You-Xuan Chen, Program Manager of NTU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, sharing how reading Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life leads to a deeper understanding of how to design one’s life. She encouraged the audience to “open their minds to different life perspectives.”
The D-School at National Taiwan University (NTU) departed from the traditional practice of posting course results by hosting D-Night at the Excellence Research Building. “The spirit of D-School is about having fun. From D-Day to D-Night, everyone here is a pioneer,” declared D-School Vice Dean Sheng-Lin Chang in his warm welcome remarks at the opening of D-Night.
The event showcased eight speakers in various fields who presented talks about their personal journeys in academia and career. Hsi-Tzu Chang, a graduate of the Department of Sociology who has led leadership programs, shared how he had cultivated the courage to try new things by observing those he admired during his college days. Possessing such courage, he stressed, “When you fail, you don’t see it as the end, but as part of the process. You keep trying until you can’t think of any more methods.” This insight gave him the courage to later establish two non-profit organizations: the International City Nomads Development Association and the Good Planet Cultural Foundation.
Shih-Lung Chao, Commissioner of the Department of Information Technology of Taipei City, was a key initiator of the Creative Entrepreneurship Program during his student days in the Department of Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he continued working in the startup field. Although he claims with a smile that he avoids politics, his long involvement in startups led to a invitation from Chiang Wan-an to help draft an industry and technology white paper. After Chiang was elected mayor of Taipei, Chao unexpectedly joined the city government team. In closing, he encouraged the audience to embrace Serendipity—“the ability to make unexpected discoveries”—and maintain curiosity and a willingness to try new things.
Ruo-Xuan Xu, who started from scratch in the NTU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, embarked on a new path during her academic journey. From her early interest in menstrual health to later researching aerial yoga, her learning path was meandering yet forward-moving. “Exploration often requires taking many detours. At the time, I didn’t know where it would lead, but looking back, I realize there was a reason for it, and it connects perfectly with my learning journey.”
D-Night attracted over 250 participants, including NTU students and faculty, entrepreneurs, and high school students. Whether they were explorers seeking direction or action-oriented individuals preparing for future success, the attendees left D-Night feeling fresh, inspired, and energized. They all gained precious insights and motivation from these eight real-life stories and enjoyed an evening filled with inspiration and joy.
Invited attendees of D-Night: former and current members of the D-School community listen to D-School alumni share their stories of growth, highlighting the diverse possibilities within D-School.
Introducing a photo booth at D-Night for the first time.
