FGU Recent Developments in the Second Semester of 2021 Academic Year
FGU: Disadvantaged Student’ Best Choice, Cross-disciplinary Talents Cultivation, Favorite among Enterprises
1111 Job Bank released the rating of "2022 Favorite Universities of Enterprises". According to the survey, Fo Guang University(FGU) once again ranked among the "Employers' Favorite Universities in Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and outlying Islands", being the best private school for employers in Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung. In keeping with the Annual Graduates’ Career Development Survey of The Ministry of Education (MOE), the average employment rate and salary of FGU graduates with a Bachelor's or Master’s degree are higher than the average value. One year after graduation, the average salary of students graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's is NT36,000, and 62,000 respectively. Both are higher than the national average.
Due to the pandemic, many families are facing unprecedented economic challenges. FGU, run by Fo Guang Shan, attaches great importance to the concern of education in turning around life. Therefore, as long as students focus on learning, their families’ economy is not a problem! There are also a total of 90 plans for subsidies in and out of the university. Additionally, FGU received more than 6 million NT, the highest subsidy from MOE, for disadvantaged students. Unlike other universities, which recruit students with elite academic scholarships, FGU attaches importance to every child's schooling opportunity!
A number of enterprises proactively recruit interdisciplinary talents. How make learning fully flexible and seeing what the society needs can develop talents sustainability. Therefore, Fo Guang University(FGU) overcomes the hurdle between departments and implements the “Study Program 2.0”, which systematically arranges each student to study interdisciplinary majors, including the majors of departments, college majors, and courses of foreign departments, so graduates have at least two strengths. In addition, FGU promotes the integration of academies/residential colleges and colleges so that students improve morality and capabilities. Students should build their uniqueness in order to be the indispensable ones adapting to the world development during the post-pandemic era!
“Fo Guang University(FGU) has been established for 22 years. Our school regularly appears in the ranking of enterprises, which means that our teachers’ efficiency and students' efforts have been deeply recognized by enterprises!", Ho Jow-Fei, the President of Fo Guang University, pronounced. At present, some of the outstanding alumni work for public sectors or large private companies, others work abroad and perform well. The recognition of business owners is believed to be an important reference indicator for high school students when choosing a university. Choosing Fo Guang University will be the turning point in your life!
FGU Promotes an innovation of educational model by Cooperative Sandwich Education: Four-Years-Paid Practical Learning in Enterprises for Star-Plan Freshmen
On March 7, Fo Guang University and seven companies held a signing ceremony for An innovation of educational model by Cooperative Sandwich Education, a new program dedicated to training innovative talents. The program is an innovative cultivation model launched by Fo Guang University for the students who enrolled through the Star Plan in Taiwan's College Entrance System. Through paid practical learning that combines the major of their department, and experience and learning of the corporate culture, we cultivate them to be professional talents needed by the enterprises from their freshman year.
Coming from different industries, each enterprise proposed a matching plan for cultivating talents through participatory learning. The enterprises are Sunmake Cultures Foundation, FunDot Technology Co., Ltd., uMaxData, Fethiann Molecule Applied Co., Ltd., BIG Brilliant International Group, Asia Pacific Youth Development Association, and Wellspring by Silks of Silks Hotel Group.
Ho Jow-Fei, president of Fo Guang University, stated that industries will actively recruit talents during the graduation season. Digging up what enterprises really need requires time and accumulation; therefore, this year, Fo Guang University has directly cooperated with the enterprise side. In addition to providing practical environments, the companies also offer four-year scholarships. Both parties look forward to the joint participation of corporate mentors, students, and learning mentors under the framework of apprenticeship and mentoring education to cultivate talents companies truly need!
Fu Chao-Ming, the vice-president of Fo Guang University, specially reported the intention of the program at the meeting. In addition to the reception of different scholarships provided by different companies, those students can more completely explore the professional value of their major, experience and learn about attitudes and career knowledge, and construct the meaning of personal career development. Those who perform well during the program and approve the stage assessments can even be exempt from the probationary period, being able to get immediate employment opportunities. Enroll in Fo Guang University with Star Plan, and future employment is guaranteed to shine!
FGU Women's Basketball Team won 4th place in UBA
In the 2021 academic year, UBA(University Basketball Association) Finals took place at Taipei Arena from March 19th to 20th. Fo Guang University(FGU) has advanced in the final series for five consecutive years. This year's golden lineup includes experienced players Wang Jinting, Huang Qinyu, Liang Yuling, Zhang Xinran, and Li Yihua, led by coach Yang Shujing.
On March 20th, The third-place game consisted of Fo Guang University(FGU) versus Chinese Culture University(PCCU). This game was also the final battle of Wang Jinting's in her college basketball career. She scored 25 points in three quarters, plus the freshman guard Li Yihua shot a buzzer-beater. After three quarters, FGU had a lead of 6 points. However, our team could not stop PPCU’s Comeback in the 4th quarter. Finally, FGU won 4th place with 62:74 in UBA.
It was a dazzling performance that Wang Jingting scored a season-high 32 points with 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Coach Yang Shujing wept in the postgame interview. She said “They must be tired! The past three years were not easy. In season, it’s really difficult to get 10 people to practice from beginning to now. The bench players are not experienced as well. Everyone was working hard to get better. I am very grateful for their efforts.”
