As I prepare to step down from my role as Dean of the College of Computer Science on July 31, 2025, I look back on this journey with deep gratitude and excitement for the future. From the very beginning of my tenure, I focused on how we could quickly elevate our college’s global presence and boldly declare our ambition to become a world leader in the field. One of the key initiatives that helped solidify our identity — “NYCU: Leading the Future of Computing” — was the unveiling of the Pioneer of Computing Ox-cart sculpture. Achieving this vision required a clear first step: driving the College toward full internationalization. Now, as I pass this mission to the incoming Dean, Professor Shiuhpyng Shieh, I am confident that under his leadership, the College of Computer Science will continue to reach new heights on the global stage.

In 2024, we launched the International Graduate Program at the College of Computer Science, offering generous scholarships and internship opportunities with leading companies in Taiwan to attract outstanding students from around the world. We also established active partnerships with top universities globally, including initiatives such as the UIUC 3+X Program, to expand opportunities for student exchanges and dual-degree programs. This issue features reflections from several students, showcasing the meaningful outcomes of cross-cultural learning and practical experience.

The first half of 2025 has been marked by exceptional accomplishments from our faculty and students. Professor Wen-Hsiao Peng was named an IEEE Fellow, and Professor Mong-Jen Kao received the prestigious Humboldt Research Fellowship from Germany. Professors Chun-Feng Wu and Yu-Lun Liu were both honored with the 2024 K. T. Li Young Researcher Award, with Professor Wu also receiving the 2025 TSIA Semiconductor Award. These achievements reflect the College’s strong commitment to academic excellence and its growing impact in the industry.

At this year’s Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony, we proudly honored two distinguished alumni, Mr. Ching-Chih Hsiao and Mr. Sean Pien, with the prestigious NYCU Outstanding Alumni Award. Mr. Hsiao played a pivotal role in transforming S.T. Information Technology into Wistron ITS, achieving significant revenue growth. He has also been a strong advocate for industry-academia collaboration and the development of sustainable technology ecosystems. Mr. Pien, General Manager of Microsoft Taiwan, has led advancements in AI, cloud computing, smart healthcare, and digital sustainability. He also founded the Taiwan Climate Alliance, spearheading Taiwan’s digital transformation. Their achievements showcase the power of a computer science education and embody the NYCU spirit of staying true to our roots while relentlessly pursuing excellence.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the College and the 60th anniversary of our department’s founding. To celebrate this milestone, we have produced a special publication titled “From 0 and 1 to an Infinite Future.” It traces our journey, features reflections and visions from former deans, and includes heartfelt contributions from senior faculty and alumni—capturing the passion and legacy of the NYCU Computer Science community. We are also making great strides in the construction of our Second Computer Science Building, which will become a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary innovation, industry collaboration, and sustainable research. This ambitious project relies on the collective support of our entire community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to alumnus Simon Lin for his generous lead donation of NT$300 million. I warmly invite all of you to join us in shaping the next chapter of NYCU Computer Science’s history.

To all my partners who have shared this journey with me: thank you. It is because of your support that the College of Computer Science has become one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my life. As I move forward, I remain committed to contributing in new ways, ensuring that this transformative legacy continues to inspire many more futures to come.