Taipei Municipal Guandu Hospital’s "Next-Generation Healthy and Livable Communities" project has achieved impressive results. With the support of the TSMC Charity Foundation, it has collaborated with Kumamoto University to launch the initiative in Kumamoto, bringing the spirit of Gandaulogy and its partners in Japan to advance the health and longevity programs in the Kumamoto community.
This collaboration, after a year of detailed planning, was officially launched yesterday in Kikuyomachi, the location of TSMC's Kumamoto factory. The agreement was signed by Kumamoto University President Ogawa, Kikuyo-machi Mayor Yoshimoto, and TSMC Charity Foundation Chairperson Sophie Chang. The signing took place at the Kikuyomachi Comprehensive Sports Hall, which will serve as the venue for the implementation of Gandaulogy (Taiwan Integrated Care Model, or TIGER) in the future. Kumamoto University, in collaboration with TSMC volunteers, will lead the health and longevity initiatives in Kikuyomachi.
Importantly, TSMC will also involve its upstream and downstream suppliers in this project. Fanjun Systems Technology from Taiwan is represented by Vice President Yang Zhijie and two representatives from Taiwan, aligning with TSMC Charity Foundation Chairperson Sophie Chang's goal of encouraging businesses to collectively contribute to social good.
Additionally, during Sophie Chang's brief visit to Japan, Kyushu University Vice President Jun Tanimoto led a team in a discussion at Fukuoka Airport. Taipei Municipal Guandu Hospital Director Liang-Kung Chen introduced the collaboration with Kyushu University, which has launched a "University Social Responsibility" initiative. In response to the challenges of an aging society, Kyushu University is implementing a new urban planning model in Kishima City, where the elderly population exceeds 30%. Professors from the Medical, Engineering, and Information Colleges, along with experts in architecture and urban planning, are working together to design a new urban layout for Kishima City. Liang-Kung Chen emphasized that simply providing care services is insufficient for addressing the challenges of an ultra-aged society; a broader approach involving social and community regeneration is necessary, offering comprehensive solutions.
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University President Chi-Hung Lin also noted that TSMC supports the establishment of the "Gong College" at the university, offering diverse courses for retired technology professionals in science parks. These courses, which are also taken alongside undergraduate students, foster cross-generational learning and integration. This initiative has been highly successful so far. The TSMC Charity Foundation also supports the university's Senior Fitness Club, which helps senior faculty and community members strengthen both their physical and mental health.
As emphasized by Taipei Veterans General Hospital Director Wei-Ming Chen, community regeneration through collaboration with community hospitals is an effective solution for an ultra-aged society, and the branch hospitals of Veterans General are gradually implementing this approach. With the assistance of the TSMC Charity Foundation, Liang-Kung Chen has facilitated various collaborations with the Hsinchu Branch, Yuanshan Branch, Yuli, and Taitung Branches, including rural home hospice transportation services in Hsinchu County, cross-generational vision health initiatives in Yuanshan, and the implementation of the TIGER model. In the future, the Foundation will continue to foster talent cultivation in the Hualien and Taitung areas, expanding community service capacity. Plans are also underway to integrate technology companies like Quanta to promote smart health and longevity communities, with these projects closely aligned with Kyushu University's plan in Kishima City for joint Taiwan-Japan progress.
During the signing ceremony, Sophie Chang participated in an elder community activity in Kikuyomachi. She was joined by Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Director Chih-Kuang Liang, who demonstrated the use of an Asus handheld ultrasound device donated by TSMC. This initiative not only promotes community activities but also brings Taiwan’s information and communication technology strengths to the international stage, realizing a true strong partnership. At the signing, Kumamoto University President Ogawa expressed gratitude to the TSMC Charity Foundation and acknowledged the contributions of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in facilitating the collaboration. He also expressed hope for the continued deepening of Taiwan-Japan cooperation.
Furthermore, the TSMC Charity Foundation is working to build an integrated medical service network in Kumamoto, providing TSMC employees at the Kumamoto factory with the best possible healthcare. Kumamoto University Hospital, in collaboration with nearby clinics and the Kumamoto factory, is establishing a user-friendly healthcare model. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive support for TSMC employees and their families. Sophie Chang also visited the Kumamoto factory to discuss service processes and operations, receiving broad support from employees.
In addition, under the TSMC Charity Foundation’s health and longevity triangle strategy, TSMC employees’ families in Taiwan who need medical care due to serious illness will receive assistance and proper arrangements from Ming-Yueh Chou, Director of the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital’s Geriatric Medical Center. This ensures that employees working far from home can have peace of mind while their loved ones receive care, embodying the deep meaning of the triangular cooperation model.
Resource: 「關渡學」熊本落地再提升 結合資源推進智慧健康長壽社區
