“Multicultural Campus Project in Taiwan: Social Impact Initiative by DOJO and University of Tsukuba”
The “DOJO in Taiwan” program has announced the pilot implementation of the Multicultural Campus Project Toward Social Impact. This initiative is designed to foster student collaboration in addressing social issues at both national and international levels. The project benefits from support by Mitsui Fudosan and represents a partnership between industry and academia, specifically involving the University of Tsukuba.
Collaboration in Course Development
Course content for the Multicultural Campus Project was developed jointly by Professor Naoko Fujita from the University of Tsukuba’s Institute of Art and Design and Professor Yung-Chi Yen from the Department of Urban Planning at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU).
Field Survey in Taiwan
Between February 8 and 16, a group of 20 students from the University of Tsukuba partnered with 20 students from NCKU for a field survey in Taiwan focusing on shopping culture. Participants engaged in a camp-like environment to promote cultural exchange and collaborative learning. Their research centered around LaLaport Taichung, a shopping mall that showcases the recently introduced Japanese “Jikan Shouhi-gata” (time-consuming) shopping concept. The preliminary research employed a multisensory approach to analyze aspects such as sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste.
Research Methodology
During the investigation, students conducted interviews with shoppers, mall managers, and local government officials to gather insights into urban planning considerations. They evaluated the mall’s art and environmental designs, assessing their impact on the shopping experience and cultural interactions. Additionally, the research involved a comparative analysis of LaLaport’s features, facilities, and accessibility against other shopping locations in Taiwan, including those in Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan.
Key Findings and Proposals
The study identified crucial factors that influence the shopping experience and culminated in proposals aimed at enhancing shopper quality of life while delivering value to stakeholders. The interdisciplinary nature of the student teams fostered innovative ideas, including the use of bioluminescent organisms for lighting solutions and advanced artificial intelligence techniques for improving shopping experiences. The students presented their findings to key stakeholders, including executives from Mitsui Fudosan and local government representatives. Professor Mitsuyasu Kato, Vice President and Executive Director for Education and the Social Impact Program’s focal point, provided feedback on the presentations.
Future Prospects
The outcomes of the Pilot DOJO Program indicate the potential of the Multicultural Campus Project to deliver meaningful educational experiences and promote collaboration between international industry and academia. Anticipation surrounds the development of future cross-border projects aimed at addressing social challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. The initiative ultimately aims to establish six active DOJO Programs globally.
(Source: Tsukuba University News)
