On July 11, 2025, Taiwanese writer Kevin Chen (陳思宏) visited Ruhr University Bochum for an author reading of his work "Geisterdämmerung" (鬼地方). During the event, he discussed the realm of ghosts and shared insights about his life between Germany and Taiwan. The reading attracted many students and literary enthusiasts and concluded with the opportunity for attendees to have their books signed by the author.

For more information on the activities and courses of the Taiwan Teaching program please click here.

On June 16, 2025, Dr. Jennifer Liu, Professor of East Asian History at Central Michigan University, held a guest lecture about "Military Training in Taiwan's Upper Middle Schools, 1953–1960." Dr. Liu provided a historical overview of the military training program introduced in schools, emphasizing its dual function as both a strategic initiative by the Ministry of National Defense and a disciplinary measure endorsed by the Ministry of Education.
The lecture explored how students – both male and female – were instructed in infantry tactics, military hygiene, nursing, CPR, battlefield skills, and many other subjects. Dr. Liu also discussed the sociopolitical consequences of the program, including its critics and its influence on student activism, illustrated by the 1957 Liu Ziran Incident. The lecture was well-attended by students, faculty members, and members of the public, sparking a lively discussion on militarization, education, and anti-american riots in Taiwan.

For more information on the courses and activities of the Taiwan Teaching program please click here.

In February 2025 our Spring School  "Introduction to Taiwanese (Tâi-gí) and Taiwan's Contemporary Popular Culture" took place, bringing together students from the Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen for an intensive and immersive learning experience. From 14 to 21 February, participants attended daily sessions exploring various aspects of the Taiwanese language and culture. We sincerely thank Ms. Kho Poe-bin for taking part in this project and teaching our students.
The cultural program included an excursion to the Cologne Museum of East Asian Art on 16 February, where students gained insight into the travels of the museum's founders Adolf and Frieda Fischer, including Adolf Fischer's stay in Taiwan (then "Formosa"). Furthermore, a calligraphy course by Ms. Jan Shiou-lan, the screening of the film "Can't live without you" (不能沒有你) and a visit to the restaurant and platform for cultural exchange, Ilha Formosa in Düsseldorf.
The Spring School concluded on 24 February with final presentations and the awarding of learning certificates by Ms. Weng Chin-ying 翁勤瑛, Head of the Education Division of the Taiwan Representative Office in Berlin, marking the successful completion of the program. 

For more information on the courses and activities of the Taiwan Teaching program please click here.

In order to promote international academic exchanges and deepen the study of Taiwan studies, the National Taiwan Library and the Department of East Asian Studies of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum have further discussed the possibility of sharing research resources and cooperation. In the morning of 28 March 2024, Dr. Cuiying Cao, Director of the National Taiwan Library, and Prof. Dr. Christine Moll-Murata signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on International Academic Exchange and Cooperation at the National Taiwan Library. The press release in Chinese can be seen here.

A panel of experts convened on 1 February 2024 to analyze Taiwan's recent elections and the evolving geopolitical landscape. Dr. Josie-Marie Perkuhn (TAP, University of Trier), Jürgen Kahl (Neue Zürcher Zeitung), and Prof. Dr. Christine Moll-Murata (TRU, Ruhr-University Bochum) presented their insights, while the moderation was done by Prof. Dr. Jörn-Carsten Gottwald (Ruhr-University Bochum). 

The discussion saw enthusiastic participation from students with a keen interest in Taiwan and its political affairs, underscoring the topic's significance. Director Yeh-Shin Chu from the Taiwan Representative Office in Frankfurt, Germany, also contributed to the discussion, providing valuable insights from his perspective. The event provided a platform for in-depth analysis and dialogue, offering valuable insights into the political landscape of Taiwan and its implications for broader geopolitical dynamics.

Lecture and Reading of Dr. Thilo Diefenbach

On Thursday, 26 January 2023, 6–8 p.m. s.t., Dr. Thilo Diefenbach gave a lecture and reading on his new work "Zwischen Himmel und Meer", a new translation anthology of literary works from Taiwan. Afterwards an interesting interview followed, moderated by the diplomatic representative of Taiwan, Prof. Dr. Shieh Jhy-Wey 謝志偉.

The lecture took place at Ruhr University Bochum, building GB, room 04/59.

Taiwan Information Day (Taiwan-Infotag) – Information About Taiwan and Field Reports About Studies, Internship and Job Search

On Tuesday, 6 December from 12–15 p.m., an information day on Taiwan was held in cooperation with the International Office of the Ruhr University Bochum and the Taipeh Vertretung Frankfurt. In addition to interesting lectures on Taiwan, the event was also focusing on exchange opportunities with Taiwan, whether for a study visit, an internship or a job.

Local Elections in Taiwan – Analyses and Backgrounds (Lokalwahlen in Taiwan – Analysen und Hintergründe)

At the end of November, local elections were held in Taiwan, on the occasion of which we were offering a panel and audience discussion entitled "Local Elections in Taiwan – Analyses and Background" on Tuesday, 29 November. The panelists included Jürgen Kahl, correspondent of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Tatjana Romig, a freelance journalist who works for Radio Taiwan International, and the head of the Research Unit for Taiwanese Culture and Literature (TRU), Prof. Dr. Christine Moll-Murata. The evening was moderated by Prof. Dr. Jörn-Carsten Gottwald, Chair of East Asian Politics. The hybrid event took place from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in room GB 04/59 or as an online webinar.

Lecture by Prof. Heylen on the Topic: A Sociolinguistic Approach to Language Standardization in Taiwan: The Case of Taigi

On Thursday, 17 November 2022, Prof. Ann Heylen from National Taiwan Normal University (國立臺灣師範大學) gave a talk titled "A Sociolinguistic Approach to Language Standardization in Taiwan: The Case of Taigi". The lecture took place from 5–7 p.m. c.t. at Ruhr University Bochum, building GB 04/59.

Lecture by Prof. Shih on Post-Chineseness

Prof. Shih Chih-yu 石之瑜 from National Taiwan University (國立臺灣大學) gave a hybrid lecture titled "Intellectual History of China and Chinese Studies: The Perspectives of Post-Chinese Studies."

Film Screening: Insights Into the TV Series Seqalu

Prof. Lin Hsin-yi 林欣宜 from the National Taiwan Normal University (國立臺灣師範大學) gave an introductory talk and discussed the series with the audience.