Xin Zhu Li a second-year graduate student at the Department of Fashion Design and Management stole at the 2018 MOE Technical Skills Awards, taking home 2 Golds, 2 Silvers, 1 Bronze, 2 Outstanding Works, and 1 Special Award and shinning a spot-light on his department.

Born in 1994 In high school, Xin Zhu Li studied performance arts at the Taipei Hwa Kang Arts School during which he developed an interest in costume and make-up. He later enrolled in the Department of Cultural Vocation Development and National Taiwan University of Technology and invested in cultural learning. With a desire to unite his learning in arts, culture and fashion, after receiving his bachelor’s degree Li came to the NPUST Department of Fashion Design and Management for graduate studies, where his performance has attracted a lot of attention.

In 2017, Li took part in the Japanese SPC Global Styling Collection, winning the silver in the Banquet Hair and Make-up Category and as special award for Bun Hair-Styling. In 2018, he then took part in the Korean IFBC International Artist Expo & Contest and won the top-level gold award for nail design and gold award for movie special effects make-up. In 2018 he also attended the Malaysian IBE Make-Up Artistry Awards – winning second place and an outstanding works awards.

Reflecting on his most recent success, Li stated that though “I did not come from a background in this area of study, I ventured into hair-dressing, beauty and home-economics. I am grateful for the guidance and support I received from my teachers and seniors. I am also especially thankful to Director Shiou-Ru Hsua of the Department of Fashion Design and Management and my advising professor, Ching-Shiou Shie, for their guidance the international competitions I have attended. Through the process of competing with my peers, I have learned and gained a broader field of view. I hope that I can continue to develop myself and work hard to make up for all my short comings—and also emulate Professor Shie by sharing the things that I have learned with more people.”

Director Shiou-Ru Hsu said that “because Xin Zhu has a broad base of learning, he is able to use different perspectives to interpret his works, thus developing unique innovative creations. The school strongly encourages students to take part in international competitions and has already put on many on results exhibitions, hoping that in the future it will be able to continue to share these achievements with others”.

His advisor, Assoc. Professor Ching-Shiou Shie also affirmed Li’s works stating that “Xin Zhu’s works were well received because he is ambitious in pursuing his dreams – he is determined and will not give up, so I trust that he will be a shining star in the future of vocational education!”

NPUST President Chang-Hsien Tai commented on the achievement, stating that Xin Zhu is the first student from NPUST to win the “Technology Light” Award, which is regarded as the vocational “Oscars”. We are grateful for the hard work of the teachers and students in the Department of Fashion— for pursuing great things and shining a light on the school.”