President Ho Jow-Fei, who attended the game for two days to cheer for the players, said “Thank you for your efforts! Each point is the result of your daily efforts. Either victory or defeat is a process. The biggest importance is that FGU brought everybody a wonderful and respectable game! I also thank all of the fans and Fo Guang people from Taiwan or abroad for supporting the FGU Women's Basketball Team. It was they that made the two-day games heart-warming.”
Launching of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature, FGU
On March 21, Fo Guang University and Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise held the world's first new book launch of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature at FGU. Initiated by Professor Hsiao Li-Hua, Dean of FGU College of Humanities, a total of 22 experts and scholars in the study of Buddhist literature from all over the country were recruited. After four years of collective efforts, the first volume of the unprecedented masterpiece History of Chinese Buddhist Literature was finally completed, which can be described as the literary event of the century.
The publication of this book has also caused a sensation in the Buddhist circle and Literature field at home and abroad. History of Chinese Buddhist Literature has compiled and sorted out the integration and interaction of Buddhist scripture translation literature, monastic literature creation, and Buddhist literature works of literati since the spread of Buddhism to the east more than a thousand years ago. After a long period of careful discussion and weighting every word, scholars and experts launched this literature history reference book suitable for the general public to read, and with college education level. It not only makes up for the neglect of Buddhist literature in the Chinese literary tradition but also completes the many wishes Buddhist literature researchers have.
President Ho Jow-Fei pointed out that History of Chinese Buddhist Literature was called and written by Professor Hsiao Li-Hua, Dean of Fo Guang University's College of Humanities. At the beginning of its compilation, this book was positioned as "a book for basic university education". Therefore, the content was made simple and clear. The chapter compendium counts with sharp definitions of categories, attending simultaneously to the quality of academic research and the content of basic Buddhist knowledge. In the future, we will continue to implement the concept of combining academic majors with Buddhist studies, echoing the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism that Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, promotes via education.
Venerable Yi Kong, president of Fo Guang Culture Enterprise, was also invited to give a speech, mentioning that Venerable Master Hsing Yun is very concerned about Buddhist literature. When he heard that Professor Wu Guangzheng of Wuhan University was going to write History of Chinese Religious Literature covering Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and other religions a few years ago, he immediately prepared a room for Professor Wu at the Fo Guang Shan Pilgrim's Lodge, and provided all the resources, so that Professor Wu could write in peace for a year. When Professor Sun Changwu, a researcher of Buddhist literature from Nankai University, visited Fo Guang Shan, he received him with joy, and eagerly discussed with him the possible development of Buddhist literature. These all show the importance Venerable Master Hsing Yun gives to Buddhist literature and his expectations of it.
Dean Hsiao Li-Hua, who led the planning and writing of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature, said that the publication of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature not only makes up for the pity of not reading Buddhist literature in traditional Chinese literature history but also opens up new opportunities in Chinese literature history. She hopes to provide a platform for the academic exchange of Buddhist literature so that the wisdom of Buddhist literature can be reflected in ancient and modern times and passed on from generation to generation.
FGU Has Won the Dissertation Dissemination Award of “Taiwan Academic Resource Influence” for 7 Consecutive Years – Authorization Rate of Full Text: 1st in the Private University Group.
The National Central Library held the "Taiwan Academic Resource Influence Conference" on March 28. The electronic authorization rate of FGU's dissertation was 100%, which was awarded the "2022 Taiwan Academic Resource Influence" Dissertation Dissemination Award – The Authorization Rate : The first place in the private university group. Lin Yuquan, the representative of Library Collection Management and Services Division, attended to receive the award.
"Taiwan Academic Resource Influence" aims to commend public and private universities, technical and vocational colleges, and publishing units for highlighting the extraordinary contributions of award-winning units to academic resources and research and being best role models from all walks of life. President Ho Jow-Fei said “Thanks to efforts of all teachers and students, FGU has won the ‘Taiwan Academic Resource Influence’ award for seven consecutive years.”
The National Central Library is a legal depository library. It has a rich and complete collection of domestic publications. Based on the concept of information disclosure and promotion of resource utilization to enhance the practical value of the collection, this library builds the "National Digital Library of Thesis and Dissertations in Taiwan(NDLDT)”, "Taiwan citation Index - Humanities and Social Science”, and “NCL Taiwan Periodical Literature". It collects more than millions of bibliographical data, and more than one million full-text electronic documents to analyze the impact of various academic resources. It shows dissertations, published publications on humanities and society, college teachers' works and students’ papers, and the use of research topics in recent years.
In order to support the government's implementation of the degree-awarding law policy, FGU keeps the dissertation intact to promote academic dissemination. After the graduate students complete the examination, they must upload the electronic files to NDLDT. Our school library must conduct a tedious and sophisticated review of each electronic thesis to ensure the quality and send it to the National Central Library. Therefore, the adoption rate is increasing so as to promote knowledge sharing and utilization. FGU will keep moving to enhance the influence of Taiwan's academic resources.
Outstanding University Students: Weng Haoyu & Lian Yurou
March 29th is Taiwan's Youth Day. In order to commend outstanding young people from all walks of life, the China Youth Corps specially held the "2022 Youth Day Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference" in various places. Commendations included the National Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference and the County and City Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference. Talents of different circles were gathered together and shared the honor. Weng Haoyu, a senior student from FGU Department of Chinese Literature and Application, and Lian Yurou, a junior student in the Department of Psychology, won the awards and were recognized as "National Outstanding Youth Representative of Colleges and Universities" and "Outstanding Youth Representative of County and City" respectively.
