By Han Pham
On the morning of June 11, the students and faculty of NCCU were honored to welcome Jiří Drahoš, the 1st Vice President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, for a compelling speech on a topic that resonates deeply in today’s global political climate: "Czech Republic & Taiwan: Success Stories of Democracy." This campus lecture was Drahoš's only campus lecture during his visit to Taiwan. This event, held in Jen-Wei Lecture Hall at NCCU, drew a hundred audience of enthusiastic students, teachers, and guests, eager to hear Drahoš’s insights into the democratic journeys of these two distinct yet inspiring nations.
Welcoming Remarks: Strengthening Ties Through Education and Innovation
Jiří Drahoš led a delegation to Taiwan for six days from June 10 to 15, consisting of 16 members, including officials from various Czech ministries responsible for science, innovation, and inventions, as well as academic representatives. During the welcoming session for the delegates held before the lecture, representatives from both boards had the opportunity to engage in a cordial conversation, introduce their respective members, and share their mutual trust in shared values. They expressed confidence that these shared values would contribute to strengthening and developing the relationship between the two sides in the future.
NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li highlighted the longstanding and friendly relationship between NCCU and the Czech Republic. "NCCU has maintained a friendly relationship with the Czech Republic for many years. Our university is the only one in Taiwan offering Czech language courses and has organized cultural events like 'Czech Day at NCCU,' successfully promoting cultural exchanges between both sides." He emphasized the recent collaboration between NCCU and Charles University in establishing the Supply Chain Resilience Center (SCRC), showcasing mutual efforts in internationalization and innovation. “The first group of Charles University students will arrive in Taiwan next week to participate in NCCU's "2024 Global Semiconductor Supply Chain" summer intensive credit course. Through this cross-national academic cooperation and exchange, we hope to further deepen our cooperation with the Czech Republic in the future.”
▲President Tsai-Yen Li highlighted the longstanding and friendly relationship between NCCU and the Czech Republic.
In response, Drahoš began by expressing heartfelt gratitude and reflecting on his multiple visits to Taiwan since his initial one in 1995. He highlighted Taiwan's impressive strides in development with each subsequent visit, underscoring a shared commitment to democratic principles and human rights. "This is my fourth visit to Taiwan, and each time I come, I witness Taiwan's continuous progress," he noted. Despite the language barrier between Czech and Mandarin, Drahoš highlighted the strong and ongoing communication between both sides. He concluded his introduction warmly in Mandarin with "Thank you!"—a gesture that resonated deeply with the audience, sparking enthusiastic cheers and applause.
▲The atmosphere was charged with excitement as both sides discussed the potential for deepening their relationship, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
Representatives from the two delegations also continuously emphasized the importance of their partnership, affirming the dedication and efforts of both sides in becoming each other's most reliable and supportive allies. NCCU and Czech institutions also expressed eagerness to strengthen their bonds further through collaborative research initiatives, envisioning a future alliance built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as both sides discussed the potential for deepening their relationship, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
Drahoš's Sole Campus Lecture in Taiwan: Encouraging Students to Engage in National Affairs
▲Jiří Drahoš’s lecture: "Czech Republic & Taiwan: Success Stories of Democracy"
Jiří Drahoš’s lecture on "Czech Republic & Taiwan: Success Stories of Democracy" was a profound and enlightening experience for all attendees. It underscored the importance of strong civic movements, visionary leadership, institutional reforms, and international support in building and sustaining democracies. The deepening relationship between the Czech Republic and Taiwan, marked by technological, educational, and cultural collaborations, serves as a model for international cooperation.
As the audience settled in, there was an air of anticipation. NCCU invited Jan Fischer, a Czech student enrolled in the English Ph.D. program in Asia-Pacific Studies, to moderate the event. Jiří Drahoš then took the stage to a warm applause, exuding a blend of intellectual gravitas and approachable sincerity. He began his speech by expressing gratitude for the invitation and admiration for the school community's engagement in global political issues.
▲Jan Fischer, a Czech student enrolled in the English Ph.D. program in Asia-Pacific Studies, to moderate the event.
