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TAEF BRIEF
May 24, 2024
No. 133
CONTENT
-TAEF Updates
-TAEF Media Gallery
-TAEF Commentaries
-New Southbound Policy News 
-Regional Headlines
TAEF UPDATES

The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation cordially invites all the TAYLE Alumni for the 2024 SEASAT Alumni Reunion.

May 17, 2024

 

The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) is delighted to invite all the fellow alumni under the Taiwan-Asia Young Leaders Engagement (TAYLE) to the first virtual reunion entitled   "The 2024 SEASAT Alumni Reunion" on Friday, June 07, 2024 at 08:00 PM (GMT+8). The event is open for all alums across the multiple programs of TAYLE, including the Yushan Forum Young Delegates, the Asian Dialogue, SEASAT Youth Camps, the Youth Dialogue, and the Future of Work conferences, which are bound under the same banner of the Southeast Asia-South Asia-Taiwan (SEASAT) Alumni Reunion.

 

The reunion envisions fostering and broadening the networking opportunities for the alums of TAYLE Programs. By joining this opportunity, the alums will have the chance to meet partners, speakers, facilitators, and fellow delegates who attended the TAYLE Events since 2018. Moreover, this will allow the alums to gain insights from diverse sectors and batches of the TAEF Alumni and glimpse the upcoming events and updates of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation.

 

If you are interested to join us, the registration is open until May 27, 2024 through the QR Code in the poster shown or through this link: https://bit.ly/2024SEASATAlumniReunion

 

TAEF MEDIA GALLERY

2023 šŸ”ļø Yushan Forum |  Session VII - Creating Mutual Social Prosperity with Civil Society

October 12, 2023 

 

The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation spearheaded its flagship program entitled the  "Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress" from October 11 to 12, 2023. The platform served as the Asian regional dialogue and features the achievements of collaboration between the governmental and non-governmental cooperation between Taiwan and its neighboring countries, as well as its like-minded partners.

 

In the video, the guest speakers introduced the concept of Mutual Social Prosperity in a civil society. The session explored how dance, films, museums, NGOs, Foundations, or other related partnerships fill the gap in communication and enhance and promote positive regional relationships.

 

Furthermore, during the program, the Executive Director of the Nippon Foundation in Japan, Mr. Ichiro Kabasawa, highlighted the role of philanthropy in addressing the world's global challenges. Mr. Kabasawa also emphasized the importance of civil society and the lack of access to important information about current affairs. Furthermore, the discussion was further joined by other keynote speakers, including Linus Shang-lin Lee, the Secretary General of the Taiwan Alliance in International Development; Tsung-huang Hsiao, the Director of the National Palace Museum in Taiwan, Xiao-Xiong Zhang, a professor and former chairperson of Taipei National University of the Arts School of Dance, the filmmaker, Huang Hsiu Yi, and the Executive Director of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation, Dr. Alan Hao Yang.

 

TAEF COMMENTARIES
The Print

Beijing is looking at Lok Sabha polls and blames Modi for fanning anti-China mood

May 15, 2024

 

By: Sana Hashimi

Indiaā€™s Lok Sabha election is garnering significant global attention ā€“ more from China than any other nation. Discussions shows and explains that Beijing has its eyes trained on New Delhiā€™s election proceedings. Expectedly, given how swiftly their relationship has plummeted over the past four years.

 

Furthermore, the article discusses that China's keen interest in India's Lok Sabha elections, particularly the narrative crafted by the Global Times, a Chinese media outlet. The publication has adopted a hawkish stance, attributing the deterioration in India-China relations to the Modi-led BJP's rhetoric aimed at securing votes. The article highlights China's concerns about the future of relations under a potentially re-elected Modi government, citing the disparity in focus between India's emphasis on resolving the border dispute and China's approach of relegating it to the background. The Global Times has published several editorial and opinion articles criticizing Indian media for allegedly aligning with the Modi administration's China policy and creating an unfavourable perception of China. The article also notes the widespread discourse on Chinese social media platforms, such as Weibo, where users perceive Modi as escalating the border tensions to foster internal cohesion and attract international support.

