ICID Ph.D. Student Kang Ching-Jie Named as a 2025 “Becoming Aces” for His Project on Green Instrument Education

CJ (Kang Ching-Jie), a Ph.D. student at the Institute of Creative Industries, National Cheng Kung University, has been selected as one of the members of the 2025 Ninth“Becoming Aces” of TNL Mediagene for his innovative project on “DIY and Green Instrument Education,” following a rigorous selection process.

As the founder of Before Watt Studio, CJ observed that the modern musical instrument manufacturing industry suffers from excessive standardization. Not only does it lead to material waste and limit user choice, but, more critically, it suppresses creativity in music education. Such industrial rigidity disconnects musicians from the most authentic interaction with their instruments and strays from the original human impulse to express oneself through crafting and playing music.

CJ’s research centers on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Through design thinking, he has lowered the barriers to instrument making and successfully developed DIY instrument kits made primarily from sustainable materials. Among them, the Paper Flute stands out as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic recorders, offering users an opportunity to engage with the concept of environmental sustainability.

Beyond conceptual development, CJ applies a “learning by doing” pedagogical approach to encourage participants to explore and appreciate diverse aesthetics, local culture, and sustainability issues. His outstanding design and research have earned recognition both academically and practically, with his papers published in international journals and invitations to present at conferences abroad. He has also received honors from Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor for his contributions.

Kang Ching-Jie exemplifies how design can transcend traditional boundaries and merge with pressing social issues to create a tangible impact. We are proud of CJ’s achievements and will continue to encourage students to apply creativity and design thinking in addressing the challenges and needs of our times.