Illume Taipei recently played host to a gathering of IMBA Alumni at the NCCU IMBA Alumni Association's Economic Outlook 2024 event. The illustrious venue set the stage for an evening of camaraderie, knowledge-sharing, and forward-thinking discussions. The event, which was well organized, unfolded seamlessly. The evening began with registration, then dinner, and networking with a crescendo that was the series of presentations from distinguished speakers. Alumni from various corners of the globe converged, setting the atmosphere abuzz with delightful conversations, smiles, and an overall energy of optimism.

The formal segment commenced punctually at 7:30 pm, with IMBAA President, Mr. Yen-lan Lin, extending a warm welcome. In his opening remarks, Mr. Lin addressed the challenges posed by the global pandemic over the past few years, acknowledging the subdued interactions within the alumni community during this period. However, he exuded confidence about a return to normalcy, proclaiming a year brimming with events and activities. The President introduced the newly appointed alumni board members, emphasizing the association's commitment to fostering connections between present students and alumni. A call to action resonated through the hall as Mr. Lin urged alumni to contribute to the association, not just with their presence but through financial support as well.

An exciting announcement followed as Mr. Lin revealed that information for 30 founding members had already been collected, paving the way for formal establishment. The collected data would be submitted to establish IMBAA officially, ensuring that future donations could be tax-deductible. The president outlined plans for quarterly activities, hinting at the next event scheduled for May.

The academic segment commenced with Professor Shari Shang of the Department of Management Information Systems introducing the first speaker, Professor Tse-Kang Leng. Professor Leng, versed in the area of Political Science, delved into the Global Economics and Political Outlook, with a focus on US-China-Taiwan relations.

Addressing an attentive audience, Professor Leng outlined key global challenges. The pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia War featured prominently, underscoring the intricate interplay between health crises and geopolitical conflicts. He highlighted the enduring significance of regime type and value systems and offered insights into a model of authoritarian capitalism. Globalization, often viewed through a lens of interconnectedness, was analyzed with caution, introducing the concept of weaponized interdependence.

As the topic shifted to China, Professor Leng explored risks and opportunities within the nation. The potential shrinkage of China's middle class, the penetration of party cells into the private sector, and the dual usage of technologies were meticulously dissected. The discussion delved into the challenges posed by local debts and the real estate market, the dynamics of talent flows, and the intricacies of central-local relationships.

The second speaker of the evening was Professor. Konrad Kwang-Leei Young, Founding Partner, Lead AgileX, Accelerator & Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC) Independent Board Member, he presented the Global Semiconductor Industry Outlook and Trends. His narrative began by tracing the evolution of Taiwan's semiconductor industry, emphasizing its pivotal role in the global landscape. Dr. Young provided insights into the challenges faced by the industry, including geopolitical pressures and the complexities of global operations.

Delving into the specifics, Dr. Young highlighted Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) continued dominance in the foundry business. He emphasized the increasing prominence of cloud and edge computation, signaling a transformative era in connectivity applications. Challenges such as geopolitical pressures and talent-related conflicts were dissected, offering a holistic understanding of the industry's trajectory.

Mr. George Kao, AP Senior Manager Coach at Siemens Digital Industry Software was the third speaker of the evening, captivating the audience with an exploration of the Global Software Industry Outlook. Delving into the world's top seven IT companies, he highlighted the pivotal role that software plays in driving their success. A notable highlight was his emphasis on the industry's robust projected growth rate of 5.2%, an indicator of its transformative potential.

Drawing inspiration from Jensen Huang's assertion that "Software is eating the world," Kao provided insights into the pervasive influence of software across diverse sectors. He skillfully navigated through the intricate landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), shedding light on China's fervent embrace of AI technologies. In doing so, Kao not only elucidated on the current dynamics but also forecasted a future where the symbiotic relationship between AI and software would spearhead a paradigm shift in various industries.

Within the AI realm, Kao delved into the specific realm of Chat GPT, underscoring its pivotal role in the evolving landscape. His discourse intricately unfolded the responsive capabilities of Chat GPT in the context of AI, highlighting the escalating demand for AI-powered solutions encompassing machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

George Kao's presentation not only served as a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the software industry but also provided a glimpse into the exciting trajectory it is set to follow. His detailed analysis, coupled with strategic foresight, added depth to the understanding of how the evolving landscape of AI and software promises to revolutionize our digital future.

