CYUT and Covestro Taiwan joined forces on Apr 22, World Earth Day, by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote environmental protection projects centered on circular economy through Covestro's copyrighted environmental education picture book. The MOU symbolizes a shared commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and university social responsibility (USR), witnessed by Dr. Jörg Polster, Director of the German Institute Taipei (GIT), and Professor Oliver Su, Head of the Center for University Social Responsibility, Ministry of Education. President Cheng Tao-ming of CYUT and Managing Director Dr. Carsten Wildebrand of Covestro Taiwan led the signing ceremony.

“The 2024 World Earth Day theme, Planet vs Plastics, urges collaboration among enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and the general public to combat plastic pollution. Today's MOU signing reflects such a collaborative spirit,” Dr. Wildebrand said. “Covestro has clear strategies on circular economy and values the partnerships with professionals and organizations to realize these goals. Educating the younger generation about the circular economy is paramount, and we are excited to partner with CYUT to promote environmental education,” he continued. This collaboration marks the second project between the two parties, following the establishment of the Covestro Science Club at Taichung Special School for the Students with Hearing Impairments under Covestro's MagicMaterial School Program.

President Cheng highlighted CYUT's sustainability achievements and expressed honor in partnering with Covestro, a global leader in polymer manufacturing. “Our shared commitment to promoting net-zero and sustainability makes us ideal partners for CSR and USR,” he said. Moving forward, both parties will collaborate to promote sustainable development, showcasing ESG impact and influential implementation of SDGs.

Dr. Polster praised the collaboration for its potential to instill circular economy concepts in future generations. “When children understand, they will adapt and influence those around them,” he said. Professor Su stressed that this cross-border cooperation for sustainable development is mutually beneficial and contributes to shared achievements and social values between Taiwan and Germany. “The Ministry of Education will continue encouraging universities to use the United Nations SDGs as an international benchmark for implementing USR projects and fostering global partnerships,” he mentioned.

Under the MOU, CYUT gains access to Covestro's copyrighted picture book “Bright Minds for a Brighter World - The Adventures of Young Guardians (Episode II),” enabling the CYUT USR team to train Covestro volunteers and CYUT students to deliver engaging storytelling and interactive activities at primary schools, educating children about plastic recycling and the circular economy. Meanwhile, both parties will continue the current Covestro's MagicMaterial School Program for hearing-impaired students, fostering science literacy and empowering the next generations for a sustainable future.