|
TAEF BRIEF
August 4th, 2023
No. 116 |
|
|
|
|
|
CONTENT
-TAEF Updates
-TAEF Media Gallery
-TAEF Commentaries
-New Southbound Policy News
-Regional Headlines |
|
August 4, 2023
July 28, 2023
The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Japan last week held the SEASAT Youth Camp, where young leaders from across Asia came together for a series of engaging and transformative events centred on the theme of ‘Bridging Boundaries’. From discussions on Unconventional Diplomacy and Democratic Participation to exploring the vibrant Myanmar Street through a guided tour, the camp featured a variety of enriching sessions and forums, focusing on critical issues in Southeast Asia's multicultural society and the importance of youth participation in shaping its future. Distinguished speakers, including Adler Yang, Analeigh Yao, Koko Thu, and many others, shared their experiences and expertise, providing unique perspectives on a wide range of topics. The camp was an empowering experience for the young leaders who attended, inspiring them to drive positive change in their communities.
|
|
2022 Yushan Forum | Interview: Minister of Health and Welfare |
|
In this enlightening interview conducted as a part of the Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation’s Yushan Forum in 2022, Pei-Ni Chuang, an accomplished medical professional serving as an Attending Physician in the Family Medicine Department at NTH Hsin-Chu Branch, along with being a key member of the New Southbound Health Center under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Jui-Yuan Hsueh, the Minister of Health and Welfare. During the conversation, Mr. Hsueh shed light on the Ministry's strategic approach in expanding Taiwan's outreach to the NSP (New Southbound Policy) countries.
Mr. Hsueh revealed that the MOHW is leveraging its soft power connections, supply chain connections, regional market connections, and people connections to foster stronger ties with the NSP nations. As part of this initiative, the MOHW launched the "One Country, One Center" project, which has been instrumental in training healthcare professionals and providing much-needed medical assistance to approximately 134 thousand patients from the NSP countries. Notably, Taiwan has taken proactive steps in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, offering vital medical supplies and sharing its expertise through video conferences with the NSP nations to showcase its commendable epidemic prevention capabilities.
Furthermore, the interview highlighted the MOHW's ambitious plans for the future, including expanding the "One Country, Two Center" project in specific nations and establishing the Medical Excellence Taiwan to promote Taiwan's healthcare industry overseas. Mr. Hsueh's insights provided a comprehensive understanding of Taiwan's concerted efforts to enhance healthcare cooperation and strengthen international bonds with the NSP countries.
|
|
VOA News
Global Survey Reports Historically High Negative Views of China
|
|
July 27, 2023
"There is a gap between China's own goals and its actions in real life."
-Dr. Sana Hashmi, Postdoctoral Fellow, Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation
The survey, examining people's views of China across 24 countries, reveals that negative views of China are prevalent, with 67% of adults holding unfavorable opinions of the country. Sana Hashmi, a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation, points out that China's actions, including territorial disputes and non-consideration of other countries' interests in its foreign policy, contradict its attempts to project itself as a global peacemaker. While some middle-income countries, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Mexico, still hold favorable views of China, overall, views of China are negative, particularly in high-income countries. Furthermore, confidence in Chinese leader Xi Jinping is low in most countries surveyed, with people's confidence in Xi closely tied to their views of China. The shift of recognition as the top economic power is also more prominent in high-income countries, where more people view the U.S. as the leading economy rather than China.
|
|
NEW SOUTHBOUND POLICY NEWS |
|
|---|
|
CNN Philippines
Taiwan grants scholarships to 70 Filipinos, eyes to hire 28K foreign workers this year
|
|
July 29, 2023
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) has granted scholarships to 70 Filipino students, who will pursue higher education in electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and Mandarin studies in Taiwan. TECO Representative Wallace Chow highlighted the Philippines as a priority country for scholarships. One of the scholars, data scientist Zachary Bisenio, praised Taiwan's leadership in the semiconductor industry and technology, making it an ideal environment for students like him. However, the challenge lies in encouraging these scholars to return to the Philippines after their studies, as many tend to find employment opportunities in Taiwan due to attractive benefits. Meanwhile, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairman Silvestre Bello III mentioned that Taiwan plans to hire 28,000 foreign workers this year, with a preference for factory workers from the Philippines. He is also advocating for more economic partnerships with Taiwan to benefit from agriculture and semiconductor technology.
|
|
Taipei Times
Top bank eyes Southeast Asia in shift from China |
|
July 31, 2023
Cathay United Bank, one of Taiwan's largest lenders, is shifting its business and hiring focus to Southeast Asia in response to geopolitical tensions and the need for supply chain diversification away from China. The bank has increased its headcount in Vietnam by 75% and raised hiring by over a third in Singapore from 2020 to last year. Taiwanese companies, once major investors in China, are also pulling back due to increased competition and rising labor costs, while customers demand diversification away from China. Cathay's moves align with the broader trend of Taiwanese banks reducing their exposure to China, with investments to Southeast Asia comprising nearly half of Taiwan's total foreign investments.
