Minister Chiang Chaired the 2013 Roundtable Meeting of Directors of Education Divisions in Europe, and Met with Leading Academics in Paris

On arrival in Paris, Minister Chiang met with leading academics which include Mr. Salzmann, President of the Conference of University Presidents, and Dr. Canto-Sperber, President of the prominent research university Paris Sciences et Lettres. They exchanged views on matters including the global nurturing of a highly skilled workforce and expertise, and both countries’ shared concerns about higher education development and world competiveness.

Minister Chiang then met with students from Taiwan. He identified differences between the education systems in both countries, notably in the fields of the arts and music, and was very interested to hear students’ views and concerns.

He then called on President Bittoun at University Paris Sud, a world-class university recently ranked 36th by CWUR (Center for World University Ranking) in 2013. The Education Division is currently finalizing a scholarship program with University Paris Sud. The program, to be co-financed by the university and the MOE, will start in 2014.

On the second day of his visit, Minister Chiang chaired the 2013 roundtable meeting of the MOE Education Divisions in Europe. The MOE has eight Education Divisions across Europe, namely, in Austria, Belgium and European Union, France, Germany, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and the UK. Minister Chiang briefed the directors about the 12-year basic education policy, and other major programs in progress. The Minister thoroughly discussed numerous issues with all participants, with a view to better promoting Taiwan’s higher education, and the teaching and testing of Chinese proficiency in Europe.

Minister Chiang concluded his visit by meeting with the Director General of Campus France Mr. Antoine Grassin and an official from the French Ministry of Higher Education.