The Ministry of Education’s “2025 National Technical and Vocational College Student Practical Project Competition and Exhibition” successfully concluded in May. This year, the competition attracted as many as 1,181 project submissions from institutions nationwide. After a rigorous review process, 141 projects advanced to the finals, with 64 outstanding projects ultimately recognized. Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) has consistently excelled in this national competition, and this year, thanks to the joint efforts of faculty and students, the university proudly captured two First Prizes and one Honorable Mention, showcasing MCUT students’ remarkable achievements in research innovation and practical application.

Among them, Professor Ting-Yu Liu of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering achieved particularly remarkable results. In colleges and universities, many professors perform excellently in research, and many others focus more on teaching and excel in student guidance. Professor Liu has achieved both, ranking among the top in both research and teaching evaluations every year, which is rare. This year, the team guided by Professor Liu presented the project “Chlorophyll-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Photocatalytic Antibacterial Applications.” Using a simple hydrothermal method, they synthesized red carbon quantum dots with tunable emission wavelengths, good water solubility, and stability. The project shows great potential for biomedical and environmental applications, received unanimous recognition from the judges, and won First Prize in the Chemical Engineering and Materials category. With this award, the students guided by Professor Liu have now won First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and Honorable Mention, completing a unique and outstanding “grand slam” in the national project competition.

In addition, Professor Ching-Han Kao from the Department of Industrial Design guided a team that also achieved outstanding results. Their project, “ScoliGuard: Scoliosis Correction Device,” integrated AIoT technology to enhance comfort and compliance in scoliosis treatment, offering innovative solutions for patients ranging in age from early teens to seniors in their 80s and 90s. With its creativity and practical value, the project won First Prize in the Industrial Design category.

The Department of Chemical Engineering also delivered excellent results under the guidance of Professor Liang-Jung Chien. His students’ project, “Application of Bio-Based Glycolic Acid in Green Metal Cleaners and Low-Corrosion Etching Solutions,” focused on developing eco-friendly, efficient, and low-corrosive solutions. This sustainable and innovative approach earned them an Honorable Mention in the Chemical Engineering and Materials category.

These three award-winning teams demonstrated MCUT’s strength in technological research, product design, and sustainable innovation. Their achievements vividly embody the core spirit of technical and vocational education—transforming classroom learning into practical, high-value solutions with real-world applications.