Weng Haoyu, as the 19th president, led the Department of Chinese Literature and Application Students Association to win second place in the 2020 Academic Year On-campus Evaluation of Autonomous Organizations and its Special Activity Award. With such achievements, he won this year's "National Outstanding Youth Representative of Colleges and Universities" honor. During his four years of study, he participated in various clubs at the university, spanning four types of clubs. Upholding FGU's concept of Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, and combining them with the humanistic spirit of his major, he has put altruism first. He said that while participating in club activities, he learned to understand the growing range and change space of things; and through the experience of the club and the interaction between partners, the contacts were more in-depth.
Lian Yurou, student from the Department of Psychology, who was awarded the "Outstanding Youth Representative of County and City", also joined more than one club at the beginning of her freshman year. Because of her cheerful and optimistic personality, and her love for serving people, she joined FGU Angel Volunteer Team. From a member, she eventually became the leader of the Team. In the most severe year of the pandemic, she still led FGU Angel Volunteer Team to overcome the challenges and held a total of 13 volunteer activities. Under her leadership, FGU Angel Volunteer Team even won first place in the 2020 Academic Year On-campus Evaluation. The excellence and enthusiasm in service of the two students were recognized by the National Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference.
Ho Jow-Fei, President of Fo Guang University, greatly encouraged the students for their excellent performance. Participating in club activities is a good way to learn how to do things and interact with people. He especially thanked Weng Haoyu and Lian Yurou for their engagement in FGU’s clubs, as they allowed more people to visualize the passionate spirit of FGU club people and serve as an example for peers and younger students.
FGU Hong Kong Master's program was launched online, and the LOHAS Master's program is officially recruiting!
On April 15, an online opening ceremony took place for FGU Hong Kong Master's program. In addition to the original Buddhist program, a new Master's program of the College of LOHAS Industry was launched this year. About 60 people attended it. Ho Jow-Fei, the president of FGU, led school teachers and Hong Kong and Macau Chief Abbess Venerable Yong Fu to hold an online opening ceremony for the students.
In his opening speech, Ho Jow-Fei, President of FGU, specifically mentioned that Venerable Master Hsing Yun's ideas of founding the university are to“Impart wisdom to self, and bequeath university to society ". He also said that the Master's program in Hong Kong has been launched for three years. Apart from the Master's program of the College of Buddhist Studies, a new Master's program of the College of LOHAS Industry has been launched. It is the first industrial college that promotes the concept of LOHAS. Although teachers and students are isolated during the pandemic, President Ho Jow-Fei looks forward to teaching courses face-to-face with students in Hong Kong after the slowdown of the pandemic. He worked hard for everyone to learn together. Lastly, he wishes that everyone gain a lot of accomplishments at FGU.
Venerable Yong Fu, Hong Kong, and Macau Chief Abbess said “For Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founding universities is to educate and figure out talents. He encouraged students to stay true to themselves, study diligently in this period of life, break through their own abilities from the pressure of life, grasp life through learning, and keep a positive heart in society.”
During the ceremony, directors of departments introduced teachers, course contents, and features. Cheng Wei-Yi, director of the Department of Buddhist Studies, introduced teachers and course requirements for Master's program, and hoped that the students could successfully complete the course. She mentioned that the educational characteristics of the Department of Buddhist Studies are based on classic ideas, and in-depth research on Tibetan Buddhism and Humanistic Buddhism, which can be practically applied in daily life.
And Wang Yating, director of the FGU Department of Future Studies and LOHAS Industry, introduced the teachers and course content of each class. Chan Yawen, Deputy International Director of the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs, introduced the professional core competencies of the College of LOHAS Industries’M.A. classes in Hong Kong. The goals of the courses, unique in the world, rely on LOHAS concept identification and practical ability, business management, basic knowledge of the industry, service, and innovation are the goals.
Alliance to Create a Future Healthy Life: FGU and the Yuli Branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital
On May 5 under the leadership of President Hu Zongming, the Yuli Branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital signed a strategic alliance with Fo Guang University. Ho Jow-Fei, FGU President, led R&D Office Director Jan Pi Tzong, College of Management Dean Lo Chi, College of Lohas Industries Dean Shu Shing Jia, and other related teachers to attend and witness this important event!
When signing the strategic alliance, President Hu Zongming pointed out that with the development of medical health promotion, people's health awareness has improved. People want to live a better life, so the demand for health promotion and LOHAS is gradually increasing. In the past, FGU has offered relevant master’s credit classes in the Yuli Branch of the hospital. Also, he has worked closely with the Fo Guang University Extension Education Center to offer a series of courses about aromatherapy with essential oils across the country to teach people how to relieve pain properly. He is very moved and agrees with the professionalism and social practice mission of each department of Fo Guang University. Today, he is honored to choose Fo Guang University as an important strategic partner of the hospital in the eastern region.
President Ho Jow-Fei said that Fo Guang University is deeply cultivated in the Lanyang Plain. In recent years, FGU has also made a strategic alliance with Bohai Hospital, an important medical institution in the Yilan area. The two parties have combined educational and medical resources to promote a LOHAS life for the people. According to Global Views Monthly, FGU is already the most popular university for enterprises in Eastern Taiwan. Therefore, the medical team from Hualian and Taitung led by Dean Hu today provides Fo Guang University with an important opportunity and mission to complement the social practice in those areas. President Ho pointed out that in the future, the two parties will connect their resources, strengthen alliances, build a platform for education and health, and practice and deepen the academic, university-industry, and talent cultivation cooperation.
