Ministry of Education and New Mexico Higher Education Department Sign an Educational Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of International and Cross-strait Education of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the New Mexico Higher Education Department, of the State of New Mexico in the United States of America was signed by Abraham W.S. Chu, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, and by Barbara Damron, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department. This historic signing ceremony took place in Los Angles on August 13th 2018, and Minister of Education Jiunn-rong Yeh and Governor Susana Martinez were witnesses of honor.
The signatory parties recognize each other’s strengths in education, technology, culture, economic and industrial development and have entered this memorandum of understanding in order to contribute to the strengthening of education and learning-related links.
The signing of this MOU symbolizes the beginning of future collaborations for purposes including: promotion of financial aid opportunities for students; creation of a supportive environment for academic institutions, research centers, companies, associations, and agencies to engage in collaborative project development and implementation; promotion of innovative and technological development; mutual participation in coordination and planning activities related to education, science, technology, and innovation; promotion of partnerships with the private sector to help create favorable economic development; strengthening appreciation within New Mexico and Taiwan of each other’s cultural and ethnic diversity; and promotion of functional bilingualism, and associated cultural awareness.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Jiunn-rong Yeh was delighted to be a witness of honor for the signing. “We used to say that Taiwanese people dig into the ground for everything for our national development because we don’t have many natural resources. That’s why we value education so much, and it’s the same in New Mexico. We both spend lots of effort on policy reforms. As I observe the globalized world, with the increase of student mobility, it’s almost impossible for us to do education alone. We need to build up networks to help each other. Not only in the fields of science and technology, but also regarding our commitment to democracy, humanity’s values and cultural diversity. This collaboration will strengthen the education that is the backbone in our human society. This collaboration is beneficial for both parties. It’s a small step but a significant milestone for future collaboration.”
Susana Martinez, the Governor of the State of New Mexico, acknowledged the importance of this MOU and expressed her expectation for future collaboration. “It’s clear that both of our governments are committed to providing our students with an exceptional learning experience after high school. By working with Taiwan, we will be strengthening our contribution to education, technology, culture, and economic development, and encouraging future support and cooperation between our two governments.”
Abraham W.S. Chu, Director General of TECO-LA pointed out that the State of New Mexico has competitive energy, high technology, and national defense industry sectors, and that Taiwan’s government is promoting the “5+2” innovative industries program that also includes these sectors, so it is hoped that, as well as educational collaboration, our economic and technology departments will also discuss further collaboration with the State of New Mexico for reciprocal benefits.
Photo:From left: Barbara Damron, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department; Susana Martinez, Governor of the State of New Mexico; Abraham W.S. Chu, Director General of TECO in Los Angeles; and Minister of Education, Dr. Jiunn-rong Yeh, at the MOU signing ceremony between the Ministry of Education and the New Mexico Higher Education Department.