor installation art to create “Lightscape,” a nighttime light and multimedia exhibition where technology, art, and the local culture of Taiwan’s North Coast come together. Produced by Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT), “Lightscape” reinterprets the natural landscapes and local culture of Jinshan through creative technology, becoming one of the highlights of this year’s event.
The collaboration originated from the New Taipei City Government’s “North Coast Tide & Fire” initiative. After MCUT alumni-owned company Upper & Lower New Media Integrated Marketing Co., Ltd. took on the project, the company invited Professor Te-Kuei Wang of the Department of Electrical Engineering at MCUT to lead a student team in the project. Faculty members and students worked closely with industry professionals on the creative development, interactive technology, and production of “Lightscape.” By integrating AI, interactive technologies, lighting, and digital imaging into outdoor installations, the team participated in every stage of the project—from conceptual design and technology development to on-site implementation. Through this real-world project, students gained valuable experience in interdisciplinary integration and practical application while collaborating with industry professionals to create large-scale exhibition works.
Inspired by the natural landscapes of the North Coast and the local culture of Jinshan, “Lightscape” features three outdoor installations: “Bang Huo Zai” (Fishing by Fire), “Waves and Sunset,” and “Yulu Historic Trail.” Through innovative technology, the three works reinterpret the distinctive cultural and natural landscapes of the North Coast.
“Bang Huo Zai” draws inspiration from Jinshan’s traditional fishing method, using light, shadow, and interactive technology to portray the interplay between fishing lights and the sea. “Waves and Sunset” transforms the waves and sunset of the North Coast into a dynamic light-art experience. “Yulu Historic Trail” takes inspiration from local history and culture, using digital technology to reinterpret the historic route connecting Jinshan and Taipei. By blending local culture with technological creativity, the three installations allow visitors not only to enjoy the beauty of light art but also to experience the rich cultural character of the North Coast.
MCUT President Thu-Hua Liu noted that the value of industry-academia collaboration lies not only in technological exchange, but also in creating meaningful connections between academic education and real-world industry practices. Through this collaboration with an alumni-owned company, faculty and students from the Department of Electrical Engineering had the opportunity to participate in a large-scale city event. The project enabled students to apply their professional expertise in a real-world setting while also showcasing the university’s achievements in technology development and talent cultivation to the wider community.
From an alumni-owned company taking on a major city event organized by the New Taipei City Government, to inviting the university to participate in industry-academia collaboration, and then having faculty members lead students in transforming professional expertise into tangible works, “Lightscape” represents more than just a successful industry-academia project. It also brings together the collective strength of alumni, the university, industry, and the city.
Ming Chi University of Technology will continue to strengthen its collaboration with alumni and industry partners, encouraging faculty and students to take their expertise beyond the campus and connect with real-world industry needs. Through hands-on projects in authentic settings, the university aims to create more innovative achievements with meaningful social impact.
Image (No. 1) Description: “Pang Huo Zai,” part of the “Realm of Light” series, a collaborative project between Ming Chi University of Technology and Shang Xia New Media.
Image (No. 2) Description: “Yuro Historic Trail,” part of the “Realm of Light” series, a collaborative project between Ming Chi University of Technology and Shang Xia New Media.
Image (No. 3) Description: “Waves and Sunset,” part of the “Realm of Light” series, a collaborative project between Ming Chi University of Technology and Shang Xia New Media.
