Welcome Speech by the Department Chair/Vice Chair
Welcome to the Department of Social Work at Asia University! The Department of Social Work was established in 2001, and the Master's Program and the Continuing Education Division were launched in 2004. Our department follows the university’s guiding principles of "Health, Care, Innovation, and Excellence" and aims to nurture social work professionals with warmth, empathy, sincerity, as well as professional knowledge, and innovative vitality. Our goal is to train both entry-level and mid-to-high level supervisory talent in social work, responding to social changes and the evolving needs of society.
Over the past two decades, through the collective efforts of both faculty and students, we have built a strong academic reputation. The department's faculty members are highly knowledgeable and passionate about teaching, with doctoral degrees in diverse fields such as social work, social welfare, counseling, psychology, sociology, and adult education. Our curriculum design and internship programs are well-established, and the decision-making process is collaborative, with faculty members actively involved in department meetings, course committees, and internship committees. Students have clear channels for expressing their concerns.
Our core curriculum is accredited by the Social Worker Examination Committee, and in response to social changes, we offer two specialized programs in social work: “Child and Family” and “Healthcare and Mental Health.” Through practical fieldwork, students can choose to intern in a variety of public and private sectors, including government agencies, child welfare, family services, schools, judicial and correctional institutions, hospitals, long-term care facilities, mental health services, services for people with disabilities, and community-based organizations. This hands-on experience allows students to apply and reflect on what they have learned, laying a strong foundation for their future careers.
Key features of our department include internationalization, solid industry-academic collaborations, and active efforts to encourage students to participate in research projects funded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). In terms of internationalization, our department aligns with the university's international goals by connecting the social work profession with global trends. Under the guidance of our faculty, we have established an international volunteer team that has been active for many years. Students can participate in international volunteer work and internships in countries and regions such as Japan, India, Germany, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau. These experiences help students develop cross-cultural adaptability, broaden their perspectives, and cultivate international mobility.
Moreover, our department has a strong and stable industry-academic partnership, deeply rooted in domestic social services, which provides platforms for both current students and alumni to engage in and contribute to the field. These collaborations also help integrate teaching and research with the latest trends in social welfare development. Under the guidance of our faculty, we encourage students to engage in research projects for the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), developing their critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills. In recent years, our department has ranked first nationwide in terms of the number of such projects. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive certification counseling mechanism to support students' career development and enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
In terms of student support, we offer guidance through class tutors, mentor advisors, and career advisors, providing assistance in areas such as life guidance, course selection, employment, and career development. Since its founding, our department has fostered a strong teacher-student relationship, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere that extends beyond graduation. Our alumni, connected through participation in departmental teams, student organizations, and clubs, continue to maintain a close-knit network that spans across cohorts. Alumni have consistently demonstrated a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to the department, earning high praise from the social work field for their professional competence.
Social work is a helping profession that values human dignity. It plays a crucial role in recognizing and enhancing the value of life, particularly in a rapidly changing world. Our department will continue to innovate through diverse curricula, social practice activities, international learning opportunities, and overseas service projects, while strengthening professional skills to cultivate social workers who are capable of practicing social justice with empathy and expertise.
Department Chair / Vice Chair of the Department of Social Work
Chen Mei-Zhi / Hong Qian-Hui
August 11, 2024