 

 

Read more

NEW SOUTHBOUND POLICY NEWS
Focus Taiwan
 

Taiwan congratulates new Singaporean leader Lawrence Wong

May 16, 2024

 

The Taiwan government on Thursday congratulated Singapore Finance Minister Lawrence Wong (黃å¾Ŗč²”) on his appointment as his country's fourth prime minister the previous day.

 

The article reports that the newly elected Singapore's new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on his appointment. Wong, 51, was sworn in alongside his Cabinet on Wednesday night. Mr. Wong is part of the "4G" leaders, a new generation of politicians handpicked by the People's Action Party (PAP) to lead the country. Furthermore, he is the first Singaporean leader born after the country's independence in 1965. He will retain his position as Finance Minister while taking the helm of the country.

 

The Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed gratitude to Wong's predecessor Lee Hsien Loong for his long-term support of Taiwan-Singapore relations. The two countries have a strong trade partnership, with Singapore being Taiwan's sixth largest trading partner and Taiwan being Singapore's fourth largest. They have also engaged in military cooperation. The article highlights the significance of the relationship between Taiwan and Singapore, with Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulating Wong on his appointment and expressing gratitude to his predecessor.

 

 

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Melbourne Australia
 

Taiwan Association of Australia Melbourne Chapter celebrates the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te with a reception attended by Australian dignitaries.

May 21, 2024

 

The Taiwan Association of Australia Melbourne Chapter's celebrated of the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te.

 

In the article, it discusses the congratulatory event which was held last May 20, 2024. The event was attended by Australian dignitaries, including the Honorable Member of Parliament, Tim Watts. The reception aimed to strengthen ties between Taiwan and Australia, highlighting the significant economic and cultural relationships between the two nations. The event also marked the beginning of President Lai's term, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan's international relations. The Taiwan Association of Australia Melbourne Chapter, comprising Taiwanese-Australians and friends of Taiwan, aimed to promote Taiwan's interests and foster greater understanding between Taiwan and Australia. The celebration underscored the strong bond between the two nations, with the Australian dignitaries expressing their support for Taiwan's development and its role in the international community.

 

Focus Taiwan
 

UMC's new fab in Singapore sees first equipment tools move in

May 21, 2024 

 

Taiwan-based contract chipmaker United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) on Tuesday held a ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the first equipment tools for phase 3 expansion at its Fab12i located in Singapore.

 

Last February 2022, the UMC announced plans to invest US$5 billion in the phase 3 expansion of its Fab12i, or Fab12i P3, in Singapore and also designated the new facility one of the most advanced semiconductor fabs in the country, set to roll out chips made on its 22 nanometer and 28nm processes. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the development of the facility, which is expected to enhance UMC's capabilities in the production of advanced semiconductor chips. The new phase 3 expansion is part of UMC's efforts to increase its capacity and competitiveness in the global foundry market. The company's Singapore Fab 12i is one of its key facilities, and the expansion is expected to further solidify UMC's position as a leading pure-play foundry.

 

The article further highlights the significance of the event, noting that it demonstrates UMC's commitment to investing in its facilities and capabilities to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor industry.

 

Taiwan News
 

Biggest Indian cultural festival to take place in Taipei

May 22, 2024

 

The India Summer Festival, organized by the India Taipei Association (ITA), is scheduled for May 25-26 and will be the largest Indian cultural event in Taiwan.

 

The article entitled "Biggest Indian cultural festival to take place in Taipei" reports on the upcoming 2024 India Summer Festival,  scheduled to take place on May 25-26. This two-day event aims to showcase various aspects of Indian culture, including dance, music, and other activities. The festival is expected to bring together participants from different backgrounds to experience the vibrant culture of India.

