NTU is a large comprehensive university with 11 colleges, 54 departments. 98 graduate schools and 25 research centers, and consistently plays an active role in promoting higher education in the Asia Pacific region. NTU is home to over 30,000 students, of whom 17,000 are undergraduates, and the rest graduate students. Of the 30,000 plus students, about 680 come from other countries, and the number is increasing. We offer courses and degree-programs taught in English and run the world’s best Chinese programs for over 40 years for international scholars and students. The main campus of NTU is located in the subtropical Taipei metropolis, and is conveniently served by other forms of public transportation. The campus is green and park-like, with modern facilities and new as well as veteran buildings surrounded by short, well-shaded hiking trails. -NTU pen
Like all the other mornings we spent in Taiwan, we first drove to my aunt’s office, and then waited until it was time to go meet the leader we had scheduled to meet that day. While we waited, Simon hijacked the DS from Tom, Megan checked the blog, and I stared over Megan’s shoulder. After about thirty minutes, we all piled into our private bus and left for Taiwan University.
When you first drive into Taiwan University, you see a boulevard of palm trees, which is named the Royal Palm Promenade. We looked on in awe at the long lines of palm trees. Then, the bus took a turn and we arrived at the main office. We jumped out, went up a few flights of stairs, and then entered the meeting room.
The meeting room was surrounded by chairs on three sides, the right, the left, and the head of the room. There were some pottery jars, and a few plants. We settled down, and then Dr. Lee, the president of the NTU came in. We stood, introduced overselves, and then my dad gave a short explanation of CKSAP. Afterwards, we handed him our presents, and then we started the interview.
Dr. Lee believes that great leaders must have sympathy and determination, and must know to use the right person at the right position. Synergy is very important, apparently. Collaboration is one of the skills much used at NTU. It seems that all the leaders we interviewed have one thing in common: they didn’t exactly want to be part of the business they’re in right now, but only became the president/CEO/etc. when they were asked to by other people. Dr. Lee strongly emphasized what he learned in college about how even the best of friends can become enemies. His favorite principle in life? He replied that it depends on age. He commented that when he grew older, he found out the meaning of life. At the end of the interview, my dad asked why Dr. Lee decided to accept our interview offer. Dr. Lee said that he was proud that he would be able to spend time with future leaders. (Simon, Megan, Yoyo, Tom, and I all felt very warm when we heard that answer.)
After some last goodbyes, we all left the meeting room and continued on our ways.
-Christina