FGU 22nd Anniversary Online Celebration: Bathing the Buddha to Pray for Peace
April 8 of the lunar calendar is the birth date of Sakyamuni Buddha, also known as Buddha's Birthday. Two years ago, FGU designated the Buddha's Birthday as its anniversary in gratitude for the support of devotees of the ten directions, being the first university in the country to use a lunar calendar date as its anniversary. FGU celebrates Buddha's Birthday by holding a Buddha Bathing Ceremony. As the pandemic has not yet eased, the celebration ceremony has been completely changed to online. A week-long Buddha bathing has been held on campus, allowing teachers and students to pour water on the little Buddha, offering worship to the Buddha, symbolizing the cleansing of people's hearts, the pursuit of wisdom and peace, and praying for the end of the pandemic and the war.
On the morning of May 6, president Ho led the teachers to bathe the Buddha devoutly. He expressed that by holding a simple Buddha bathing on campus, teachers, students, and colleagues can purify their minds to do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts. He also prayed for the safety and well-being of the faculty and staff, and the restoration of peace to the world ravaged by the pandemic.
In the special area for the 22nd anniversary of FGU, the abbot of Fo Guang Shan,
Most Venerable Hsin Bao, the chairman of Fo Guang University, Venerable Tzu Hui, and the president of Fo Guang Shan University Consortium, Yung Chaur-Shin were specially invited to give blessings to Fo Guang University and commend the senior service faculty colleagues who have served for ten or twenty years. In addition, Weng Haoyu and Lian Yurou, Outstanding University Students of 2022, in company with FGU Angel Volunteer Team and the Department of History Student Association, clubs that had magnificent performances at the 2022 National Club Evaluation were invited to share online.
Most Venerable Hsin Bao said that the most important way to change one’s life is through education. Education can make one improve, progress, and grow. Under the low birthrate situation where enrollment is not easy, it is very commendable that Fo Guang University keeps cultivating talents for the country and society. Education is a century-old career, so today, on the 22nd anniversary of the university, he hopes that everyone can continue working together in the spirit of Ven. Master Hsing Yun’s idea of education, and contributing our efforts toward education.
The chairman of Fo Guang University, Master Ci Hui, first wished the whole institution a happy birthday, peace, and happiness! He shared the details of the school's establishment and school planning. The past 22 years have been like a beautiful dream. Under the advocacy of millions of people to make education possible led by Ven. Master, people all over the world support the university. Consequently, this campus is much more than the beauty we have seen; the most beautiful is the kindness and caring of those people who support the education of young people. Therefore, it is a beautiful affinity for faculty, staff, and students who can immerse in such a beautiful environment. He looks forward to everyone's life being in accordance with their merits and virtues, forming good karma and happiness!
President Yung Chaur-Shin said that in these 22 years, Fo Guang University can be said to have reached extraordinary achievements! FGU upholds the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Giving as the main principle of cultivating talents. In order to allow students to study, it also provides very favorable public fees. Therefore, over the years, FGU has gradually built its reputation! The way of university management is the joint efforts of the whole institution. Teachers work hard on teaching and research, while students study hard, and make more efforts and learn for their future careers. He looks forward to FGU's new situations under the experienced management of President Ho.
President Ho Jow-Fei said that the anniversary of Fo Guang University is very special. It is the only one in the world that is set by the lunar calendar! In order to thank all Buddhists for their dedication to society and education, we chose Buddha's birthday as our school anniversary. At this time every year, we remind all our faculty, staff, and students to imitate the Buddha's spirit of compassion, contribute to education, understand that education resources are hard to come by, and thank all the people who support the university.
Fo Guang University has gone through 22 years. With the efforts of its past presidents, it has cultivated many outstanding alumni, who are shining in all walks of life. Fo Guang University hopes that everyone will continue to uphold the founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun's spirit of “Impart wisdom to self, and bequeath university to society ", and continue to cultivate talents for the country and society.
2022 FGU Admissions Interview: FGU Freshmen Enter the Campus
On May 27th, Fo Guang University held its annual admission application interview. Despite the rainy season, the heavy rain did not dampen the expectations of professors and candidates. Not only did some families come to Fo Guang University the day before to experience the beauty of the campus, but some candidates expressed that they only wanted to study at FGU. President Ho Jow-Fei and the three vice-presidents personally visited the examination venues of each department, expressing their welcome to parents and candidates.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, comprehensive campus disinfection was carried out before the interviews. Moreover, special test rooms for epidemic prevention were provided, overseas candidates could apply for video interviews, and overseas seniors were arranged to share their overseas study experience via videoconferences.
"Choosing Fo Guang University is a very correct choice." President Ho expressed that the FGU teaching environment and faculty team have earned recognition among enterprises and parents every year, and the salaries of graduates are higher than the average of all Taiwan universities. FGU is a very high-quality private university. The international competitiveness backed by Fo Guang Shan is its strength. Fo Guang Shan University Consortium covers the whole world, including six schools or education centers in five regions, including the United States, Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and more than 300 universities around the world. All these resources allow FGU students to have more abroad learning opportunities.
Despite being a private university, Fo Guang University has public quality and fees, as well as various scholarships and grants, helping disadvantaged students to study without worry. An interview is just a new starting point in a life journey. President Ho looks forward to seeing everyone on campus in the future. Choosing a department one likes will be an important turning point in one’s future life development. Choose FGU, let the future shine!