|
|
Radio Taiwan International
Foreign ministry teams up with economic ministry for upcoming worldwide trade tours
|
|
August 1, 2023
The foreign ministry of Taiwan is collaborating with the economic ministry to organise business councils and investment forums for four foreign commerce groups, including New Zealand, Australia, Mongolia, and Vietnam. These events aim to showcase Taiwan's strengths in energy transformation, digital transformation, and bio-technology. Additionally, the foreign ministry plans to lead trade delegations to Malaysia, Jordan, Somaliland, Peru, and Argentina for business matchmaking. The Taiwan External Trade Development Council will also hold trade expositions in various countries, including those with formal diplomatic relationships with Taiwan, as well as Uganda, Nigeria, Czech Republic, and Lithuania. The ministry is revising its foreign aid policy, which hasn't been updated in 13 years, based on the evolving international situation.
|
|
The Sun Daily
Taiwanese products a hit at Archidex 2023
|
|
July 31, 2023
Taiwan Excellence showcased 10 corporate brands featuring green building materials and innovative kitchen and bathroom products at the Archidex 2023 event, an architecture and interior design exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from July 26 to July 29. The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion focused on the theme "Green Living" and presented 17 Taiwan-developed carbon-reducing, energy-saving green building materials and intelligent living applications. The event aimed to establish connections between the interior design and architectural business networks of Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting creative ideas and fostering emerging stars in the industry. Among the products displayed was the Smart Optical Film from BenQ Materials, offering a unique technology that can transform from opaque to transparent at the flick of a switch, providing privacy and heat rejection properties while protecting against UV radiation. Other Taiwanese brands present at the event included ALASK, JUSTIME, YZTEK, FECA, San Jeou, MEDUSA, AWA, JLA, and INNOLUX.
|
|
|
The Economist 1843 Magazine
Rum and coke and automatic rifles: Myanmar’s Gen Z guerrillas
|
|
July 27, 2023
In a determined stand against Myanmar's junta regime, the Albino Tiger Battalion, a part of the People's Defence Force (PDF) formed by the National Unity Government (NUG), resists through guerrilla warfare.
Comprising 99 young soldiers, the Albino Tigers, aged between 17 and 28, aim to oust the military from politics and establish a federal democracy with equal rights for all. Despite limited resources and no foreign aid, their resistance has gained popular support and control over half of the country. The Generation Z fighters, disillusioned by the 2021 coup, are fiercely committed to fighting for their freedom and justice, even if it means risking their lives on the treacherous front lines.
Despite the harsh realities of war, the Albino Tigers maintain their resilience and sense of camaraderie, united by their vision of a better Myanmar. Led by Captain Thu Saw, they face challenging decisions, knowing that victory means navigating a fragile post-conflict landscape and ensuring a peaceful transition to a new democratic era.
In the face of immense adversity, the young fighters of Generation Z continue to defy the odds and fight for their country's future. Their determination to bring about lasting change, even at great personal cost, exemplifies the indomitable spirit of a generation that refuses to accept oppression and is willing to sacrifice for the greater good of their nation.
Read more
|
|
|
|
Human Rights Watch
Cambodia: Access to Independent Media Blocked
|
|
August 2
, 2023
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, has announced his resignation and plans to hand over power to his son, Hun Manet, in early August. The announcement came after Hun Sen's party won all seats in an uncompetitive election. The 70-year-old leader, in power for nearly four decades, has become increasingly authoritarian. While he will step down as prime minister, he will retain leadership of the ruling Cambodian People's Party, allowing him to maintain ultimate control. Hun Manet, aged 45, who was previously the commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, has been groomed for the role and is expected to be appointed prime minister on August 10.
The election held on July 23 was viewed as predetermined, as the only credible opposition party had been disqualified from participating. Although there were 17 other parties on the ballot, they were considered too small, new, or aligned with the CPP to be real alternatives for voters. Both the US and the EU criticized the election as neither free nor fair. Hun Sen's rule has been marked by a crackdown on political opponents and civil liberties, including dissolving opposition parties, shutting down independent media, and suppressing dissent. While some speculate that Hun Manet may lead a less repressive regime and be more open to human rights concerns due to his Western education, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Hun Sen has indicated that he will retain significant influence over the country's affairs despite his resignation. The succession marks Cambodia's first transfer of power in 40 years.
Read more
|
|
|
|
The Jakarta Post
Thaksin’s imminent return stirs hope, anxiety in Thailand
|
|
August 1, 2023
The planned return of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand after 15 years of self-imposed exile has sparked both excitement and concern in the politically divided nation. Thaksin's daughter announced his expected return on August 10, as the Pheu Thai Party seeks to form a new government following a general election in May. Thaksin's populist economic policies won him support among the country's poor but also faced accusations of corruption and anti-monarchism. His arrival could impact the formation of a Pheu Thai-led government, facing opposition from pro-royalist activists and some Move Forward supporters, and potentially leading to the exclusion of Move Forward from the governing coalition. Amid the political limbo since the election, Thaksin's return holds the potential to define the direction of Thailand's domestic politics.
Thailand has been grappling with post-election uncertainty, with efforts to establish a coalition government facing major roadblocks. The Move Forward Party, which won the election, has been unable to secure majority support in Parliament due to opposition from conservative and pro-royalist lawmakers. Pheu Thai is now leading coalition talks and seeking to nominate its own candidate for prime minister. However, the prospect of Thaksin's return adds complexity to the political landscape, as he may face fierce opposition and could impact coalition negotiations. Thaksin's presence could also result in Pheu Thai allies distancing themselves from Move Forward due to its stance on amending the strict law against royal defamation. Thaksin's homecoming is seen as significant for Thailand's pro-democracy movement, but his return could also lead to divisions and challenges in the formation of a new government.
|
|
|
|
|---|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
