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TAEF BRIEF
July 12, 2024
No. 136 |
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CONTENT
-TAEF Updates
-TAEF Media Gallery
-TAEF Commentaries
-New Southbound Policy News
-Regional Headlines |
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Book Launch of “Celebration of Australia-Taiwan Friendship”
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a Collection of Speeches and Documents by former Australian Representative Jenny Bloomfield |
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July 1, 2024
On July 1, 2024, the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), alongside former Australian Representative Jenny Bloomfield, hosted the "Celebration of Australia-Taiwan Friendship” book launch at the Howard Plaza Hotel. Her book is a compilation of speeches and documents from 2021 to 2023 that highlights the vibrant relationship between Australia and Taiwan during Bloomfield’s tenure in Taipei.
TAEF Chairman Dr. Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao commended Australia as a crucial partner under the New Southbound Policy (NSP), applauding Ms. Bloomfield’s efforts in initiatives like the "Australia-Taiwan Friendship Year - 40 Years, 40 Stories" campaign, the English Language Learning Partnership, and the Health and Biotechnology Partnership. He also praised her dedication to human rights, gender equality, and Indigenous cooperation.
Ms. Bloomfield expressed her delight in working with TAEF, emphasizing the book's documentation of significant advancements in trade, clean energy, health, education, and culture. She noted the profound personal connections and shared values between Australians and Taiwanese, highlighting the warmth and hospitality she experienced in Taiwan.
Following the presentation, Dr. Hsiao and Executive Director Dr. Alan H. Yang led a discussion where attendees shared insights on the Australia-Taiwan relationship. Dr. Hsiao also announced Ms. Bloomfield’s appointment as an adviser to TAEF, enhancing think tank and academic collaborations between Australia and Taiwan.
The event saw attendance from senior representatives in government, business, academia, civil society, media, and foreign representatives in Taiwan.
Thank you to all attendees for your participation and support!
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Forthcoming Event: Human Rights in Asia: A Multigenerational Dialogue
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We are pleased to invite you to join us for the 【Human Rights in Asia: A Multigenerational Dialogue】, a special forum co-hosted by the Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday, July 26, 2024. This forum will bring together human rights advocates from Taiwan and Southeast Asia to reflect on the intergenerational and cross-border challenges and opportunities in human rights, aiming to deepen exchanges and cooperation among Asian countries.
This forum is part of the annual flagship event 【2024 SEASAT Youth Camp】 organized by TAEF. The camp gathers young leaders from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Taiwan, and other like-minded nations to discuss urgent global issues and explore the role of youth in addressing them. Participants will have the unique opportunity to interact with notable Taiwanese human rights leaders and hear from international youth about their local human rights challenges and aspirations. This is a rare opportunity, so we encourage you to register soon!
Event Details
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Date: July 26, 2024 (Friday)
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Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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Location: Socrates Hall, GIS NTU Convention Center (B1, No. 85, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Da'an District, Taipei City; near Gongguan MRT Station)
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Language: Chinese and English (Simultaneous interpretation provided. Please bring a photo ID to borrow the equipment)
We kindly request you to register at https://forms.gle/8UwHr392NPiCQoeg6 by Friday, July 19, 2024, via fax or email.
For inquiries, please contact taefnsp@gmail.com
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2023🏔️Yushan Forum | Economic and Trade Collaboration: Forging Resilient Supply Chain |
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November 15, 2023
The video discusses the restructuring of supply chains influenced by various global factors. Moderated by John Chen-Chung Deng, Minister without Portfolio, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. (Taiwan), the session emphasized how sustainability, inclusion, and open political systems are critical when planning regional integration, diversification, and collaborative efforts.
Many factors have influenced current shifts and restructuring of supply chains. In this session, panelists discussed the impact of these factors and important considerations in building new supply chains.
Key Speakers:
- Deputy Minister Chern-Chyi Chen highlighted Taiwan's economic diversification under the New Southbound Policy (NSP), with investments in NSP countries and support for small and medium enterprises.
- Deputy Minister Jih-Haw Chou discussed the NSP’s positive impact on Taiwan’s healthcare, including training professionals and collaborating on disease prevention.
