Ingdan co-founder donates NT$10 million to Tunghai University for AI talent cultivation

Jeffrey Cheng, co-founder of Ingdan and chairman of the Dadu Mountain Society, has committed NT$10 million to Tunghai University to cultivate AI talent. This follows his previous donations of over NT$5 million through the "Zhaohua Tunghai Fund." The new initiative aims to nurture 100 cross-disciplinary, cross-grade liberal arts AI talents each year.

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In the AI era, we must rediscover 'human education.'

Cheng, a 1978 graduate of Tunghai's Chemical Engineering department, has a long history of supporting his alma mater. Since founding the Dadu Mountain Society in 2015, he has annually donated millions of New Taiwan dollars to university departments. The recent NT$10 million pledge, signed with Tunghai University President Chang Kuo-en, will support the "2e Residential Learning" program within the liberal arts college.

Cheng cited Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' reflection that a year at Harvard provided a more profound impact than specialized study at MIT, highlighting the enduring value of liberal arts education. He believes this approach is crucial for navigating the AI era.

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Compared to specialized study at MIT, a year of liberal arts education at Harvard had a more profound impact on my life, truly illustrating the value of liberal arts education.

Tunghai University President Chang Kuo-en stressed the importance of integrating AI with the university's 70-year liberal arts tradition. He stated that students should not only "use AI" but also learn to "judge AI" and "master AI." Chang emphasized that AI and liberal arts are not opposing forces but complementary strengths, enabling students to discern important questions and uphold essential values.

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We want students not only to 'use AI' but also to understand how to judge AI and master AI, knowing what questions are worth pursuing and what values must be upheld. AI and liberal arts are not two opposing paths, but two forces.