Closing the series of expert presentations was Ms. Judy Huang, Regional Communications Head for Merck Electronics. Her speech on the Global Material Science Industry Outlook and Trends provided a deep dive into the history and contributions of Merck, a German company established in 1668.

Tracing Merck's evolution from a local pharmaceutical shop to a multinational giant, Ms. Huang highlighted the company's 355 years of history. Focusing on the material science industry, she detailed Merck's expertise in providing high-quality chemicals essential in the manufacturing of IC Chips. Notably, Merck's pivotal role in the discovery of liquid crystals, a technological breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern electronic devices, was recounted.

She navigated through the intricate processes involved in chip manufacturing, particularly the trend toward 3D architecture and stacking, underscoring Merck's precise contributions. In addition, Ms. Judy Huang shed light on Taiwan's significant role in the global semiconductor landscape, underscoring that Taiwan remains the largest semiconductor materials market worldwide. This insightful observation further emphasized the island's pivotal position in the semiconductor supply chain, solidifying its influence on the international stage.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Huang synthesized key takeaways. She stressed that technology trends like AI, machine learning, and autonomous driving would continue to propel industry growth. Semiconductor materials, she emphasized, play a pivotal role in enabling next-generation chip technology. The application of AI and machine learning in accelerating research and development, enhancing quality, and addressing sustainability concerns was highlighted. Importantly, Ms. Huang called for industry collaboration to tackle global climate change, positioning materials as catalysts for innovation.

As each speaker concluded their presentation, the audience had the opportunity to pose three questions to each, setting the stage for a robust and interactive panel discussion. The amalgamation of diverse perspectives, ranging from global politics and economics to semiconductor and software industries, provided a comprehensive understanding of the economic landscape.

The event concluded on a high note as a gift bag, a token of appreciation, was presented to each attendee. The gesture was made possible through the generosity of alumni contributors, including Caroline Wang, Ray Wang, Jim Wang, and Stacey Yang.

In closing, the IMBA Alumni Association expressed gratitude to all attendees, the organizing committee, the IMBA office, the speakers, and the alumni who contributed the gift bags. This gathering marked a milestone in fostering connections, illuminating the economic path ahead for NCCU IMBA alumni, and exemplifying the power of knowledge-sharing within a global alumni community. As the association eagerly looks forward to its next event in May, the resonance of insights and camaraderie from the Economic Outlook 2024 event will undoubtedly linger in the minds of attendees, serving as a beacon for future endeavors.

On December 19, 2023, the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) NCCU Chapter, held its 16th member induction and certification ceremony at the I-Yu Hall on the 6th floor of the College of Commerce. A total of 38 new members from various departments within the College of Commerce were certified as new BGS members during this ceremony.

Beta Gamma Sigma is an internationally recognized honor society accredited by AACSB. To qualify for membership, students must rank in the top 10% of their undergraduate class, or the top 20% of their graduate class. Since the establishment of the NCCU Chapter in 2008, 532 outstanding students from the College of Commerce have been invited to join the society.

Among the 38 new members this year, Yi-Xiang Kao from the Department of Business Administration expressed that the certification is an important recognition of his efforts over the past two years at NCCU. He believes it will bring richer resources and connections to his international network. Chih-Hung Wang from the Department of Accounting shared that besides seeing the honor as a validation for his dedicated studies, he also plans to pursue graduate studies in the United States and hopes that being a BGS member will provide more opportunities to build international connections and enrich his resume. Yun Lo, an MBA student, stated that the motivation for joining is to internationalize her resume and hopes to leverage BGS resources for networking and finding a fulfilling job.

After the Introduction of the Beta Gamma Sigma NCCU Chapter by Associate Dean Yenn-Ru Chen of the College of Commerce, Dean Jia-Chi Huang presented certificates to the new members and led them in pledging to uphold the BGS principles. Dean Huang encouraged the new members, acknowledged their academic achievements at the College of Commerce, and emphasized the importance of internationalization and global mobility in career development. He expressed the hope that students would use the various resources provided by the College, such as exchange programs, collaboration opportunities, international exchanges, and short-term visits, to quickly connect with the international business environment and broaden their career perspectives.