- Deputy Minister Kao Shien-Quey emphasized Taiwan’s strategic role in Asian supply chains, focusing on semiconductors, digital talent, and green technologies.
- Matt Murray from the U.S. State Department stressed the importance of sustainability and inclusion in economic growth during the 2023 APEC host year.
- Tim Groser cautioned against the potential downsides of concepts like friend-shoring.
- Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go emphasized the importance of human resources in healthcare and addressing global skill shortages.
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Taiwan Strategies No.22 / The Prospect Foundation
Strategizing the New Southbound Policy in President Lai’s ‘Shin-Lai’ (Trustworthy) Diplomacy: Making Taiwan Indispensable and More Reliable
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July 08, 2024
By: Alan Hao Yang
The article provides an in-depth analysis of President Lai Ching-te's foreign policy direction, emphasizing a "Trustworthy" or "Shin-Lai" diplomacy. This approach aims to build upon former President Tsai Ing-wen's successful foreign policy initiatives, especially the New Southbound Policy (NSP), which has strengthened Taiwan's international standing and diversified its economic partnerships.
President Lai's foreign policy, characterized by value-based diplomacy, seeks to enhance Taiwan's global reliability and indispensability. This strategy involves a concerted effort by the government, enterprises, and civil society to foster trust and cooperation. Key elements of Lai's diplomacy include promoting democracy, peace, and prosperity—values that resonate with Taiwan's domestic and international audiences.
Lai's administration focuses on continuing and innovating the NSP, which has been instrumental in reducing Taiwan's economic dependence on China by fostering ties with Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The NSP's success is evident in its international recognition and the development of multi-faceted partnerships in areas such as education, healthcare, and disaster preparedness.
To further solidify Taiwan's position, President Lai has outlined three strategic directions: ensuring sustainability and achieving the 2050 net-zero goal, enhancing space and maritime exploration capabilities, and strengthening Taiwan's global economic integration. These initiatives aim to position Taiwan as a critical force in the global economy, particularly in high-tech supply chains and the space industry.
In conclusion, President Lai's "Trustworthy" diplomacy seeks to maintain and expand Taiwan's international influence by building on the foundations laid by President Tsai, ensuring Taiwan remains a reliable and indispensable partner on the global stage.
Read more
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NEW SOUTHBOUND POLICY NEWS |
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Taiwan Today
Taiwan, Malaysia to Stage Smart Health Care, Medical Device Market Events
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July 02, 2024
The Malaysia-Taiwan Smart Healthcare and Medical Devices Event Series, scheduled for July 4 and July 11 online, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and explore global opportunities. Organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and SME Corp. Malaysia, the event includes forums and business matching sessions to facilitate mutual understanding of regulations, market developments, and available resources.
The Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) notes regular meetings between Taiwan and Malaysia to foster cooperation. Malaysia prioritizes medical devices, particularly in industrial automation and digitalization, aligning with Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. This initiative intends to facilitate Taiwanese firms' entry into Malaysia’s promising market.
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Vietnam Investment Review
Taiwanese Investments Expand Horizons in Vietnam
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July 04, 2024
Taiwan's investment in Vietnam surged dramatically in 2023, reaching $2.2 billion, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year. With nearly 3,200 projects totaling over $39.3 billion in registered capital, Taiwan now ranks fourth among 105 economies investing in Vietnam. This growth is bolstered by Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, enhancing ties with Southeast Asia and benefiting Vietnam's high-tech electronics sector.
Major Taiwanese firms like Foxconn, Wistron, and Quanta have made substantial investments across Vietnam, drawn by its stable governance, skilled workforce, and competitive labor costs. Vietnam's participation in multiple free trade agreements (FTAs), including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, provides Taiwanese businesses access to global markets with reduced tariffs.
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Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand
Opening Ceremony of the 5th "Taiwan-KMUTT Internship program (TKIP)
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July 03, 2024
The 5th Taiwan-KMUTT Internship Program (TKIP) opened on July 1, 2024, at King Mongkut's University of Science and Technology in Thailand. This initiative facilitates internships for Thai and Taiwanese students, running from July to August. The ceremony featured Ms. Yi-han Hsueh from TECO Thailand, Dr. Suvit Saetia, President of KMUTT, and others.
