Political Deputy Minister of Education attends the Annual Conference of Overseas Taiwan Schools in Kuala Lumpur
Dr. Yao was invited to attend the 18th Annual Conference of Overseas Taiwan Schools hosted by Chinese Taipei School (Kuala Lumpur) this year at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on December 13 and 14. The 2-day meeting was attended by the principal, the chairman of the board, and the president of the Parents’ Association from five overseas Taiwan schools: Chinese Taipei School (Kuala Lumpur), Chinese Taipei School (Penang), Ho Chi Minh City Taipei School, Jakarta Taipei School, and Surabaya Taipei International School.
Representatives of these schools gather together each year to discuss their school’s performance and exchange views and share details of school management and sustainable development related experience. The conference gave Dr. Yao an opportunity to meet with Senator Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Deputy Minister of Education of Malaysia who also attended the opening ceremony.
During his visit, Dr. Yao was given an exclusive interview by Sin Chew Daily, a leading Chinese-language newspaper in Malaysia and the report appeared on the front page of the newspaper on December 16, 2017. During the interview, Dr. Yao talked about the Executive Yuan’s recent passage of legislation to close private universities and tertiary colleges that fail to enroll enough students. This has become a matter of concern for some Malaysians who intend to undertake further study in Taiwan. Dr. Yao assured the press that ensuring the rights and interests of Malaysian and other overseas students is a policy of the Ministry of Education, and he pointed out that announcing the enrollment figures and the financial status of all universities helps to alert students and academics about possible closures and provides information that will help people choose the right educational institution in Taiwan.
Photo:Dr. Yao Leehter (4th left) with participants at the opening ceremony of the 18th Annual Conference of Overseas Taiwan Schools on December 13, 2017.