The 2nd “ACT Dreamer ESG Impact Program” invited four companies, including TSMC, FarEasTone, Advantech, and Mary Kay, to propose challenges and invited young students to propose and implement executable and replicable ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) solutions. The challenge posed by TSMC was “How to encourage female students to explore STEM fields.” The team named “Net Forward, Brave Ahead” from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University stood out after a rigorous selection process and guidance from internal mentors at TSMC. They were awarded the “Best Proposal Team” in the TSMC Group on April 17. Furthermore, at the 2023 National Achievements Presentation GALA and Awards Ceremony held on May 6, the team received recognition and commendation from multiple judges and other corporate teams.
“網前，往後” is composed of five female students from different fields and age groups. They are YUN-HSUAN, SU, a third-year graduate student in the Institute of Communication Studies, CHIH-LING, YEH, a first-year graduate student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, SHIH-YU,HUNG, a first-year graduate student in the Institute of Optoelectronics, LI-JUN, WENG, a senior student in the Bachelor’s Program of Baichuan in the field of Electrical Engineering, and SZU-YU, LAI, a freshman in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Despite their different backgrounds, they met through tennis and are currently members of the women’s tennis team at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. Faced with TSMC’s challenge, they found similarities between “STEM” and “tennis”: both fields have a minority of females, high barriers, and initial tendencies to give up. They combined these aspects in their proposal and implementation, conveying the spirit of “Net Forward, Brave Ahead.” They dissected the issue, gathered data, and presented two main arguments: 1. Female-oriented environments contribute to learning and exploring STEM fields. 2. Stimulating internal motivation enhances the effectiveness of learning STEM. Based on this, they believed that by establishing a female-friendly environment, integrating STEM with interesting themes and hands-on activities, they could empower girls to explore confidently and stimulate their self-directed learning.
During the implementation phase, which lasted less than two weeks, they took charge of planning, resource matching, recruitment, and execution. They successfully organized a two-day camp called “一網打盡：用科學玩運動” and invited nine female students ranging from 7th to 10th grade in Hsinchu to participate. Integrating sports, science, and fun elements, the participants built a tennis ball launcher using PVC pipes, delving into the application of physics knowledge in a female-oriented environment and gaining a sense of achievement through engaging competitions. The camp focused on three core aspects: skill development, application of knowledge, and enjoyable learning. Through workshops such as the “扭力投石機工作坊” by Fun-maker Studio in Taipei and a physics class by Assistant Professor Chin-Han Chung from the International Semiconductor Industry College at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, the participants established fundamental concepts and acquired knowledge. They continuously experimented, adjusted, and solved problems during the hands-on activities, ultimately achieving breakthroughs, self-confidence, and increased motivation through knowledge exploration and problem-solving in a fun and competitive environment.
From skill development to applying acquired knowledge, this magical journey of turning the impossible into possible allowed high school girls to experience the spirit of “Net Forward, Brave Ahead.” The cross-disciplinary collaboration and co-creation, starting from their own experiences and resonating with others, also enabled the five girls of “Net Forward, Brave Ahead” to understand the core philosophy of TSMC: “Behind the challenges lies a bright future!”
