Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), integrating AI technology with sustainable management has become crucial for the future. The College of Management at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) organized the " 2024 Conference of Sustainable Development of Management" in late May, hosted by the NPUST Yunus Social Business Centre (YSBC). The conference, themed "AI Fashion, Social Businesses, and Sustainable Management @ Global Trends," invited experts and scholars from various sectors, including industry, government, academia, and research. The goal was to foster a collaborative environment for creating a future of sustainable management and fashion powered by intelligence and innovation.

The conference featured 17 topics, 70 submissions, and 42 papers. The opening ceremony was graced by notable figures such as NPUST President Jinn-Long Chang, Vice President Ruey-Ren Chen, College of Management Dean Yi-Chao Huang, Vice Dean Deng-Neng Chen, Director of the Graduate Institute of Landscape Architecture and Recreation Management Wan-Yu Chou, Chair of the Department of Fashion Design and Management Wei-Ho Hsieh, Chair of the Department of Business Administration Chan-Wei Tsai, President of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan Philippa Tsai, and Chairman of Taiwan Textile Federation, R.O.C.and Lealea Group Shao-Yi Kuo.

President Jinn-Long Chang of NPUST expressed gratitude for the support from global experts, scholars, and industry professionals. He emphasized that universities play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and driving social and ecological sustainability.

In her opening remarks, Philippa Tsai, President of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan, thanked NPUST for its efforts in sustainable environmental development. She highlighted the excellence of NPUST’s educational initiatives and the importance of the Sustainable Development Conference, now in its 25th year, in enhancing understanding and awareness of sustainability in both academia and industry. Tsai also encouraged students to participate in the Taiwan Yunus Social Business Innovation Award to gain valuable experience in industry collaboration and networking. The CEO of Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan Juno Wang explained the foundation's long-term commitment to establishing YSBCs in Taiwanese universities to integrate resources and inspire young students to engage in social innovation, embodying the spirit of Professor Yunus and driving social change.

Shao-Yi Kuo, Chairman of Taiwan Textile Federation, R.O.C.and Lealea Group, delivered a keynote speech on "Sustainable Innovation in the Textile Value Chain," drawing from his industry experience to explore the integration of social and environmental principles. The speech was well-received, sparking lively discussions and providing significant insights for attendees.

As global circumstances evolve rapidly, the Foundation will continue to strengthen its collaboration with university YSBCs, linking resources from academia and industry. Together, they aim to achieve the vision proposed by 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus: a world of three zeros - zero net carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment.

Group photo of guests at the 25th Conference of Sustainable Development of Management held by National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPSTU) President Jinn-Long Chang gave a speech of encouragement at the opening ceremony.

Philippa Tsai, President of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan was invited to give a speech at the opening ceremony.

Mr Shao-Yi Kuo, Chairman of the Taiwan Textile Federation, R.O.C. and Chairman of Lealea Group, sharedhis views on ‘Sustainable Innovation in the Textile Value Chain’.

Ms. Yun Wang, Director of Yunus Social Business Centreat National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (first from left); Shao-Yi Kuo, Chairman of Taiwan Textile Federation, R.O.C.and Lealea Group (second from left); Philippa Tsai, President of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan (second from right); and Gong-Hsiung Chang, Professor of the Department of Business Administration, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (first from right).