[NEWS]Joyful Festive Atmosphere Brought by Filipino International Students' Christmas Flash Mob

More than 100 international students from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Minghsin University of Science and Technology conducted a Christmas flash mob on campus on December 19. The newly constructed Chapel "Noah's Ark" added a warm Christmas atmosphere to the campus.

Over 100 students from the Philippines, donning Christmas hats, set off from the newly established chapel, they organized a flash mob in front of the Hong-Chiao Building, singing and dancing to Christmas songs. The enthusiastic Filipino students created a joyful Christmas atmosphere for both faculty and students, and the new Chapel "Noah's Ark " attracted attention with its tranquil ambiance.

Currently, there are nearly 300 Filipino students on campus. With over 80% of the population in the Philippines being Catholics, the establishment of the chapel aims to help Filipino students adjust more comfortably to life at Minghsin Tech and provide a spiritual place for them. It also serves as an opportunity for local students to learn more about Filipino culture and religion. With support from the Ministry of Education's Higher Education Sprout Project, the campus corner was transformed into a chapel, holding significant meaning.

The Office of International Affairs stated that the chapel's exterior design is inspired by the biblical story of Noah's Ark, hence its name. The paintings on the walls were a collaborative effort between local artists in Hsinchu and students.

Students Austine Jane, who participated in the flash mob, mentioned that Catholicism is not just a religion but also an integral part of the culture in the Philippines. The chapel on campus serves as an essential sanctuary for them in a non-Catholic country like Taiwan. Despite limited rehearsal time for the Christmas flash mob, the collaborative effort exceeded expectations, bringing joy to both the audience and performers.

Sis Marci, responsible for caring for Filipino students on campus, expressed the emotional significance of the chapel. She highlighted that the chapel's establishment reflects Minghsin Tech's firm commitment to creating an inclusive environment and fostering cross-cultural understanding, respect for diversity, and embracing multiculturalism.

In response to the impact of declining birth rates in Taiwan, Minghsin Tech has developed into an internationalized institution with nearly 1,800 foreign students from 16 different countries and regions. It is gradually becoming a bilingual, international, and diverse-friendly campus. (Source: The Office of International Affairs)