NCHU Hosts 5th Women in Technology Conference to Foster a Diverse and Sustainable Future

On March 8, International Women’s Day, the Taiwan Women in Science and Technology Association, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), and the Chinese Institute of Engineers jointly hosted the 5th Women in Technology Conference at NCHU. Themed "Equity and Inclusion for a Green Future: AI Empowering Diversity and Sustainability," the conference featured seven keynote speeches by outstanding female leaders from academia and industry. The discussions centered on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing green technology, fostering cultural inclusivity, and driving sustainable development.

The event commenced with an inspiring address by Professor Ray-Hua Horng, President of the Taiwan Women in Science and Technology Association, who emphasized the pivotal role of women in technological innovation. Professor Horng highlighted, "In Taiwan, while the proportion of women engaged in AI-related fields is gradually increasing, challenges and opportunities remain. With continued policy support from the government, academia, and the corporate sector, along with improvements in workplace culture and strengthened community networking, more women will be encouraged to pursue and excel in AI-related careers."

NCHU President Fuh-Jyh Jan also addressed the attendees, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. Noting that women now constitute 25% of the university’s faculty. He states, "At NCHU, we uphold the philosophy of ‘a friendly environment, a happy campus.’ To support female researchers, we provide reduced teaching hours during pregnancy and childcare periods. Moving forward, we will continue to create a more inclusive academic environment, support female talent in technology, and align with NSTC policies to enhance research and academic assistance."

Although Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao was unable to attend in person, she conveyed her support through a recorded message, commending the organizers for their ongoing efforts to cultivate a robust network of women in technology, enabling Taiwan's tech talent to gain global recognition and inspiring more young women to join the field. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the development of female tech professionals, stating, "By leveraging industry resources, we can broaden opportunities for women in scientific research and ensure they play a leading role in driving progress both in Taiwan and globally."

Adding to these endorsements, Deputy Minister of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Faa-Jeng Lin, outlined the NSTC’s initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in research, strengthen the development of women in STEM, and create an equitable and inclusive research environment. He stated, "We are dedicated to addressing gender segregation in education and employment within scientific research and continuously refining our policies to help female researchers maximize their potential."

The remarks from these distinguished guests underscored the importance of gender equity in technology and the profound impact of AI on sustainable development.

Leading Experts Discuss AI, Sustainability, and Inclusivity
The conference convened leading experts from government, academia, and industry to explore how AI can drive diversity and sustainability. Professor Yi-Shin Chen from National Tsing Hua University discussed how AI can promote gender equality in education and expand learning opportunities. Professor Chia-Chun Wang from National Sun Yat-sen University shared insights on integrating the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Inner Development Goals (IDGs) to build a more inclusive and equitable future society.

Trista Chen, Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft AI Research Center Taiwan, examined the implementation of "Sustainable AI," explaining how Microsoft's diverse and inclusive strategies enhance AI credibility and innovation. She introduced the "AI for Good" initiative, showcasing AI’s applications in social development and emphasizing the importance of responsible and impactful technology.

Vice President Mei-Yin Chou of Academia Sinica addressed Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero emissions challenge, analyzing key energy transition technologies and AI’s role in achieving carbon neutrality. Hsiang-Ni Wu, senior manager of Cathay Financial Holdings Co., Ltd., discussed AI applications in fintech, highlighting how AI-driven data analytics can improve decision-making accuracy and drive an intelligent, sustainable financial ecosystem.

Professor Ching-Mei Chu from National Taiwan University delved into the applications of AI in emotional intelligence, focusing on emotion recognition and conversational AI. She explored how AI can enhance communication and psychological support, serving as a valuable tool in education, mental health, and social interactions. Additionally, General Manager Ya-Hui Yang examined the role of digital twin technology in personalized healthcare, explaining how it can enhance human well-being through precision medicine and health management.

AI and Green Technology: Key Themes of the Conference
A central theme of the conference was the integration of AI with green technology. Attendees explored how AI can be leveraged to achieve environmental and human sustainability, drive green industry transformation, and ensure equity and inclusivity. The roundtable discussions focused on "Women in AI and Green Energy" and "Leadership Strategies in the AI Era," addressing how to embrace change, make informed decisions, and build psychological resilience.

The conference was orchestrated under the leadership of Chief Organizer Mon-Shu Ho, Director of NCHU’s i-Center for Advanced Science and Technology(i-CAST). She was supported by a distinguished team of female scholars, including Professor Hui-Yu Chen from the Department of Physics, Professor Hui-Yun Sung from the Graduate Institute of Library and Information Science, Professor Shu-Ping Lin from the Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Yu-Ting Liu from the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Professor Yi-Chun Chen from the Department of Forestry, and Professor Wan-Shao Tsai from the Department of Electrical Engineering.

A Commitment to a Family-Friendly and Inclusive Environment
In alignment with NSTC policies, the conference introduced a "Super Baby One Day Camp," an initiative hosted by NCHU’s International College of Innovation and Industry Liaison, providing childcare services for attendees with young children. This effort underscores NCHU’s dedication to fostering a family-friendly campus and aligned with national efforts to encourage women’s participation in science and technology research.

NCHU continues to champion gender equality through initiatives that empower women across all career stages. The university’s "Well-being Campus" policy remains instrumental in promoting a balanced academic and professional ecosystem, ensuring that faculty and students can thrive both in their careers and personal lives.

The 5th Women in Technology Conference at NCHU served as a powerful platform for leadership, collaboration, and innovation—advancing the dialogue on AI, sustainability, and the indispensable role of women in shaping the future of technology.