1111 Job Bank released the rating of "2022 Favorite Universities of Enterprises". According to the survey, Fo Guang University(FGU) once again ranked among the "Employers' Favorite Universities in Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and outlying Islands", being the best private school for employers in Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung. In keeping with the Annual Graduates’ Career Development Survey of The Ministry of Education (MOE), the average employment rate and salary of FGU graduates with a Bachelor's or Master’s degree are higher than the average value. One year after graduation, the average salary of students graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's is NT36,000, and 62,000 respectively. Both are higher than the national average.
Due to the pandemic, many families are facing unprecedented economic challenges. FGU, run by Fo Guang Shan, attaches great importance to the concern of education in turning around life. Therefore, as long as students focus on learning, their families’ economy is not a problem! There are also a total of 90 plans for subsidies in and out of the university. Additionally, FGU received more than 6 million NT, the highest subsidy from MOE, for disadvantaged students. Unlike other universities, which recruit students with elite academic scholarships, FGU attaches importance to every child's schooling opportunity!
A number of enterprises proactively recruit interdisciplinary talents. How make learning fully flexible and seeing what the society needs can develop talents sustainability. Therefore, Fo Guang University(FGU) overcomes the hurdle between departments and implements the “Study Program 2.0”, which systematically arranges each student to study interdisciplinary majors, including the majors of departments, college majors, and courses of foreign departments, so graduates have at least two strengths. In addition, FGU promotes the integration of academies/residential colleges and colleges so that students improve morality and capabilities. Students should build their uniqueness in order to be the indispensable ones adapting to the world development during the post-pandemic era!
“Fo Guang University(FGU) has been established for 22 years. Our school regularly appears in the ranking of enterprises, which means that our teachers’ efficiency and students' efforts have been deeply recognized by enterprises!", Ho Jow-Fei, the President of Fo Guang University, pronounced. At present, some of the outstanding alumni work for public sectors or large private companies, others work abroad and perform well. The recognition of business owners is believed to be an important reference indicator for high school students when choosing a university. Choosing Fo Guang University will be the turning point in your life!
FGU Promotes an innovation of educational model by Cooperative Sandwich Education: Four-Years-Paid Practical Learning in Enterprises for Star-Plan Freshmen
On March 7, Fo Guang University and seven companies held a signing ceremony for An innovation of educational model by Cooperative Sandwich Education, a new program dedicated to training innovative talents. The program is an innovative cultivation model launched by Fo Guang University for the students who enrolled through the Star Plan in Taiwan's College Entrance System. Through paid practical learning that combines the major of their department, and experience and learning of the corporate culture, we cultivate them to be professional talents needed by the enterprises from their freshman year.
Coming from different industries, each enterprise proposed a matching plan for cultivating talents through participatory learning. The enterprises are Sunmake Cultures Foundation, FunDot Technology Co., Ltd., uMaxData, Fethiann Molecule Applied Co., Ltd., BIG Brilliant International Group, Asia Pacific Youth Development Association, and Wellspring by Silks of Silks Hotel Group.
Ho Jow-Fei, president of Fo Guang University, stated that industries will actively recruit talents during the graduation season. Digging up what enterprises really need requires time and accumulation; therefore, this year, Fo Guang University has directly cooperated with the enterprise side. In addition to providing practical environments, the companies also offer four-year scholarships. Both parties look forward to the joint participation of corporate mentors, students, and learning mentors under the framework of apprenticeship and mentoring education to cultivate talents companies truly need!
Fu Chao-Ming, the vice-president of Fo Guang University, specially reported the intention of the program at the meeting. In addition to the reception of different scholarships provided by different companies, those students can more completely explore the professional value of their major, experience and learn about attitudes and career knowledge, and construct the meaning of personal career development. Those who perform well during the program and approve the stage assessments can even be exempt from the probationary period, being able to get immediate employment opportunities. Enroll in Fo Guang University with Star Plan, and future employment is guaranteed to shine!
FGU Women's Basketball Team won 4th place in UBA
In the 2021 academic year, UBA(University Basketball Association) Finals took place at Taipei Arena from March 19th to 20th. Fo Guang University(FGU) has advanced in the final series for five consecutive years. This year's golden lineup includes experienced players Wang Jinting, Huang Qinyu, Liang Yuling, Zhang Xinran, and Li Yihua, led by coach Yang Shujing.
On March 20th, The third-place game consisted of Fo Guang University(FGU) versus Chinese Culture University(PCCU). This game was also the final battle of Wang Jinting's in her college basketball career. She scored 25 points in three quarters, plus the freshman guard Li Yihua shot a buzzer-beater. After three quarters, FGU had a lead of 6 points. However, our team could not stop PPCU’s Comeback in the 4th quarter. Finally, FGU won 4th place with 62:74 in UBA.
It was a dazzling performance that Wang Jingting scored a season-high 32 points with 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Coach Yang Shujing wept in the postgame interview. She said “They must be tired! The past three years were not easy. In season, it’s really difficult to get 10 people to practice from beginning to now. The bench players are not experienced as well. Everyone was working hard to get better. I am very grateful for their efforts.”
President Ho Jow-Fei, who attended the game for two days to cheer for the players, said “Thank you for your efforts! Each point is the result of your daily efforts. Either victory or defeat is a process. The biggest importance is that FGU brought everybody a wonderful and respectable game! I also thank all of the fans and Fo Guang people from Taiwan or abroad for supporting the FGU Women's Basketball Team. It was they that made the two-day games heart-warming.”
