▲Image courtesy of the Ministry of Environment’s “National Green-Collar Talent Development Alliance” Launch Press Conference

Cheng Shiu University Joins National Green-Collar Talent Development Alliance
Establishing Southern Taiwan as a Stronghold of Green Education

In response to the global call for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Cheng Shiu University (CSU) has been selected as one of the southern regional partners of the National Green-Collar Talent Development Alliance, initiated by Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment. The Alliance brings together 28 universities and colleges across Taiwan to cultivate over 3,500 green-collar professionals annually, strengthening green education and enhancing students’ competitiveness in the sustainable job market.

Government-Led Alliance: Practical Training for a Net-Zero Future

Led by the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) under the Ministry of Environment, the program combines theory with practice in a 48-hour intensive training curriculum. Topics include climate change, greenhouse gas (GHG) management, carbon footprinting, emissions inventory, and reduction strategies—offering a critical stepping stone for students and young professionals seeking entry into the green industry.

Comprehensive Curriculum to Build Core Carbon-Reduction Competencies

At Cheng Shiu University, the program focuses on practical, industry-aligned training in voluntary carbon reduction, GHG inventory reporting, and product carbon footprint analysis. Courses are co-taught by academic experts and industry professionals. Upon completing the course and passing the final assessment, participants receive an official certification issued by the Ministry of Environment, equipping them with a valuable credential for careers in low-carbon industry, ESG management, and environmental engineering.

Notably, the program also features generous tuition subsidies:

• 50% subsidy for all students under the age of 30

• 100% subsidy for students from low-income backgrounds
  These measures significantly lower barriers to participation and promote educational equity.

Green-Collar Talent: More Than a Slogan—A New Employment Frontier

Unlike general environmental staff, green-collar professionals are formally trained and certified specialists in sustainability-related disciplines, including green manufacturing, energy efficiency, carbon credit management, environmental regulations, and circular resource practices.

CSU integrates this training with its academic strengths in environmental engineering, toxicology, green materials, and mechatronic integration, introducing green teaching modules and applied fieldwork to deepen student competencies and expand career opportunities in sustainable sectors.

From Campus to Community: Putting University Social Responsibility (USR) into Action

CSU has long prioritized University Social Responsibility (USR). Through this alliance, it not only strengthens climate change education and environmental awareness on campus, but also extends its impact to regional industry. The university supports local SMEs in conducting carbon inventories and implementing energy-saving initiatives—fostering green transformation through academic-industry collaboration.

Additionally, CSU plans to host green education lectures and workshops for high school students in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas, actively cultivating environmental literacy and promoting sustainability from a young age.

Four Regional Training Hubs — 28 Partner Institutions Across Taiwan

The National Green-Collar Talent Development Alliance is structured around four regional training centers—North, Central, South, and East—partnering with 28 higher education institutions to offer localized access to green talent development nationwide:

• Northern Region: NTNU, National Central University, National Tsing Hua University (3 schools)

• Central Region: NYUST, NCHU, NTUE, Tunghai University, Feng Chia University, Da-Yeh University, NCNU, NUU (8 schools)

• Southern Region: NCKU, CCU, National Chiayi University, Kun Shan University, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, National University of Kaohsiung, NSYSU, Cheng Shiu University, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages (9 schools)

• Eastern Region: Tzu Chi University, National Ilan University, Fo Guang University, National Dong Hwa University, National Taitung University, Penghu University of Science and Technology, National Quemoy University, NTOU Lienchiang Campus (8 schools)