 

The event is organized by the Office of Global Engagement at Taipei Medical University (TMU OGE). The article does not provide further details on the specific activities or performers participating in the festival. However, it highlights the significance of the event in promoting cross-cultural understanding and exchange between Taiwan and India.

 

REGIONAL HEADLINES
France 24
 
Vietnam top security official To Lam voted as new president.

May 22, 2024

 

Vietnamā€™s top security official To Lam was confirmed Wednesday as the nation's new president. He oversaw police and intelligence operations over a period when rights groups say basic liberties have been systematically suppressed, and its secret service was accused of violating international law.

 

Lam, a 66-year-old who oversaw police and intelligence operations during a period when rights groups say basic liberties have been systematically suppressed, is now in a "very strong position" to become the next president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

 

The presidency is largely ceremonial, but Lam's new role puts him in line to potentially succeed 80-year-old General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who initiated the sweeping anti-graft campaign known as "Blazing Furnace" that has led to the arrests of thousands of officials and purges of dozens of high-ranking government figures. 

 

Lam's elevation has raised concerns among rights activists that he could transform Vietnam into a police state, as he has been accused of cracking down on civil society groups and involvement in the controversial 2017 kidnapping of a former Vietnamese politician from Berlin, which Germany called an "unprecedented and flagrant violation" of its sovereignty. 

 

The leadership changes have also spooked investors as Vietnam tries to position itself as an alternative for companies looking to shift supply chains away from China, with the country's economy having seen a flood of foreign investment in recent decades. 

 

 

Nikkei Asia
 

India and ASEAN rise in supply chain priority, global survey shows

May 13, 2024

 

The article "India and ASEAN rise in supply chain priority, global survey shows" reports on a recent global survey that highlights the growing importance of India and ASEAN in global supply chains. The survey, conducted by BENS, found that both India and ASEAN have become increasingly significant in the eyes of global businesses, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to a shift in global supply chain strategies, with companies seeking to diversify their supply chains and reduce their dependence on a single region or country.

 

India and ASEAN have emerged as key destinations for businesses looking to diversify their supply chains. The survey found that 64% of respondents considered India a "high-priority" or "very high-priority" destination for supply chain investments, while 55% viewed ASEAN in the same light. This increased focus on India and ASEAN is driven by factors such as the regions' large and growing consumer markets, favorable business environments, and strategic geographic locations.

 

The survey also highlighted the importance of digital technologies in supply chain management, with 71% of respondents citing the need for greater digitalization in their supply chains. This trend is expected to continue, with companies increasingly adopting digital solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance visibility in their supply chains.

 

Overall, the survey suggests that India and ASEAN are poised to play a significant role in the future of global supply chains, driven by their growing economic importance and strategic locations. As businesses continue to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the regions' ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in shaping the future of global trade and commerce.

 

Read more

Reuters
 

Japan and ASEAN plan joint strategy on auto production, Nikkei reports

May 20, 2024

 

Japan and ASEAN are planning to develop their first joint strategy on automobile production and sales within the Southeast Asian bloc.

 

This move aims to counter the growing dominance of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in the region. The two sides intend to draw up an interim joint strategy through around 2035, with their economic ministers expected to meet as early as September this year.

 

The joint strategy will focus on key areas such as personnel training, decarbonizing production processes, securing mineral resources, and enhancing the competitiveness of the automotive industry in the region. This collaboration is expected to benefit both Japan and ASEAN by promoting the development of the automotive sector, creating jobs, and enhancing economic growth.

 

The strategy is also seen as a response to China's increasing influence in the region, particularly in the electric vehicle market. By working together, Japan and ASEAN hope to maintain their competitiveness in the automotive industry and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

 

The joint strategy is expected to be a significant step forward in the economic cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, and it may also have implications for the global automotive industry as a whole.

 


Room 1107, 11F, NO.136, Section 3, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District Taipei City Taipei Taiwan


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