Launching of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature, FGU
On March 21, Fo Guang University and Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise held the world's first new book launch of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature at FGU. Initiated by Professor Hsiao Li-Hua, Dean of FGU College of Humanities, a total of 22 experts and scholars in the study of Buddhist literature from all over the country were recruited. After four years of collective efforts, the first volume of the unprecedented masterpiece History of Chinese Buddhist Literature was finally completed, which can be described as the literary event of the century.
The publication of this book has also caused a sensation in the Buddhist circle and Literature field at home and abroad. History of Chinese Buddhist Literature has compiled and sorted out the integration and interaction of Buddhist scripture translation literature, monastic literature creation, and Buddhist literature works of literati since the spread of Buddhism to the east more than a thousand years ago. After a long period of careful discussion and weighting every word, scholars and experts launched this literature history reference book suitable for the general public to read, and with college education level. It not only makes up for the neglect of Buddhist literature in the Chinese literary tradition but also completes the many wishes Buddhist literature researchers have.
President Ho Jow-Fei pointed out that History of Chinese Buddhist Literature was called and written by Professor Hsiao Li-Hua, Dean of Fo Guang University's College of Humanities. At the beginning of its compilation, this book was positioned as "a book for basic university education". Therefore, the content was made simple and clear. The chapter compendium counts with sharp definitions of categories, attending simultaneously to the quality of academic research and the content of basic Buddhist knowledge. In the future, we will continue to implement the concept of combining academic majors with Buddhist studies, echoing the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism that Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, promotes via education.
Venerable Yi Kong, president of Fo Guang Culture Enterprise, was also invited to give a speech, mentioning that Venerable Master Hsing Yun is very concerned about Buddhist literature. When he heard that Professor Wu Guangzheng of Wuhan University was going to write History of Chinese Religious Literature covering Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and other religions a few years ago, he immediately prepared a room for Professor Wu at the Fo Guang Shan Pilgrim's Lodge, and provided all the resources, so that Professor Wu could write in peace for a year. When Professor Sun Changwu, a researcher of Buddhist literature from Nankai University, visited Fo Guang Shan, he received him with joy, and eagerly discussed with him the possible development of Buddhist literature. These all show the importance Venerable Master Hsing Yun gives to Buddhist literature and his expectations of it.
Dean Hsiao Li-Hua, who led the planning and writing of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature, said that the publication of History of Chinese Buddhist Literature not only makes up for the pity of not reading Buddhist literature in traditional Chinese literature history but also opens up new opportunities in Chinese literature history. She hopes to provide a platform for the academic exchange of Buddhist literature so that the wisdom of Buddhist literature can be reflected in ancient and modern times and passed on from generation to generation.
FGU Has Won the Dissertation Dissemination Award of “Taiwan Academic Resource Influence” for 7 Consecutive Years – Authorization Rate of Full Text: 1st in the Private University Group.
The National Central Library held the "Taiwan Academic Resource Influence Conference" on March 28. The electronic authorization rate of FGU's dissertation was 100%, which was awarded the "2022 Taiwan Academic Resource Influence" Dissertation Dissemination Award – The Authorization Rate : The first place in the private university group. Lin Yuquan, the representative of Library Collection Management and Services Division, attended to receive the award.
"Taiwan Academic Resource Influence" aims to commend public and private universities, technical and vocational colleges, and publishing units for highlighting the extraordinary contributions of award-winning units to academic resources and research and being best role models from all walks of life. President Ho Jow-Fei said “Thanks to efforts of all teachers and students, FGU has won the ‘Taiwan Academic Resource Influence’ award for seven consecutive years.”
The National Central Library is a legal depository library. It has a rich and complete collection of domestic publications. Based on the concept of information disclosure and promotion of resource utilization to enhance the practical value of the collection, this library builds the "National Digital Library of Thesis and Dissertations in Taiwan(NDLDT)”, "Taiwan citation Index - Humanities and Social Science”, and “NCL Taiwan Periodical Literature". It collects more than millions of bibliographical data, and more than one million full-text electronic documents to analyze the impact of various academic resources. It shows dissertations, published publications on humanities and society, college teachers' works and students’ papers, and the use of research topics in recent years.
In order to support the government's implementation of the degree-awarding law policy, FGU keeps the dissertation intact to promote academic dissemination. After the graduate students complete the examination, they must upload the electronic files to NDLDT. Our school library must conduct a tedious and sophisticated review of each electronic thesis to ensure the quality and send it to the National Central Library. Therefore, the adoption rate is increasing so as to promote knowledge sharing and utilization. FGU will keep moving to enhance the influence of Taiwan's academic resources.
Outstanding University Students: Weng Haoyu & Lian Yurou
March 29th is Taiwan's Youth Day. In order to commend outstanding young people from all walks of life, the China Youth Corps specially held the "2022 Youth Day Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference" in various places. Commendations included the National Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference and the County and City Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference. Talents of different circles were gathered together and shared the honor. Weng Haoyu, a senior student from FGU Department of Chinese Literature and Application, and Lian Yurou, a junior student in the Department of Psychology, won the awards and were recognized as "National Outstanding Youth Representative of Colleges and Universities" and "Outstanding Youth Representative of County and City" respectively.
