On the 16^th of October, Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) held its 70^th Anniversary Celebration. Despite the campus sustaining significant damage caused by Typhoon Krathon earlier in the month, KMU’s iconic royal palms stood firm, symbolizing the university’s enduring spirit and resilience over the past seven decades. Celebrating the university’s commitment to medical education and public health, distinguished guests—including Senior Advisor to the President Chang Po-Ya (張博雅), Taiwan Centers for Disease Control Director-General Chuang Jen-Hsiang (莊人祥), and KMU alumni from around the world—gathered to honor KMU’s achievements and legacy.

In his address, Chairman of KMU’s Board of Trustee, Eric K. Chen (陳建志), stated that "seventy years" marks a remarkable chapter in the university’s history. Throughout these decades, the university and its affiliated institutions have collectively embodied KMU's founding values and mission. Chairman Chen expressed his hopes that KMU would continue to expand both its local and global influence, extending its educational achievements and reputation worldwide. He envisions KMU not only as Taiwan’s medical university but as an institution with a truly global identity.

In 1958, KMU launched a specialized medical training program for residents living in remote areas of Taiwan, aimed at cultivating healthcare talent for rural and outlying island communities. KMU has consistently supported healthcare services in remote and underserved areas, embodying a deep sense of social responsibility. This early dedication aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), demonstrating KMU's longstanding commitment to health equity. In the future, KMU pledges to uphold its "people-centered" approach, remaining present where healthcare is most urgently needed.

In his speech, Chairman Chen expressed special gratitude to the esteemed founders of KMU, past leadership teams, faculty members, alumni, and donors supporting KMU’s educational mission, as well as the dedicated colleagues within KMU and its affiliated institutions. He also acknowledged the 7,000 students currently studying at KMU, who have injected vitality and liveliness to the campus. Chairman Chen emphasized that KMU’s growth and achievements are due to the collective strength of all these contributors, and he feels a deep sense of pride in KMU’s accomplishments.

President Yu Ming-Lung (余明隆) further expressed that over the past 70 years, KMU has upheld the principles of  "Enjoying Learning, Prioritizing Research." From its beginnings in post-war public health rebuilding, KMU has evolved into a modern medical system on the international stage, cultivating numerous outstanding medical professionals. With exceptional alumni as the backbone of its academic strength, KMU is sustained by wisdom and passion. In the future, KMU will stay true to its vision, honoring the core values of "Respect for Life" and "Pursuit of Truth." Through concrete actions, it aims to promote health for all, enhance lifelong care, facilitate Taiwan’s connection with the world, and work toward a vision of sustainable health development.

During the 70^th Anniversary Celebration, three distinguished 90-year-old alumni from the inaugural class attended: Professor Chang Wen-Yu (張文宇), Honorary Professor Lin Young-Tso (林永哲), and Dr. Huang Yuan-Chao (黃元超), the latter had traveled from the United States. These alumni, who witnessed the founding of KMU, joined to celebrate its growth seven decades later. To demonstrate KMU’s legacy, the university held a special birthday festivity, where Chairman Chen, President Yu, Senior Advisor to the President Chang Po-Ya, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control Director-General Chuang Jen-Hsiang and the three alumni from the first graduating class handed seven coconut tree saplings to new students from the university’s seven Colleges, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and tradition. The saplings, to be planted on campus, represent KMU’s resilient spirit, echoed in the lyrics of its school song, “unafraid of storms and undeterred by the scorching sun, like towering royal palm trees”. The ceremony also featured students from KMU Kindergarten, leading the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" and the school song, bringing everyone together to celebrate KMU. On stage, the university’s most senior members stood alongside its youngest, symbolizing generations of KMU spirit.

To celebrate its 70^th anniversary, the university hosted a series of activities, including an international academic seminar, a road running event, school fair, concert, a 70-kilometer cycling challenge and several sporting events and competitions. Alumni returning from the United States and Japan also participated in discussions with current students, sharing their experiences studying abroad and interning overseas, showcasing the enthusiasm and cohesion of the KMU community. The ceremony also recognized this year's outstanding alumni and exceptional faculty and staff, while expressing gratitude to the donors and corporate partners who have supported KMU’s educational initiatives. This year, KMU honored six distinguished alumni – in the Academic category, Professors Howard Her-Juing Wu (吳和俊) and Fang Jia-You (方嘉佑); in the Leadership category, Director-General Cheng Shih-Chung (鄭世忠) and Superintendent Chen Chien-Tzung (陳建宗); in the Contribution to Social, Human, and Cultural Development category, Dr. Douglas Huang (黃大可) and Dr. Chen Heng-Chang (陳恒常), each of whom has excelled in their respective fields.

After 70 years, KMU will continue to stride confidently toward a new future, consistently pursuing excellence. The university is committed to cultivating more healthcare and medical professionals, contributing to the health and well-being of society and the global community.