About SPE
Introduction
The School of Political Science and Economics (SPE) at National Taiwan University (NTU) was founded as part of Taiwan’s strategic response to the shifting global landscape and the nation’s pursuit of sustainable development. The initiative began in mid-2023, when NTU President Wen-Chang Chen commissioned the Office of Institutional Research, led by Dr. Sheau-Pyng Ju and Dr. Yu-Jen Chiu, to design a prospectus under the Innovation Act for Industry-Academia Collaboration and Talent Cultivation in National Key Fields. The University Council approved the plan on December 23, 2023, and it was subsequently submitted to the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Establishment
On February 7, 2024, NTU established the SPE Preparatory Office, appointing Executive Vice President Wang-Ruu Tseng as Director. Following MOE’s official approval on February 27, 2024, SPE was formally launched on September 26, 2024, with EVP Tseng serving as Interim Dean. She was joined by Associate Dean Kuan-Ling Shen and Director of Global Affairs Bennett Fu, alongside three program directors: Professor Yening Chen (Finance), Professor Hans H. Tung (Political Economy), and Professor Chia-Wei Kuo (Leadership and Management). Professor Ming-Jen Lin served as convener.
Funding
SPE has been a cornerstone initiative championed by President Chen since his appointment in 2022. To realize his vision, he secured major support from both the private sector and the National Development Fund. Backed by a ten-year investment of NTD 3 billion (USD 100 million) – equally provided by corporate sponsorship and government resources – SPE represents a pioneering model of collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Chronicle
– June 2023 – Proposal for SPE initiated by President Chen.
– Dec 23, 2023 – Approved by the NTU University Council and submitted to MOE.
– Feb 7, 2024 – Preparatory Office established; EVP Tseng appointed as Director.
– Feb 27, 2024 – MOE approved the Political Economy and Finance Master’s Programs.
– Sep 26, 2024 – SPE officially inaugurated; EVP Tseng appointed Interim Dean.
– 2024–2025 – Over 37 internal regulations drafted, 15 international agreements signed, first student cohort recruited (29 domestic, 22 international), and six world-class faculty members appointed.
Looking ahead, SPE plans to launch eight academic programs across political economy, finance, and leadership and management. Two Master’s programs have commenced in fall 2025, a Professional Master’s in 2026, three doctoral programs in 2027, and two undergraduate programs in 2028. With sustained support from both government and industry, SPE is building a new model of higher education that integrates academic excellence, international competitiveness, industrial collaboration, and leadership training.