"Observing the World, Promoting the Nation and Cultivating Talents: Mr. Luo Jialun Academic Seminar" at Tsinghua University.
Co-organized by the The Taiwan United University System and the Chinese Foundation for Education and Culture, and hosted by the Research Center for Literary Theory at National Tsing Hua University, the academic symposium titled “Observing the World, Cultivating Talent for the Nation: A Symposium on Lo Chia-lun” was held on May 9, 2025, at National Tsing Hua University. The symposium aimed to explore Lo Chia-lun’s historical significance and enduring influence, commemorating his contributions to higher education and political development in modern China. Presidents and vice presidents from the member universities of the Taiwan Comprehensive University System—including National Tsing Hua University, National Central University, National Chengchi University, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University—attended the event to deliver speeches or moderate discussions. Scholars and attendees gathered at the Hall of Fame at Tsing Hua for enthusiastic exchanges and in-depth discussions.
Lo Chia-lun (December 21, 1897 – December 25, 1969) made significant contributions to the development of modern education and politics. In his early years, Lo co-founded the New Tide Society alongside Fu Ssu-nien and Hsu Yen, publishing the journal New Tide, which championed intellectual enlightenment and national self-awareness. He was the principal drafter of the May Fourth Manifesto, which marked the beginning of modern Chinese intellectuals’ engagement in public responsibility. After studying abroad to broaden his horizons, he returned to China to work in civil administration, eventually assuming leadership roles in higher education and national development.
In 1928, Lo became the first president of National Tsing Hua University, where he aimed to transform the institution into a leading modern university. During his tenure, he implemented administrative reforms, recruited top scholars, and fostered a strong academic atmosphere that laid the foundation for the university’s future growth. From 1932, he served as president of National Central University for a decade, guiding the institution through wartime challenges and preserving its status as the most comprehensive university during that era. Concurrently, he held several posts at the Central School of Political Science, such as academic dean and administrative commissioner, laying the groundwork for what would become National Chengchi University.
Lo was later entrusted with the development of China’s northwest region and strengthening national defense. He served as the Republic of China’s first ambassador to India and held important positions including Vice President of the Examination Yuan and Director of the Institute of History and Philology. His philosophies and practical contributions continue to resonate today. A talented writer and calligrapher, Lo’s literary works reflect his sense of duty and emotional response to the hardships of his time.
The symposium brought together scholars from the four member universities of the Taiwan United University System to examine and analyze Lo Chia-lun’s legacy from four perspectives: “Academic Life,” “Engagement with Contemporary Society,” “Education and Social Insight,” and “Sentiments of the Era.” Topics discussed included Lo’s New View of Life and its impact on the formation of modern scholars, his educational philosophy and historical perspectives, his literary connections with contemporaries such as Sung Ch’un-fang and Li Ch’ang-chih, and his reflections in Impressions from Yunnan and Guizhou written during his inspection tours of those regions on behalf of the Nationalist government. The rich and insightful content of the symposium underscored Lo’s foundational role in shaping educational systems and ideals, offering valuable intellectual resources and inspiration for those engaged in education and culture in today’s rapidly changing world.