To implement the SDGs sustainable urban and rural vision, Eden Foundation has once again joined forces with Tatung University for industry-academia collaboration. Recently, Mr. Yu-chao Chen, President and Mr. Ke-Ming Yin, Executive Board Director from Eden Foundation and Dr. Ming-Guo Her, President and Dr. Chi-Fu Wu, Vice President of Tatung University, signed a memorandum of understanding for the “Sustainable Co-prosperous Community Empowerment Program.” Going forward, both parties will jointly promote community training venue planning and preparation, skill training for domestic and international students in renovation, and the recycling and reuse of social resources, among other projects, to collectively enhance awareness and understanding of accessible housing concepts in society.
Eden and Tatung University recently signed an MOU to collaborate on sustainable urban and rural development
According to statistics, as of the end of March 2025, the proportion of senior residents registered in Taipei City has reached 23.3%, entering the United Nations-defined “super-aged society.” Additionally, according to the Ministry of the Interior, there are 654,000 residential units in Taipei City that are over 30 years old, but the average annual number of residential demolitions is only 1,722 units, meaning it would take 380 years to complete the renovation and reconstruction of old housings. Facing the dual challenges of an aging population and aging housing stock, the need for accessible living environments demands urgent attention from all sectors.
Eden Foundation indicated that senior residents living in old housing face not only basic “safety” issues but also a range of other significant impacts that cannot be ignored. For example, the difficulty of going out can lead to low social activity levels and reduced social participation, which can harm mental health. Weakened connections with the community may also increase the burden on caregivers, leading to significant pressure on family relationships. Therefore, a safe living environment not only increases the willingness of the seniors to move around and improves their quality of life but, more importantly, reduces the risk of accidents, ensuring that “home” does not become the most dangerous place.
Through industry-academia collaboration, we aim to integrate the concept of accessibility into daily life.
Eden has been serving persons with disabilities and older persons for 43 years. In addition to providing comprehensive care and companionship, it is committed to serving persons with disabilities, adhering to the principles of “residential safety” and “universal design.” Through knowledge management, community service, volunteer training, support for the disadvantaged, and residential renovations, it addresses housing issues for older persons and persons with disabilities. In recent years, Eden has actively promoted industry-academia collaboration, leveraging the expertise and resources of universities to establish a platform for talent development and industry-academia research. This initiative aims to embed the concept of an inclusive environment and ultimately achieve the goal of accessible living.
Dr. Ming-Guo Her, the President of Datong University stated that the university has long been committed to promoting university social responsibility (USR). The school has always emphasized practical skills. During his own student days, Datong University student clubs collaborated with schools for the deaf and visually impaired, aiming to contribute to society. Now, through industry-academia collaboration, the university hopes to enable students to apply their knowledge on the front lines, participate in social issues, and cultivate them into significant influences in society.
In the future, both parties will walk into communities and expand their influence globally.
In the future, Eden will collaborate with Datong University faculty and students to establish the Eden Shilin Repair Station, where they will repair and reuse appliances and materials to cultivate repair skills and create resources. They also plan to expand to Malaysia as international repair volunteers, spreading love without borders.
