My name is Chun-Hung (Ralf) Tsai, and I am currently a graduate student at the Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University. My academic interests focus on ocean science, marine environmental change, and environmental education. Outside of my studies, I run an environmental social media Instagram platform called @ifnoplastic.tw (in Chinese:如果無塑), where I share my passion for sustainability, coastal clean-ups, and science communication. I enjoy beach cleaning, photography, traveling, and meeting new friends who share similar values—so please feel free to reach out if our interests align.

My journey with the SSHP began in 2018, when I was a second-year student at Kaohsiung Municipal Rueisiang High School in Taiwan. Being selected to represent my school for an academic exchange in Japan was both exciting and transformative. It was my first time joining an international science program, and it opened my eyes to what science and cross-cultural collaboration could truly mean.

During the program, we visited Tokyo Institute of Technology (currently Institute of Science Tokyo) and University of Tsukuba, where I had the chance to see advanced laboratories and research environments far beyond what I had encountered in high school. I was deeply inspired by the researchers' dedication and the students' curiosity. Their enthusiasm made me realize that science is not just about experiments—it is also about connecting people, sharing ideas, and building a better future together.

One of the most valuable parts of the Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP) was the friendships I made. Meeting students from different backgrounds allowed me to experience cultural exchange in the most natural way—through conversations, shared meals, and discovering Japan together. Those memories stay vivid even today and continue to remind me.

Thank you for reading, and I would be delighted to connect with anyone interested in marine science, sustainability, or cultural exchange.