Source : Taiwan Today

Ma eyes more exchanges via scholarship program

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said May 8 that he expects Taiwan to transform into a hub for higher education and Chinese language studies on the back of the country’s scholarship programs.

“Expanded internationalization in tertiary education has been instrumental in broadening the global perspective of local students,” Ma said at a farewell function in Taipei City for Taiwan and Huayu Enrichment scholarship recipients.

“Since I took office in May 2008, the number of foreign students in Taiwan has tripled from 30,509 to 92,685 last year. We expect to welcome 110,000 in 2016 and move this undertaking to the next level.”

Launched in 2004 and 2006, respectively, the scholarships are responsible for building strong academic links between Taiwan and the international community. Thousands of foreign students have earned degrees and assumed important roles in the public arena under the initiative organized jointly by the ministries of education, foreign affairs, national defense, and science and technology.

According to the president, he is optimistic the latest batch of academic ambassadors will put what they have learned in Taiwan to good use in the service of their countries while helping deepen bilateral ties.

“For instance, Taiwan Scholarship alumnus Fakasoa Tealei is now an assistant secretary at Tuvalu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Ma said. “And fellow recipient Bwakura Metutera Timeon of Kiribati is presently deputy secretary in that country’s Ministry of Women, Youth and Social Affairs.”

Ma believes the in-depth interaction and mutual understanding made possible by the talent cultivation scheme have paid handsome dividends in creating a win-win situation for the ROC and its diplomatic allies.

“We are also working on reinforcing the Chinese language aspect of the program,” he said, adding that enrolment targets are in place for 29,000 students by 2016 and over 40,000 by 2021.

“Capitalizing on our soft power and viable diplomacy, we have every reason to believe Taiwan will become a global center of Chinese education and advanced cultural exchanges in the 21st century.” (YHC-JSM)