The College of Public Health held a Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Event that brought together students, faculty members, and staff for a day of cultural celebration and intellectual exchange. The event featured three distinct programs: a Zongzi Pickup, a special guest lecture, and a Fragrance Sachet DIY Workshop.
The celebration began with the distribution of zongzi, the traditional sticky rice dumplings associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. Participants enjoyed this seasonal delicacy while experiencing one of Taiwan’s most cherished cultural traditions and sharing the festive spirit with members of the college community.
As part of the event, the College was honored to welcome Dr. Pilyoung Kim, Professor of Psychology at the University of Denver, who delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “When AI Feels Social: Developmental Mechanisms, Vulnerability, and the Risks of Emotional Dependency.” In her presentation, Dr. Kim explored how artificial intelligence increasingly mimics social interactions, the developmental processes that shape human responses to these technologies, and the potential risks associated with emotional attachment and dependency on AI. The lecture stimulated engaging discussions and provided valuable insights into the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent technologies.
The event concluded with a Fragrance Sachet DIY Workshop, where participants created their own traditional scented sachets. Often associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, these sachets symbolize blessings for health and well-being while preserving an important aspect of cultural heritage. The hands-on activity offered a creative and enjoyable experience, allowing attendees to
connect with tradition in a meaningful way.
By combining cultural customs with contemporary academic discourse, the Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Event highlighted the College of Public Health’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that values both cultural heritage and interdisciplinary learning. The event provided an opportunity for participants to celebrate tradition, engage with emerging issues in society, and strengthen connections within the College community.
