The 10th Canada-Taiwan Conference in Higher Education
Opening Remarks
Oct. 16, 2012
Political Deputy Minister Lin, Tsong-ming
Ministry of Education, R.O.C. (Taiwan)
Good Morning,
Dr. John Hepburn, Vice President, Research & International, University of British Columbia,
Dr. George Dixon, Vice President, University Research, University of Waterloo,
President Dr. Joseph S. Lee, Interim President, National Central University,
President Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, Chairperson, The Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan
Honored guests from Canada,
Distinguished university representatives and guests.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I would like to extend a cordial welcome to all attendees of “The 10th Canada-Taiwan Conference in Higher Education.” My sincere appreciation goes to all who are involved in this very significant conference, especially to our Canadian friends who have made a long journey to Taiwan.
Canada-Taiwan Conference is held every one or two years, alternatively in Canada and Taiwan. The 9th Canada-Taiwan Conference in Higher Education was held in Carleton University in May 2010. It was a unique opportunity for academics and policy makers from both countries to meet and exchange their visions. This year, the main theme of the conference is environmental science and cultural industry in higher education, as well as cooperation in higher education. I believe this conference will contribute significantly to deepening the development of our academic relations.
Higher educational exchange between Taiwan and Canada is an important part of the interactions between our two countries. In recent years, the long-term study of Taiwanese in Canada has contributed more than 100 million Taiwanese dollars per year to the Canadian economy. This makes Taiwan the 10th largest export market for Canadian education services. In addition to long-term studies, each year more than one thousand Taiwanese teenagers visit Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
Similarly, the number of Canadian students studying at Taiwan’s Mandarin Chinese Language Centers was 532 and 101 Canadian students was under exchange programs with Taiwan’s universities in 2011. Moreover, there are 111 Canadian students pursuing their degree in Taiwan. We are confident that, with more and more interactions between us, there will be increasing number of Canadian students coming to study in Taiwan. This is the best way to improve mutual understanding. Our government is committed to increasing incentives to encourage more Canadian students to study in Taiwan. Also, I hope, and I believe that, with this conference, the cooperative relationship between Taiwan and Canada in high education and research will be enriched.
In closing, I’d like to express my deepest appreciation for your support and interest. First of all, I would like to extend my appreciation to those who will deliver speeches and share their experience with us and to the National Central University and the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan for organizing and hosting this event. For our Canadian guests, Taiwan is a place full of opportunity and interesting possibility. I hope you will find a chance catch a glimpse of this dynamic society during your stay. I also want to wish you a very inspiring conference. Thank you.