Drahoš shared the transformation of the Czech Republic from communism to democracy and its journey towards global openness. Drahoš delved into the historical transformations that shaped the democratic landscapes of the Czech Republic and Taiwan. He recounted the Czech Republic's journey from the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which peacefully ended communist rule, to its establishment as a stable democracy. This transition, Drahoš emphasized, was driven by the collective will of the people and the leadership of visionaries like Václav Havel.
Drawing parallels with Taiwan, Drahoš detailed the island's shift to a vibrant democracy. He praised Taiwan's achievements in building robust democratic institutions and safeguarding civil liberties, despite facing significant geopolitical challenges. He noted, "Democracy is not an ideal governance system, but we should value equality and human rights."
▲Drahoš shared the transformation of the Czech Republic from communism to democracy and its journey towards global openness.
He also encouraged young students to participate more in national affairs while pursuing democratic freedom. "Youth participation is crucial to a nation's future. Young voices help consolidate democracy and build a resilient society," Drahoš stated. Today's students evaluate their societies with a demand for democratic freedoms and active involvement in shaping their nations' futures. Recognizing that future leaders and thinkers play essential roles in this process, fostering their engagement is crucial for the stability and progress of any nation.
Encouraging critical thinking and skepticism is vital. To achieve this, young people must make their voices heard loudly and clearly, ensuring vibrant and resilient democracies that can withstand significant challenges. Strengthening participation involves comprehensive studies of real-world examples and case studies, promoting transparency, and ensuring power is distributed fairly among institutions to prevent dominance by any single entity. Countering misinformation and engaging in international cooperation and environmental efforts are also key steps toward building an independent and resilient society, safeguarding cyber safety and security in the process.
▲"Youth participation is crucial to a nation's future. Young voices help consolidate democracy and build a resilient society," Drahoš stated.
Another significant portion of Drahoš's lecture was dedicated to the flourishing relationship between the Czech Republic and Taiwan. He illustrated how mutual respect and shared democratic values have fostered a strong partnership, serving as a model for international cooperation. Drahoš recounted his visits to Taiwan and the warm receptions he received, highlighting collaborations in areas such as technology, education, and cultural exchange.
During the Q&A session, many NCCU students eagerly asked questions. Among them, Huang Weirong, a senior in the Department of Slavic Languages, impressed everyone with his fluent Czech when he inquired about scholarships for Taiwanese students studying in the Czech Republic. Drahoš responded by acknowledging the importance of providing scholarships for more Taiwanese students to study in the Czech Republic. Although this issue is beyond the Senate's authority, he promised to inform the relevant Czech government departments.
▲Huang Weirong, a senior in the Department of Slavic Languages, impressed everyone with his fluent Czech when he inquired about scholarships for Taiwanese students studying in the Czech Republic.
NCCU Launches Semiconductor Supply Chain Course, Welcoming Czech Students to Explore Geopolitics
Furthermore, the "2024 Semiconductor Supply Chain Short-term Intensive Credit Course" will officially commence from June 17 to 28. The first batch of students from Charles University in the Czech Republic will join international and local NCCU students in this course. The program focuses on Taiwan's semiconductor industry and global competitive strategies, combining lectures from NCCU's top faculty and industry experts. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the global semiconductor supply chain, supply chain management, geopolitics, and the semiconductor industry. The course will also include visits to Meta's headquarters, TSMC Innovation Museum, and iST Technology.
Conclusion
The visit by Jiří Drahoš and his delegation, consisting of officials from various Czech ministries responsible for science, innovation, and inventions, as well as academic representatives, was a significant event for NCCU and the broader educational community. It highlighted the importance of international cooperation in advancing democratic values and fostering mutual understanding between nations. The lecture provided students and faculty with a deeper appreciation of the democratic journeys of the Czech Republic and Taiwan, inspiring them to engage actively in the preservation and advancement of democracy.
The event not only celebrated the success stories of the Czech Republic and Taiwan but also inspired a new generation of students to contribute to the ongoing journey of democratic development.
In the words of Drahoš, "We are in the right time, right place with the right people." This message resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impact and a sense of responsibility to uphold and advance the democratic ideals to build a resilient society.
▲The event not only celebrated the success stories of the Czech Republic and Taiwan but also inspired a new generation of students to contribute to the ongoing journey of democratic development.