Ms. Hsueh highlighted the participation of 18 Taiwanese students from five universities and 62 KMUTT students interning in Taiwan, emphasizing the New Southbound Policy's role in fostering collaboration.
The event included lab and company introductions, showcasing students' backgrounds and learning environments. The TKIP promotes cultural exchange and professional growth in fields like engineering and management, solidifying educational ties and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Thailand.
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Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Chennai, India
2024 New Southbound Policy Elite Study Short-term Scholarship
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June 27, 2024
Three Taiwanese universities offer scholarships for a short-term study program from September 2024 to January 2025, covering air tickets, accommodation, stipend, and activity fees:
1. National Quemoy University (NQU): Focus on Mandarin, Cross-Strait Relations, Regional Security, and Southern Min culture, including field trips.
2. Taipei Tech: Offers semiconductor classes and Chinese language courses with monthly funding.
3. Taipei Medical University (TMU): Study healthcare topics, immerse in Chinese culture, and earn a certificate of completion.
Eligibility includes citizenship from specific Asian and Oceanian countries, a relevant academic background, and proof of financial stability.
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McKinsey
Seven Trends Likely to shape India for Years to Come—and Help It Achieve its Development Goals |
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uly 3, 2024
India, the world's fifth-largest economy, now boasts a population exceeding 1.4 billion, surpassing China to become the world's most populous nation. With a median age of 27.6, Indians are notably younger than their counterparts in other major economies by more than a decade.
In 2024, India conducted the world's largest democratic elections, with 642 million voters participating. Following the swearing-in of a new national government for a five-year term, leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to several economic objectives. The government is set to announce its detailed plans in July as part of the annual budget, aiming to:
- Achieve 8 percent annual GDP growth over the next decade, with a target of reaching a $19 trillion GDP by 2047.
- Generate 90 million jobs by 2030 and 600 million jobs by 2047.
- Invest approximately $600 billion annually to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Increase per capita income sixfold to over $12,000.
Realizing these ambitions will demand sustained dedication and collaboration from a diverse array of stakeholders.
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The Conversation
Why is Amazon Building a ‘Top Secret’ $2 billion Cloud for Australia’s Military Intelligence?
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July 5, 2024
Amazon is set to build a highly secure "Top Secret Cloud" for Australia's military and intelligence agencies, a project valued at A$2 billion. This initiative, managed by Amazon Web Services (AWS), involves constructing three data centers at undisclosed locations to store sensitive intelligence data.
The cloud, which will be operational by 2027, aims to bolster Australia’s defense and intelligence capabilities, providing a secure, state-of-the-art environment for data management.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the project's importance for national security and its potential to create over 2,000 jobs. The cloud will utilize advanced encryption and be completely insulated from the public internet, ensuring robust data protection.
AWS was chosen for its reliability and experience with similar projects for the US Department of Defense and the CIA.
This move aligns with global trends where governments are upgrading their technology infrastructure to improve performance, security, and international collaboration.
Read more
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AP
Cambodia Partners with Japan to Share Demining Knowledge with Ukraine, Other Countries
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July 7, 2024
Japan’s foreign minister on Saturday announced a joint project with Cambodia to share knowledge and technology on land mine removal with countries around the world, including Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa made comments during a visit to the Cambodian Mine Action Center, which was formed in the 1990s at the end of the Southeast Asian nation’s decades of civil war. It seeks to deal with an estimated 4 million to 6 million land mines and other unexploded munitions left strewn around the countryside.
“Cambodia, which has steadily advanced mine removal within its own country, is now a leader in mine action around the world,” she noted, adding that Japan has consistently cooperated in Cambodia’s mine removal since the civil war.
Cambodian deminers are among the world’s most experienced, and several thousand have been sent in the past decade under U.N. auspices to work in Africa and the Middle East. Cambodia in 2022 began training deminers from Ukraine, which also suffers from a high density of land mines and other unexploded munitions as the two-year Russian invasion drags on.
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