January 4, 2024

December 21, 2023

We were pleased to host newly appointed Australia Representative, Mr Robert Fergusson,  and engaged in a vibrant discussion about the collaborative efforts between Taiwan and Australia in shaping policies for Southeast Asia. During the meeting, our Executive Director, Dr. Yang, also had the opportunity to brush up on his long-unused Indonesian language skills with Mr. Fergusson! 

Taiwan and Australia have maintained a longstanding and significant alliance in the Asia-Pacific region, grounded in shared values and objectives such as fostering peace, stability, and prosperity. Both nations acknowledge the significance of regional stability and the importance of maintaining strong ties with neighboring Southeast Asian countries. There is potential for Taiwan and Australia to work together in enhancing cooperation across economic, regional security, and sustainable development aspects for other New Southbound countries.

2023 Yushan Forum Spotlight Interview | Novita Andiani

October 11-12, 2023

India is Eyeing Taiwan's Election

December 29, 2023

India seeks to uphold and deepen its relationship with Taiwan, emphasizing the strengthening of existing areas of cooperation. Significant momentum has already been achieved, making it imperative for the next president to ensure the continuity and maintenance of Taiwan’s current India policy.

- Dr. Sana Hashimi, Postdoctoral Fellow, Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation

In the upcoming elections in Taiwan on Jan. 13, an estimated 19.5 million eligible voters will decide the next president and 113 members of the Legislative Yuan. The outcome holds significance not only for Taiwan but also for shaping cross-strait relations and influencing the country's foreign policy over the next four years. As President Tsai Ing-wen exits due to term limits, the incoming president faces the challenge of navigating strained relations with China while maintaining Taiwan's foreign policy achievements, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia through initiatives like the New Southbound Policy.

Taiwan-India relations have seen unprecedented growth over the past four years, marked by increased collaboration and shifting dynamics. Taiwan's proactive approach, especially through the New Southbound Policy, has facilitated stronger engagement with India. The shared challenges posed by China, particularly evident after the 2020 Galwan clashes between China and India, have prompted India to reassess its China policy and forge closer ties with Taiwan. The next president must recognize the strategic importance of continuing and consolidating Taiwan's current foreign policy, especially with key partners like India, to uphold existing areas of cooperation.

The significance of India's role in Taiwan's foreign policy extends beyond election rhetoric. The incoming president must maintain momentum on the foreign policy front, ensuring continuity and deepening cooperation with India. Abandoning progress in this area risks eroding trust with key allies like Japan, India, and Australia, potentially conveying a perception that Taiwan prioritizes relations with China over other nations. It is crucial to recognize India's growing interest in fostering closer ties with Taiwan, making the continuity of Taiwan's current India policy imperative for future diplomatic success.

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December 26, 2023

National Taiwan University Seeks Overseas Students for Semiconductor Program

Devember 23, 2023

National Taiwan University (NTU) wants to recruit 50 students from overseas for a new semiconductor study program, reports said Saturday (Dec. 23).

The college hopes the international bachelor program will attract even more people from abroad to join Taiwan’s technology sector, per CNA. The courses will last four years, with participants having to pass a Mandarin language test before graduation.

However, some attendants at Saturday’s NTU educational affairs meeting voiced doubts about the new program. Student delegates mentioned fears of overcrowding, while others said the courses would draw resources away from existing departments already working on related subjects.

NTU said it would ask for assistance from the business world to obtain the necessary equipment and space. The program also needed Ministry of Education approval before recruitment can begin next year.」

December 25, 2023 

As the hospitality industry in Taiwan is experiencing staffing shortages, a tailor-made internship program for Indonesian students has been inked at the Regent Taipei.

Representatives from Silks Hotel Group, which currently owns and operates the international luxury hotel Regent Taipei, and New Taipei City-based St. John's University lined up for a photo at the signing ceremony in late December. The industry-academic collaboration program will commence in the next school year.

Regent Taipei said the Indonesian students accepted to the program will receive professional trainings in a safe environment. The students will be assisted to pass the hospitality management certifications issued by the group itself and other prestigious international institutions to boost their careers.

During the internship, students would be given a chance to work between different hotel properties operated by the group across the country, including Regent Taipei, Silks Place Tainan, Silks Place Taroko, Silks Place Yilan, and the group's hot spring resort brand in Yilan's Jiaoxi. Tang Yen-po (唐彥博), president of the school, said Regent Taipei and the group's hot spring resort in Beitou, which is scheduled to open in late 2024, would be the primary working locations given their geographical convenience. 

Taiwan, Thailand Stage Digital Accounting Workshop for Farmers

December 27, 2023

A digital accounting workshop was held virtually by Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dec. 26 to help farmers and related agrarian groups in the Southeast Asian country enhance their economic resilience and accelerate digital transformation.
 
According to the MOA, the event is a priority agreed upon by both sides during the eighth edition of the bilateral agricultural cooperative meeting held earlier this year. By expanding partnership between the two sides’ public and private sectors, the event will serve as a model for promoting smart and sustainable development of the sector in the Asia-Pacific region, the ministry said.
 
The workshop featured sessions led by Taiwan experts for more than 200 participants from the New Southbound Policy target country. The speakers shared government policies and experience in helping local farmers integrate analytical and planning tools to optimize their financial systems and overall operations, the MOA said.

A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.