Global Connections, Expanding Impact: The 4th iNGO Academy Officially Launches

We were delighted to welcome a new group of students this week to the NTU iNGO Academy as the programme enters its fourth year.Now bringing together 30 students from 9 countries and 22 partner organisations, the Academy reflects the collective dedication and sustained effort of everyone involved, grounded in ongoing collaboration and a shared sense of purpose across students, NGOs, and the university.

To foster more diverse cross-sector collaboration, the program has expanded this year. In addition to NTU faculty and partner organizations, we are honored to welcome external partners including igoodpoint, TÜV Rheinland Taiwan, Impact Hub Taipei, Taipei City Government Department for Youth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Taiwan), and Taiwan Plus. Together, we aim to generate greater impact on pressing public issues.

Opening the ceremony, Prof. Jiun-Haw Lee, AVP for International Affairs, emphasised that global engagement carries responsibility. Jessie Chan, Special Appointed Consultant to the iNGO Academy and former Asia-Pacific Brand GM of L’Oréal, encouraged students to approach the experience with professionalism, resilience, and purpose.

The first training course of the evening, “Issue Research and Communication,” was delivered by Chunyuan Hu of Refugee 101 Taiwan. Through case studies on asylum systems and refugee realities, students examined assumptions, considered the gap between policy and lived experience, and reflected on how research and communication shape public understanding.

Participation in the iNGO Academy requires genuine commitment. Over the next 13 weeks, students will complete more than 150 internship hours alongside structured professional training in issue research, communication, impact measurement, and strategy. They will participate in local revitalization study visits in Taichung and Hsinchu. During the summer, they may also join the NTU Overseas Traineeship to Awaji Island in Japan and Kathmandu in Nepal, gaining firsthand insights into local revitalization and social innovation across diverse Asian contexts.

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