In celebration of the arrival of spring, both Graduate Institutes of Strategic Studies (GISS) and Japanese Studies (GIJS) invited their alumni for a feast of cherry and azalea blossoms on Tamsui Campus last week. Flowers aside, brainpower was also on show. The latter invited Ku Kuan-ming, National Strategic Minister without Portfolio, to give a speech, whereas the former invited three eminent scholars to discuss matters of academic importance on this occasion.

The GIJS managed to summon more than 50 alumni to attend Mr. Ku’s speech, in which he detailed the unique Taiwan-Japan relations from the colonial time until present days in areas of politics, economics, education and culture. He also commented on the current cross-strait tension that may have some implications on Japan and its place in Asian region. Finally, he called for greater integration among various ethnic groups in Taiwan, who, in his view, should put aside any differences for a greater unity. Only through such a unity, he believes, can Taiwan find its ‘identity’ and strength to create a ‘new Taiwan’.

The GISS had over 60 alumni coming from all over Taiwan to attend their special spring gathering, during which NT$ 85,000 was raised for future activities and purchases of journals and other facilities. Their alumni association also elected its chair and three deputy chairs. Between the fundraising and election, they even managed a discussion session having scholars, Professors Hsu Tse-wei , Chang King-yun, and Lin Yu-fang, the Legislator, speaking over strategic issues with all the participants. (Ying-hsueh Hu )