About Us.
Federation of Public Health Student Associations in Taiwan (FPHSATW) is a national civic organization initiated by public health students from universities and colleges across the country.
Our mission is to promote communication and collaboration among public health students nationwide, advocate for the rights and interests of public health students, champion key public health issues, and represent Taiwanese public health students on the international stage.
Taiwan’s public health education dates back to 1939 with the founding of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, later renamed the Institute of Public Health in 1951. Today, Taiwan boasts ten public health departments and two additional graduate programs, collectively training over 1,500 students.
From Professor Kung-Pei Chen’s pioneering efforts in eradicating blackfoot disease, to the widespread adoption of hepatitis B vaccination, and more recently, Taiwan’s perseverance in overcoming barriers to international health participation—these milestones reflect the enduring spirit of public health in Taiwan. They are achievements made possible by the dedication of our predecessors and the collaboration of numerous stakeholders.
We aspire to unite public health students across Taiwan, integrating resources from student associations in different universities to foster mutual learning, support, and growth. By working together, we strive to create more opportunities for students, advocate for their welfare, collaborate with both domestic and international health organizations, and actively engage in public health advocacy that highlights the potential and strength of Taiwan’s future public health leaders.
Organization and Founding
A nationwide intercollegiate organization.
In 2018, the student association in Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University and China Medical University co-organized the “2018 Public Health Workshop.” This large-scale collaborative event inspired the idea of forming a nationwide intercollegiate organization.
In March 2019, the first preparatory meeting for the FPHSATW was held at Taipei Medical University. Over the course of four subsequent meetings, the organizational structure and bylaws were gradually established.
In August 2019, the founding assembly took place at the College of Public Health, National Taiwan University. The organization officially completed its registration with the Cooprative & Civil Associations Preparatory Office, Ministry of the Interior.
As former Vice President Chen stated in his remarks at the founding assembly: “By establishing a national, intercollegiate organization, public health students across the country can build meaningful solidarity, carry on shared values, and work toward sustained efforts. More importantly, this platform allows us to advocate for public health issues, promote care for the health of the people, demonstrate concern for society and vulnerable groups, and represent Taiwan’s voice to the world.”
In November 2021, FPHSATW completed its legal registration with the Taipei District Court and officially became a legal entity under the name “社團法人臺灣公衛學生聯合會”.
Steady Development.
Now in its fifth year, FPHSATW continues to strengthen its organizational operations and expand collaborative efforts. We are committed to building a robust network of connections across universities and student organizations. For example, in 2021, we co-hosted the Joint Academic Symposium on Pharmacy and Public Health with the Pharmacy Students. Since 2023, we have ventured into international exchange, and beginning in 2024, we have actively promoted social advocacy and issue-based dialogue. Through these efforts, we aim to provide more meaningful opportunities for engagement, reflection, and exchange among public health students, broadening their perspectives and deepening their learning.
As our federation continues to mature, we aspire to further empower student participation, encourage greater awareness of societal issues, and foster stronger connections between future public health professionals and the communities they serve. In doing so, we hope to contribute more meaningfully to both public health and society as a whole.
Administrative Structure.
FPHSATW is composed of a General Assembly formed by departmental student associations and individual members. Each year, a new board of directors and supervisors is elected, including the President, Vice President, and heads of three academic divisions, as well as various administrative departments such as the Department of International Affairs, Department of Internship and Training, Department of Marketing, Department of Member Relations, and Department of Public Relations. The Supervisory Board and departmental associations jointly review the annual work plan and budget allocations to ensure accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
