HISTORY
The story of our department is inextricably linked to the history of Taiwan Adventist College (TAC), founded in 1951. In those early days, the college began as a small community in the Xintian district, driven by faith and a commitment to providing young people with a holistic education. When the institution moved to our current picturesque campus in Yuchi in 1974, nestled among the green hills of Nantou, the foundation was laid for more than just buildings—it was the foundation for a new educational philosophy.
TAC has always sought to prepare individuals capable of serving the world. As Taiwan’s economy developed and globalization accelerated, it became clear: the world needed specialists who not only understood the laws of business but could also speak the language of the international community while maintaining high moral principles.
The Bilingual Business Department (BBD) was born as a response to the urgent need for a new type of leader. In an era where borders between countries began to blur, the college recognized the need for a program that combined the rigor of Western business education with the diligence and values of Eastern culture.
BBD was created as more than just a curriculum; it was designed to be a “bridge.” It was a bold experiment: inviting native-speaking professors from around the world, implementing instruction entirely in English, and maintaining the warm, nearly familial atmosphere of the Adventist community. From its very first days, BBD became the “international face” of the college.
In its early years, the department focused on core disciplines like economics and management. However, as TAC grew, the BBD department began to expand its horizons.
The Formative Era: The first groups of BBD students were pioneers. It was during this time that the tradition of close interaction between students and faculty was born. Professors such as Dr. Richard Tooley and Dr. Tess Belarmino became more than just lecturers; they became spiritual mentors and “campus parents” to the students.
Global Integration: Over time, the department established strong ties with Adventist universities worldwide (especially in the United States). This allowed BBD to become a springboard for those dreaming of pursuing an MBA abroad. The curriculum transformed to include innovation, ethics, and entrepreneurship.
BBD as a Family: In recent decades, the department’s development took a unique path. We realized that the best business ideas are often born outside the classroom—during mountain hikes in Nantou, trips to the coast, and evening gatherings by the campfire. The department became a family where seniors mentor juniors and alumni return to share their professional wisdom.
Today, the Bilingual Business Department is the heart of the international community at TAC. We continue to evolve alongside the college, implementing modern technologies and teaching methods such as the “flipped classroom” and project-based leadership. Yet, despite all the innovation, our core remains unchanged.
We are more than just figures in reports and business plans. We are the morning prayers before class, the joint volunteer projects, the support for one another in difficult times, and the joy of shared victories. Our history is a story of how professionalism meets faith, and how study turns into a lifelong calling.
The story of our department is inextricably linked to the history of Taiwan Adventist College (TAC), founded in 1951. In those early days, the college began as a small community in the Xintian district, driven by faith and a commitment to providing young people with a holistic education. When the institution moved to our current picturesque campus in Yuchi in 1974, nestled among the green hills of Nantou, the foundation was laid for more than just buildings—it was the foundation for a new educational philosophy.
TAC has always sought to prepare individuals capable of serving the world. As Taiwan’s economy developed and globalization accelerated, it became clear: the world needed specialists who not only understood the laws of business but could also speak the language of the international community while maintaining high moral principles.
The Bilingual Business Department (BBD) was born as a response to the urgent need for a new type of leader. In an era where borders between countries began to blur, the college recognized the need for a program that combined the rigor of Western business education with the diligence and values of Eastern culture.
BBD was created as more than just a curriculum; it was designed to be a “bridge.” It was a bold experiment: inviting native-speaking professors from around the world, implementing instruction entirely in English, and maintaining the warm, nearly familial atmosphere of the Adventist community. From its very first days, BBD became the “international face” of the college.
In its early years, the department focused on core disciplines like economics and management. However, as TAC grew, the BBD department began to expand its horizons.
The Formative Era: The first groups of BBD students were pioneers. It was during this time that the tradition of close interaction between students and faculty was born. Professors such as Dr. Richard Tooley and Dr. Tess Belarmino became more than just lecturers; they became spiritual mentors and “campus parents” to the students.
Global Integration: Over time, the department established strong ties with Adventist universities worldwide (especially in the United States). This allowed BBD to become a springboard for those dreaming of pursuing an MBA abroad. The curriculum transformed to include innovation, ethics, and entrepreneurship.
BBD as a Family: In recent decades, the department’s development took a unique path. We realized that the best business ideas are often born outside the classroom—during mountain hikes in Nantou, trips to the coast, and evening gatherings by the campfire. The department became a family where seniors mentor juniors and alumni return to share their professional wisdom.
Today, the Bilingual Business Department is the heart of the international community at TAC. We continue to evolve alongside the college, implementing modern technologies and teaching methods such as the “flipped classroom” and project-based leadership. Yet, despite all the innovation, our core remains unchanged.
We are more than just figures in reports and business plans. We are the morning prayers before class, the joint volunteer projects, the support for one another in difficult times, and the joy of shared victories. Our history is a story of how professionalism meets faith, and how study turns into a lifelong calling.