Dean Huang also urged students to integrate the BGS core values of "Honor, Wisdom, and Zeal" with the college's core values, establishing a diverse network through internationalization and innovation. In conclusion. He wished everyone a successful career development and reminded them to maintain good health, as it is capital for future endeavors.

Associate Dean Chen randomly invited members to share their expectations for obtaining resources from BGS and how they will contribute to the chapter's honor. Students expressed their commitment to maintaining excellent academic performance, pursuing further studies domestically or internationally, and expanding their careers with international perspectives. Associate Dean Chen reminded everyone to uphold the belief that "There is no limitation and there is no impossibility." She encouraged everyone, as members of the international honor society BGS, to boldly pursue anything they desire and not be constrained by the environment. She hoped that all members would courageously pursue their dreams, showcase their excellence, and pass on these qualities to the next generation.

Finally, the 2023 BGS induction ceremony concluded with a group photo of all new members and mentors. Congratulations to the 38 new members!"

國際商學榮譽學會（Beta Gamma Sigma，BGS）政大分會於12月19日在商學院六樓義育廳舉行第16屆會員入會授證儀式。今年總計有38位來自商學院不同科系背景的新成員，在本次的授證儀式中獲證成為BGS新會員。

國際商學榮譽學會為受到國際認證AACSB認可的國際學術榮譽團體，入會之會員資格根據學會規定，除了操行成績須達80分以上，還需大學學業成績總成績達班上前10%，研究所學業成績達班上前20%才有機會申請。政大商學院自2008年受BGS總會認證成立政大分會至今，已經有532名優秀同學獲邀加入該學會。

今年新入會的38位同學中，企管系學生高義翔表示，本次的授證對於過去兩年在政大的努力是一個很重要的認可，也替自己在國際化的網絡連結上帶來更豐富的資源與串聯。會計系學生王致弘分享，除了跟大部分同學一樣認為這一次的榮譽，是給過去認真讀書的自己一個很大的肯定，也因為未來有計畫要到美國就讀研究所，期望透過此身分有更多的機會能利用學會資源，替自己建立更國際化的人脈與連結豐富自己的履歷，以對未來的職涯發展有所幫助。就讀MBA的洛昀同學分享，申請的動機是希望可以讓自己的履歷可以有更國際化的經歷與連結，也期許能透過BGS學會的資源讓自己有機會找到喜歡且能做得開心的工作。

商學院副院長陳嬿如介紹BGS及政大分會後，隨機地邀請會員們分享今後期望從BGS取得何種資源，以及將如何為政大分會盡一份心以提升自己與政大分會的榮譽。同學們紛紛表示將會繼續在學業上保持優秀表現，也希望在國內或國外繼續深造，取得更高的成就表現。更期望可以透過此榮譽，與國際化的企業連結，提升自我職涯發展的深度與廣度，並且有更多機會可以參與國際化的研討會，藉機了解和接觸更多職涯發展的機會。她提醒大家秉持「There is no limitation and there is no impossibility.」的信念，勉勵大家作為國際榮譽學會BGS的一員，大膽地做任何想做的事，不要被環境所侷限束縛。期許各位會員勇敢追求夢想，展現最優秀的一面，並傳承給下一個世代。


商學院院長黃家齊一一頒授證書，並引領全體新會員一同宣誓遵守BGS會訓。他致辭勉勵新會員並肯定大家在商學院專業知識的學習成果。強調國際化和國際移動能力在商管人才的職涯發展中極具重要性。因此商學院提供多樣的管道與資源，如交換計畫、合作機會、國際交流和短期參訪計畫等，希望同學們能善加利用，並待能更迅速地與國際接軌，拓展職涯發展的國際視野。最終他也期許同學能將宣誓時提及到的BGS核心理念「榮譽、智慧、熱忱」，結合商學院的核心理念，透過國際化和創新等方式，建立更多元的人脈網絡，同時協助商學院與外界建立更廣泛的連結。最後他祝福大家生涯發展順利，也提醒大家保持身體健康，才能有更好的資本朝未來繼續邁進。最後，2023年BGS授證典禮在所有新會員與師長們的合影後圓滿結束，商學院再次恭喜38位新會員的加入。