DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Taiwanese student wins Presidential Education Award through music and resilience

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Hong Chu-yu, a music student from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has been awarded the 2026 Presidential Education Award.
  • She was inspired to play the pipa after her sister, who has severe autism, underwent music therapy.
  • Hong Chu-yu uses her music to communicate with her sister and has won numerous national music competitions.

A junior high school student in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has received the prestigious 2026 Presidential Education Award for her dedication to music and her resilient spirit. Hong Chu-yu, a student at Qianjin Junior High School's traditional Chinese music program, found her passion for the pipa, a Chinese lute, through her sister's music therapy.

The moment I found out I won, I was very excited because my efforts were recognized.

— Hong Chu-yuExpressing her feelings upon receiving the Presidential Education Award.

Her older sister, who has severe autism and cannot communicate verbally, responded positively to music. Witnessing her sister's joy inspired Hong Chu-yu to learn the pipa. She began her musical journey in elementary school and, with the guidance of her teacher, developed exceptional talent. She now commutes daily by train from her home in Pingtung to attend Qianjin Junior High School, known for its strong traditional Chinese music education.

Despite a long commute that requires her to wake at 6 a.m. and return home around 7 p.m., Hong Chu-yu dedicates one to two hours daily to practicing the pipa. She finds motivation in her sister's reactions to her music, which include smiling and moving joyfully. This connection fuels her desire to pursue music therapy in the future.

Hong Chu-yu's musical sensitivity and focus are excellent. Despite commuting every day during junior high school, she has achieved excellent results in academics, music, and character education. The award is well-deserved.

— You Hui-wenThe academic affairs director praising Hong Chu-yu's achievements.

Hong Chu-yu's achievements extend beyond her personal connection to music. She has won multiple national student music competitions, including first place in pipa solo for elementary students and third place for junior high students. She also served as the student leader for the school's Chinese orchestra and silk and bamboo ensembles, both of which achieved top honors at the national competition. Her academic performance is also excellent, making her award a testament to her well-rounded abilities and perseverance.

Hong Chu-yu is the second student in Qianjin Junior High School's nearly 80-year history to receive the Presidential Education Award. At a young age, she wants to use her music to change lives and help others. Her story of striving and pursuing excellence in adversity is the most worthy example for contemporary youth and the pride of Qianjin!

— Huang Wei-yaThe principal of Qianjin Junior High School highlighting Hong Chu-yu's inspirational story.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog