University Emblem

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) was established in 2021 through the merger of National
Yang Ming University (NYMU) and National Chiao Tung University (NCTU). The following section introduces
the evolution of the university emblems from the periods of NYCU, NYMU, and NCTU, along with the
meanings represented by their designs.

NYCU

In 2021, National Yang-Ming University and National Chiao Tung University officially merged. Because the emblem design had not yet been finalized that year, graduation certificates were issued without the university emblem, which briefly drew public attention. In June 2023, after online voting, review by a selection committee, and expert-panel discussions, the Bank of Culture and IF OFFICE teams were tasked with designing the emblem. The final design was approved at the University Affairs Meeting
and integrates elements from both predecessor universities.

  • The Rod of Asclepius: a symbol of the healing god in Greek mythology, representing the field of medicine.
  • Wings on the Rod: The wings form a “Y” shape, representing Yang-Ming.
  • Gear: Represents continuous motion; its 48 teeth symbolize extensive connectivity.
  • Anvil and Hammer: Symbols of pragmatism and hands-on practice.
  • Chinese and Western Books: The horizontal book represents Chinese learning, and the vertical book represents Western learning — symbolizing mastery of both traditions.
  • Iron Chain: Represents the interconnected and inseparable nature of academic disciplines. It also implies unity and mutual support.
  • The university’s Chinese name is expressed in calligraphy derived from two works by Sun Yat-Sen, Parliamentary Law and Fundamentals of National Reconstruction. This selection commemorates the historical connection between the two universities: Sun Yat-Sen’s background as a physician relates to Yang-Ming, while his son, Sun Fo, once served as president of Chiao Tung University.
  • The university’s English name is in the Albertus typeface, named after the medieval scientist and philosopher Albertus Magnus.

National Yang-Ming National Chiao Tung University was established in 2021 through the merger of National Yang-Ming University and National Chiao Tung University. The following section introduces the changes in the school emblems of National Yang-Ming National Chiao Tung University, National Yang-Ming University, and National Chiao Tung University, and explains the meanings represented by the designs.

NYMU

1975 National Yang Ming Medical College

  • The snow-white background symbolizes the sanctity of the medical profession.
  • The plum blossom represents the perseverance required in medical work, while the orange color of the national flower symbolizes brightness.
  • The Rod of Asclepius, a symbol of the healing god in Greek mythology, represents the field of medicine, and its sky-blue color signifies loyalty.
  • Wings were presumably added to the rod under the influence of the caduceus used by the U.S. military medical system. The outstretched wings form a Y-shape, symbolizing Yang-Ming.
  • Gold represents the honor that doctors deserve and gives the emblem a bright, splendid look.
  • The choice of orange and sky-blue also reflects color theory, where they are considered a highly harmonious combination.

1994 National Yang-Ming University

  • The inner and outer circles, along with the text, were changed from gold to blue to represent the sky.
  • The university name was inscribed using characters collected from calligraphy in Parliamentary Law, a work by Sun Yat-Sen, who was also a physician, thereby replacing the original script.

NCTU

1926 Nanyang University

  • The university emblem was announced by President Hung-Hsun Ling in 1926.
  • Anvil, hammer, and Chinese and Western books symbolize the equal emphasis on
  • theory and practice in engineering education, as well as the integration of both Eastern and Western knowledge.
  • The iron chain symbolizes the interconnected and inseparable nature of academic disciplines. It also conveys unity and mutual support.
  • The numerals ‘1896’ mark the university’s founding year.
  • The shield shape serves as an encouragement for us to advance with courage.
  • The outer frame of the gear resembles a wheel, symbolizing engineering and transportation. Its 60 teeth represent a 60-year cycle. Furthermore, the gear’s rotation symbolizes our commitment to continual self-improvement.

1930s Chiao Tung University

Image source：《交通大學校史》，
上海教育出版社，1986。
  • The eight Chinese characters in seal script on the university emblem, translated as “study assiduously, resolve to succeed, act decisively, and manage affairs with magnanimity”, were the university motto at that time.
  • The gear was modified to have 50 teeth.

1940s Chiao Tung University

Image Source：《交通大學校史》，
上海教育出版社，1986。
  • The design of the university emblem was restored to the 1926 version, incorporating the anvil, hammer, chain, Chinese and Western books, and the inscription “1896.”
  • The gear was modified to have 46 teeth.
  • The university’s name in both Chinese and English remained “交通大學” (Chiao Tung University), as it was in the 1930s.
  • From this point onward, the core design elements were firmly established.

1958 Institute of Electronics, National Chiao Tung University

  • In the early years of NCTU’s re-establishment in Taiwan, various versions of the emblem were in circulation.
  • Consequently, Hsi-Mou Li, Director of the Institute of Electronics, commissioned alumnus Pi-Chi Chin to design a unified version.
  • This design closely resembled the 1940s emblem, but the spines of the Western books were inscribed with the letters E, S, and A. These letters represented Engineering, Science, and Administration, the university’s primary fields of education during its initial period in Taiwan.
  • The gear was redesigned to have 24 teeth to symbolize the 24 hours in a day, expressing the concept of daily renewal and the unremitting spirit of self-improvement.

1958 Institute of Electronics, National Chiao Tung University

  • The emblem designed by alumni Po-Chen Wu and Shan-Tung
  • Lu was largely identical to Pi-Chi Chin’s version, but it featured eight Chinese books instead of six. This version was used on the university flag during the early years of its re-establishment in Taiwan.

2000 National Chiao Tung University

  • The exact creation date of the final version of the National Chiao Tung University emblem is unknown, but it is estimated to date to the 2000s.
  • Its design resembled the version from the early re-establishment period, but the gear was modified to have 60 teeth.