Weng Haoyu, as the 19th president, led the Department of Chinese Literature and Application Students Association to win second place in the 2020 Academic Year On-campus Evaluation of Autonomous Organizations and its Special Activity Award. With such achievements, he won this year's "National Outstanding Youth Representative of Colleges and Universities" honor. During his four years of study, he participated in various clubs at the university, spanning four types of clubs. Upholding FGU's concept of Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, and combining them with the humanistic spirit of his major, he has put altruism first. He said that while participating in club activities, he learned to understand the growing range and change space of things; and through the experience of the club and the interaction between partners, the contacts were more in-depth.
Lian Yurou, student from the Department of Psychology, who was awarded the "Outstanding Youth Representative of County and City", also joined more than one club at the beginning of her freshman year. Because of her cheerful and optimistic personality, and her love for serving people, she joined FGU Angel Volunteer Team. From a member, she eventually became the leader of the Team. In the most severe year of the pandemic, she still led FGU Angel Volunteer Team to overcome the challenges and held a total of 13 volunteer activities. Under her leadership, FGU Angel Volunteer Team even won first place in the 2020 Academic Year On-campus Evaluation. The excellence and enthusiasm in service of the two students were recognized by the National Outstanding Youth Commendation Conference.
Ho Jow-Fei, President of Fo Guang University, greatly encouraged the students for their excellent performance. Participating in club activities is a good way to learn how to do things and interact with people. He especially thanked Weng Haoyu and Lian Yurou for their engagement in FGU’s clubs, as they allowed more people to visualize the passionate spirit of FGU club people and serve as an example for peers and younger students.
FGU Hong Kong Master's program was launched online, and the LOHAS Master's program is officially recruiting!
On April 15, an online opening ceremony took place for FGU Hong Kong Master's program. In addition to the original Buddhist program, a new Master's program of the College of LOHAS Industry was launched this year. About 60 people attended it. Ho Jow-Fei, the president of FGU, led school teachers and Hong Kong and Macau Chief Abbess Venerable Yong Fu to hold an online opening ceremony for the students.
In his opening speech, Ho Jow-Fei, President of FGU, specifically mentioned that Venerable Master Hsing Yun's ideas of founding the university are to“Impart wisdom to self, and bequeath university to society ". He also said that the Master's program in Hong Kong has been launched for three years. Apart from the Master's program of the College of Buddhist Studies, a new Master's program of the College of LOHAS Industry has been launched. It is the first industrial college that promotes the concept of LOHAS. Although teachers and students are isolated during the pandemic, President Ho Jow-Fei looks forward to teaching courses face-to-face with students in Hong Kong after the slowdown of the pandemic. He worked hard for everyone to learn together. Lastly, he wishes that everyone gain a lot of accomplishments at FGU.
Venerable Yong Fu, Hong Kong, and Macau Chief Abbess said “For Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founding universities is to educate and figure out talents. He encouraged students to stay true to themselves, study diligently in this period of life, break through their own abilities from the pressure of life, grasp life through learning, and keep a positive heart in society.”
During the ceremony, directors of departments introduced teachers, course contents, and features. Cheng Wei-Yi, director of the Department of Buddhist Studies, introduced teachers and course requirements for Master's program, and hoped that the students could successfully complete the course. She mentioned that the educational characteristics of the Department of Buddhist Studies are based on classic ideas, and in-depth research on Tibetan Buddhism and Humanistic Buddhism, which can be practically applied in daily life.
And Wang Yating, director of the FGU Department of Future Studies and LOHAS Industry, introduced the teachers and course content of each class. Chan Yawen, Deputy International Director of the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs, introduced the professional core competencies of the College of LOHAS Industries’M.A. classes in Hong Kong. The goals of the courses, unique in the world, rely on LOHAS concept identification and practical ability, business management, basic knowledge of the industry, service, and innovation are the goals.
Alliance to Create a Future Healthy Life: FGU and the Yuli Branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital
On May 5 under the leadership of President Hu Zongming, the Yuli Branch of Taipei Veterans General Hospital signed a strategic alliance with Fo Guang University. Ho Jow-Fei, FGU President, led R&D Office Director Jan Pi Tzong, College of Management Dean Lo Chi, College of Lohas Industries Dean Shu Shing Jia, and other related teachers to attend and witness this important event!
When signing the strategic alliance, President Hu Zongming pointed out that with the development of medical health promotion, people's health awareness has improved. People want to live a better life, so the demand for health promotion and LOHAS is gradually increasing. In the past, FGU has offered relevant master’s credit classes in the Yuli Branch of the hospital. Also, he has worked closely with the Fo Guang University Extension Education Center to offer a series of courses about aromatherapy with essential oils across the country to teach people how to relieve pain properly. He is very moved and agrees with the professionalism and social practice mission of each department of Fo Guang University. Today, he is honored to choose Fo Guang University as an important strategic partner of the hospital in the eastern region.
President Ho Jow-Fei said that Fo Guang University is deeply cultivated in the Lanyang Plain. In recent years, FGU has also made a strategic alliance with Bohai Hospital, an important medical institution in the Yilan area. The two parties have combined educational and medical resources to promote a LOHAS life for the people. According to Global Views Monthly, FGU is already the most popular university for enterprises in Eastern Taiwan. Therefore, the medical team from Hualian and Taitung led by Dean Hu today provides Fo Guang University with an important opportunity and mission to complement the social practice in those areas. President Ho pointed out that in the future, the two parties will connect their resources, strengthen alliances, build a platform for education and health, and practice and deepen the academic, university-industry, and talent cultivation cooperation.
