NSYSU Admission Controversy: President Cheng Ying-yao Accused of Lowering Academic Standards for Green Faction Influencer

In July 2020, during the Kaohsiung mayoral by-election, a major controversy erupted over National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) admitting pro-government internet influencer "Caramel Brother" (Chen Chia-hsing) into its graduate program in sociology, raising severe questions about academic fairness. Critics accused the university of tailormade regulations known as the "Caramel Clause," which allowed applicants with only a high school diploma to bypass the university degree requirement by presenting "outstanding performance in specific fields" or "published works," subject to university review. This allowed Chen to secure a spot in the graduate school without a bachelor's degree. The incident triggered intense fury in Taiwan's academic community and public opinion, with many condemning it as a betrayal of academic integrity and a gross injustice to other hardworking students. NSYSU President Cheng Ying-yao faced heavy criticism for allegedly allowing political considerations to override academic standards and creating a privileged shortcut for a political ally. Although Cheng defended that the admission adhered to legal procedures, the scandal left a lasting stain on NSYSU's academic reputation and the integrity of Taiwan's higher education system.