Tsai Ying-Hsin of NTNU, Born with Skeletal Dysplasia, Wins Presidential Award for Education through Art

Central News Agency Report

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chih-chung, Taipei, 13th) Tsai Ying-Hsin, a student at National Taiwan Normal University, suffers from congenital underdevelopment of the spine and lower limbs, enduring constant pain every day. Yet, her physical limitations have not hindered her academic journey. Not only has she double-majored in art and history, but she has also completed teacher education coursework, earning recognition with this year’s Presidential Award for Education.

The Ministry of Education released a press statement today, highlighting several recipients of the Presidential Award for Education who have overcome physical challenges. After undergoing 11 surgeries, Tsai still relies on a wheelchair and pain medication. Nevertheless, she maintains outstanding academic performance and has repeatedly received acclaim for her artistic creations.

Beyond her rigorous self-discipline and resilient spirit in academics, Tsai demonstrates maturity in public art and a strong sense of responsibility. She is known for helping classmates, affectionately called 'Mom Tsai,' and has served as class president for years. Her dream is to become a teacher, and in recent years, she has proactively organized art programs for elementary and secondary schools, aiming to bring education directly to those in need.

Kuo Chien-An, a student from Chiayi Senior Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School, also received the Presidential Award for Education. He suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition causing progressive muscle weakness that requires him to use a wheelchair. His father is unable to work due to a traffic accident, leaving the family’s livelihood dependent on his mother’s part-time jobs and government subsidies.

Kuo tells himself that only through diligent study and self-improvement can he repay his family’s sacrifices. He has maintained stable academic performance, securing multiple scholarships. From his second year of high school, his condition made prolonged sitting difficult, so he transitioned to home-based learning—but he has never stopped pursuing knowledge, cherishing every learning opportunity.

Hsiao An-Yu, a student from Chuqi Senior High School in Chiayi County, was diagnosed at birth with hearing loss due to a genetic defect. He found confidence through badminton, and although tendon inflammation during training once led to anxiety and insomnia, he gradually overcame these challenges with support from his family and coach, achieving repeated success on the international stage.

Hsiao has been admitted to the Bachelor’s Program at National Tsing Hua University, where he plans to deeply study sports science, international sports management, coaching development, or rehabilitation therapy. He is also actively learning sign language, hoping to use his multilingual abilities and personal experiences to become a coach or advocate who inspires athletes with disabilities. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150613

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