FGU 22nd Anniversary Online Celebration: Bathing the Buddha to Pray for Peace
April 8 of the lunar calendar is the birth date of Sakyamuni Buddha, also known as Buddha's Birthday. Two years ago, FGU designated the Buddha's Birthday as its anniversary in gratitude for the support of devotees of the ten directions, being the first university in the country to use a lunar calendar date as its anniversary. FGU celebrates Buddha's Birthday by holding a Buddha Bathing Ceremony. As the pandemic has not yet eased, the celebration ceremony has been completely changed to online. A week-long Buddha bathing has been held on campus, allowing teachers and students to pour water on the little Buddha, offering worship to the Buddha, symbolizing the cleansing of people's hearts, the pursuit of wisdom and peace, and praying for the end of the pandemic and the war.
On the morning of May 6, president Ho led the teachers to bathe the Buddha devoutly. He expressed that by holding a simple Buddha bathing on campus, teachers, students, and colleagues can purify their minds to do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts. He also prayed for the safety and well-being of the faculty and staff, and the restoration of peace to the world ravaged by the pandemic.
In the special area for the 22nd anniversary of FGU, the abbot of Fo Guang Shan,
Most Venerable Hsin Bao, the chairman of Fo Guang University, Venerable Tzu Hui, and the president of Fo Guang Shan University Consortium, Yung Chaur-Shin were specially invited to give blessings to Fo Guang University and commend the senior service faculty colleagues who have served for ten or twenty years. In addition, Weng Haoyu and Lian Yurou, Outstanding University Students of 2022, in company with FGU Angel Volunteer Team and the Department of History Student Association, clubs that had magnificent performances at the 2022 National Club Evaluation were invited to share online.
Most Venerable Hsin Bao said that the most important way to change one’s life is through education. Education can make one improve, progress, and grow. Under the low birthrate situation where enrollment is not easy, it is very commendable that Fo Guang University keeps cultivating talents for the country and society. Education is a century-old career, so today, on the 22nd anniversary of the university, he hopes that everyone can continue working together in the spirit of Ven. Master Hsing Yun’s idea of education, and contributing our efforts toward education.
The chairman of Fo Guang University, Master Ci Hui, first wished the whole institution a happy birthday, peace, and happiness! He shared the details of the school's establishment and school planning. The past 22 years have been like a beautiful dream. Under the advocacy of millions of people to make education possible led by Ven. Master, people all over the world support the university. Consequently, this campus is much more than the beauty we have seen; the most beautiful is the kindness and caring of those people who support the education of young people. Therefore, it is a beautiful affinity for faculty, staff, and students who can immerse in such a beautiful environment. He looks forward to everyone's life being in accordance with their merits and virtues, forming good karma and happiness!
President Yung Chaur-Shin said that in these 22 years, Fo Guang University can be said to have reached extraordinary achievements! FGU upholds the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Giving as the main principle of cultivating talents. In order to allow students to study, it also provides very favorable public fees. Therefore, over the years, FGU has gradually built its reputation! The way of university management is the joint efforts of the whole institution. Teachers work hard on teaching and research, while students study hard, and make more efforts and learn for their future careers. He looks forward to FGU's new situations under the experienced management of President Ho.
President Ho Jow-Fei said that the anniversary of Fo Guang University is very special. It is the only one in the world that is set by the lunar calendar! In order to thank all Buddhists for their dedication to society and education, we chose Buddha's birthday as our school anniversary. At this time every year, we remind all our faculty, staff, and students to imitate the Buddha's spirit of compassion, contribute to education, understand that education resources are hard to come by, and thank all the people who support the university.
Fo Guang University has gone through 22 years. With the efforts of its past presidents, it has cultivated many outstanding alumni, who are shining in all walks of life. Fo Guang University hopes that everyone will continue to uphold the founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun's spirit of “Impart wisdom to self, and bequeath university to society ", and continue to cultivate talents for the country and society.
2022 FGU Admissions Interview: FGU Freshmen Enter the Campus
On May 27th, Fo Guang University held its annual admission application interview. Despite the rainy season, the heavy rain did not dampen the expectations of professors and candidates. Not only did some families come to Fo Guang University the day before to experience the beauty of the campus, but some candidates expressed that they only wanted to study at FGU. President Ho Jow-Fei and the three vice-presidents personally visited the examination venues of each department, expressing their welcome to parents and candidates.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, comprehensive campus disinfection was carried out before the interviews. Moreover, special test rooms for epidemic prevention were provided, overseas candidates could apply for video interviews, and overseas seniors were arranged to share their overseas study experience via videoconferences.
"Choosing Fo Guang University is a very correct choice." President Ho expressed that the FGU teaching environment and faculty team have earned recognition among enterprises and parents every year, and the salaries of graduates are higher than the average of all Taiwan universities. FGU is a very high-quality private university. The international competitiveness backed by Fo Guang Shan is its strength. Fo Guang Shan University Consortium covers the whole world, including six schools or education centers in five regions, including the United States, Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and more than 300 universities around the world. All these resources allow FGU students to have more abroad learning opportunities.
Despite being a private university, Fo Guang University has public quality and fees, as well as various scholarships and grants, helping disadvantaged students to study without worry. An interview is just a new starting point in a life journey. President Ho looks forward to seeing everyone on campus in the future. Choosing a department one likes will be an important turning point in one’s future life development. Choose FGU, let the future shine!