【Bo-jun Zhuang, Shao-qi Zhang, Tamsui Campus Report】The Graduate Institute of Future Studies held the “Second Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Futures Network” from Mar. 10-11 in the Chueh-sheng International Conference Hall. The international forum invited 30 educators from 15 different countries of the Asia-Pacific region to discuss possible future ideas and events involving society, small businesses and industries along with possible issues and challenges. This academic exchange gave an opportunity to share invaluable research and experience.

Director of the Graduate Institute of Future Studies, Kuo-hua Chen, expressed, “There is no question that the modern study of future projections was first initiated in the west, especially including America. Yet, in the last 20 years future studies in Asia has become increasingly more popular and continues to rapidly mature. From Tamkang University’s Graduate Institute of Future Studies, South Korea’s New Vision, Singapore’s Office of Future Projections, Malaysia’s National Science, Iran’s National University Vision Project and more, we can see that the study of future events has become a mainstream ideology. These meetings allow us to stimulate new ideas while making adjustments for what is yet to come.”

Vice President of International Affairs, Wan-chin Tai, expressed, “TKU is the number one private university in Taiwan. In the future we will have access to even more resources regarding research. I eagerly anticipate a time when future studies will become more empahsized.” President of the TKU Alumni Association, Ding-chuan Chen, expressed, “Future studies will raise the level of fundamentals in academics, allowing graduating students to resolve pressing societal problems.”