In 2022, the theme-based technical and vocational job fair expanded with NPUST and NKUST and the Kaohsiung Science and Technology Museum jointly hosting the “New Horizons for Technical Occupations” explore and experience exhibit. On March 26, north, central and southern regions of Taiwan simultaneously held opening ceremonies at three separate exhibition venues. NPUST and NKUST set up their exhibits on the first and fourth floors of the National Science and Technology Museum, welcoming all ages to come for the experience.
Yu-Huei Yang, Director General of Department of Technological and Vocational Education (MOE) remarked that “the exhibition reflects the ‘core competencies’ of the 108 high-tech syllabuses, and emphasizes that learning is not limited to ‘subject knowledge’ and ‘skills’. Instead it focuses on the integration of learning and living, so that through practice the rounded development of the learner can be demonstrated. It is about continuously promoting the adaptability and talent of the students and to pursuing various technical and vocational education policies which cultivate the skills that are important to national economic development.”
NPUST’s Vice-President for Education, Shi-Jer Lou, said that “vocational education is developing in the direction of AI and smart technology. The main objective of the current exhibition is to present NPUST’s special features in the area of agriculture technology education and allow the students and the general public to experience and understand the ways in which various occupations are developing—from ‘precision ecosystems and production’ to ‘precision health’ for happy living –this way they will be able to broaden the horizon of their future careers.”
The grand opening of the event lasted for two days (26-27); and between NPUST and NKUST, a total of 13 booths were set up. With each section promoting career exploration and experience, the booths were dived into seven categories: Aquaculture, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Design, Chemical Engineering, and Agriculture. The exhibits included games and integrated the virtual with the physical to give visitors glimpses into the worlds that various career paths might lead them.
At the exhibit, NPUST took complex technologies and presented them to the public in ways that were easy to get a handle of. And by taking part in “hands-on” activities, they were able get an idea of the rich and interesting practical education courses offered at the school. At each booth, teachers and college students demonstrated practical learning. At one booth the question was asked: “What’s wrong with my plants?”. By observing plant pathogens through a microscope, visitors got to view of the ecology of plant disease and learned about diagnosis, treatment and field management. At the “Precision Aquaculture” booth they showcased the transformation of experience-based aquaculture and knowledge-based precision aquaculture, introducing visitors to various aspects of cultivation, including feed delivery, disease monitoring, and health management. Through interesting games, visitors learned about different fields of biology, including DNA and human cell membranes, digestive tracts, food, and agriculture. The aim was to give participants a good picture of the practical approach to education that NPUST applies in its courses of study and hopefully inspire some of young students to pursue technical and vocational programs for the interesting careers that can follow.
The New Horizons for Technical Occupations exhibit will be a permanent fixture at the National Science and Technology Museum until the end of March 2025. Students of all ages, parents, and the general public are welcome to come enjoy the experience.
