Every organization has its own history. Over time, important records and information may not be well preserved. Some may even be damaged beyond recognition. Thus, Ching-Hua Lo, President of National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs), has proactively planned to establish NARLabs history gallery since he took office in 2013. By preserving historical records as early as possible, future generations will be able to recognize the contributions that NARLabs has made to Taiwan's society.
NARLabs inaugurated its history gallery on July 28, 2015. President Lo stated that NARLabs has delivered diverse R&D accomplishments since its establishment 12 years ago. By showcasing these results in a history gallery, valuable historical data is preserved and popular science education is promoted, thereby enabling the public to identify Taiwan's history in scientific and technological progress through the historical trajectory of NARLabs.
The basic concept for the establishment of NARLabs history gallery is creating “pavilion groups”, by employing the headquarters as the core pavilion and the affiliated centers as specialty pavilions. The six major design focuses are as follows:
1.Entrance imagery: Striving to pursue global excellence and create local impacts;
2.Spiritual representation: Consolidating core values and passing on NARLabs spirit;
3.Time corridor: Integrating the power of wisdom and retracing the steps of history;
4.Innovation and glory: Developing technology innovation and increasing NARLabs' prestige;
5.Safeguarding technology pioneer: Caring for the world and safeguarding Taiwan;
6.Tangible humanistic technology: Providing experiences for everyone.
With these six primary focuses, NARLabs history gallery will employ a systematic method for presenting NARLabs’ core values of commitment, passion, and innovation; its prospect of global excellence and local impact; and its operational objective of using innovative technology to safeguard Taiwan.
The NARLabs history gallery is established for a number of goals. First, through compiling and digitizing texts, combining technology with humanities, and managing information related to the history of NARLabs, relevant material and digital collections technology can be used for authorized value applications. Second, the office space is put to good use allowing visitors to rapidly review the history of NARLabs. Third, public displays or summer camps can be held in the future, enhancing the publicity of NARLabs and allowing the public to develop a greater understanding of science and research. Furthermore, the exhibition content and quality can be improved by implementing a series of overall plans. Finally, with a great number of personal stories and emotions embedded in NARLabs history gallery, its establishment will certainly enhance the unity of all staffs of NARLabs.
To ensure excellent performance, NARLabs invited top tier professionals as consultants including Distinguished Professor Jieh Hsiang, Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering; Kuang-Mei Lin, former Associate Director of the NTU Library; An-Ming Chang, Director of Gallery of NTU History; Distinguished Professor Kuang-Chong Wu, NTU's Institute of Applied Mechanics (who is also the former Vice President of NARLabs); Professor Ling-Hao Chiao, National Taipei University of Technology Industrial Design; and Professor Li-Kuei Hsueh, National Chengchi University's Graduate Institute of Library, Information and Archival Studies. NARLabs would like to express special thanks to these consultants and their valuable suggestions for the establishment of the history gallery.
In the initial stages of establishing NARLabs' history gallery, President Lo stated that “NARLabs must have self-confidence when reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. In the past, NARLabs was stereotypically regarded as rigid and technology-oriented with a lack of humanistic approach and care. By establishing the history gallery, we hope to change this image and enhance unity within our organization, as well as increase confidence. The inauguration of the history gallery indicates that NARLabs is turning a new page while continuing its endeavors to become a pioneer in research and using innovative technology to safeguard Taiwan.”
