Dr. Mumin Chen 陳牧民, Taiwan’s Representative in India, gave the opening remarks, welcoming everyone. He spoke about the historical origins and cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival, and the role of educational and cultural exchanges in strengthening India–Taiwan relations. Ms. Jill Lai, Director of the Education Division at TECC in India, also welcomed everyone and spoke about the objectives of the Taiwan Education Centers.

O.P. Jindal Global University students then gave presentations on the history, customs, and traditions associated with the Dragon Boat Festival. The program included a Taiwanese tea-tasting session and an opportunity to sample traditional festive delicacies, and the participants took part in a workshop on making scented sachets. It was conducted by Ms. Josephine Liu 劉容秀, who teaches Mandarin Chinese at the Taiwan Education Center at O.P. Jindal Global University. 

The Dragon Boat Festival celebration gave the participants a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage, and the cherished Dragon Boat Festival traditions, associated with health, protection, and good fortune.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India and the Taiwan Education Centers will continue to foster cross-cultural learning and people-to-people connections among young learners and educators.

Phenikaa University—formerly known as Thanh Tay University—was established in Hanoi in 2007. In October 2017 the university officially became a member of the Phenikaa Group, one of Vietnam’s leading industrial conglomerates, and it was officially renamed Phenikaa University in November 2018. In July 2025, the university received official approval from Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training to be a “priority field university”. The university has strong links with industry, and in November 2024 it hosted an information briefing and exhibition promoting Taiwan’s INTENSE Program and how to apply for it, organized in conjunction with a number of universities in Taiwan.

The visiting delegation was warmly received by Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Ninh 阮玉寧, Vice-President (Global Outreach), Dr. Nguyen Viet Anh 阮越英, Deputy Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Digital Technology; Dr. Nguyen Quoc Dinh 阮國定, Deputy Chief of the External Engagement Office; Dr. Pham Thuy Hong 范翠紅, Deputy Head of the Chinese Language Department, and Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Thao 吳氏芳草, Deputy Head of the Department of Oriental Studies. 

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Ninh, the Vice-President for Global Outreach, welcomed the delegation from the Education Division and provided an overview of the university’s current developments. She expressed hopes that the Education Division would be able to help facilitate exchanges of academic staff and students between the university and universities in Taiwan, and opportunities for academic staff members with a master’s degree to undertake PhD programs in Taiwan. She expressed the university’s willingness to provide short-term exchange programs for students in Taiwan, and short-term teaching opportunities for teachers at universities in Taiwan. 

Ms. Ou then spoke about Taiwan’s higher education system which is known for quality and excellence, especially in high-tech fields where Taiwan is a global leader. The tuition fees are reasonable, and the wide range of scholarships provided by the government and by individual universities that can help ease the financial burden for international students. 

She provided the university officials with current details about studying in Taiwan, including various Taiwan government scholarships, the Ministry of Education’s International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (the INTENSE Program), and another program for recruiting qualified Chinese language teachers to teach at Vietnamese universities. Ms. Ou assured their hosts that the Education Division would be glad to facilitate exchanges between universities in Taiwan and Phenikaa University, and she expressed her hope that the university would encourage outstanding students and staff to choose Taiwan for further study.

The Education Division invited Ms. Ku Chen-Jung, a Mandarin instructor from Universiti Malaysia Sabah to serve as the lead instructor. The teachers introduced the students to basic Mandarin vocabulary and simple conversations in a relaxed and enjoyable environment, using interactive teaching methods, language games, and cultural activities. 

Ms. Canny Yi-Ken Liao 廖苡亘, Director of the Education Division, TECO in Malaysia encouraged the students to treasure every opportunity to learn and to use language as a bridge for communication that will open doors to a wider range of opportunities in the future. Learning languages helps students expand their social networks and global perspectives and it also enhances their future academic and career opportunities. 

She encouraged students to explore scholarship opportunities and Mandarin learning programs in Taiwan through the Education Division if they go on to complete the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (Sijil Tinggi Pendidikan Malaysia, STPM). Taiwan welcomes more Malaysian students to undertake higher education there in a diverse academic environment where they can experience rich cultural experiences. 

Ms. Chong Lee Ngo, Principal of SMK Merbau, said that language should serve as a bridge for communication and mutual understanding rather than a barrier between ethnic communities. She encouraged the students to seize this opportunity to learn Mandarin and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, and thereby foster greater social harmony. She also said that Sarawak's long-standing tradition of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds learning each other’s languages and cultures is one of the state's greatest strengths and reflects its enduring spirit of unity and inclusiveness.

The Fun Mandarin Course ended on a positive note, with the students showing strong interest in continuing to learn Mandarin through interactive activities. The Education Division of TECO in Malaysia will continue to promote Mandarin learning across Malaysia, and encourage more Malaysian students to explore higher education opportunities in Taiwan.

The theme of the intensive two-day workshop was Making Voices Heard. It was designed in partnership with Professor Norbert Kordek, Chair of the University’s Department of Taiwan and Vietnam Languages and Cultures Studies. Professor Kordek invited Professor Chang Ching-Lan 張金蘭, Chair of the Department of Language and Creative Writing at National Taipei University of Education, to lead the sessions. 

The workshop modules focused on: enhancing oral expression, culturally oriented course design, and the integration of cutting-edge teaching tools, such as AI and podcasts, and it was tailored taking into account the unique learning characteristics of Polish university students.

To maximize professional networking, the organizers strategically arranged the seating to alternate Taiwanese and Polish educators, and to group teachers from different institutions together. Professor Chang made use of engaging presentations, reflective teaching exercises, and dynamic group discussions that kept the energy level high both days. The National Museum of Taiwan Literature and the Mandarin Training Center at National Taiwan Normal University generously donated Taiwanese literature and cultural teaching materials to the participants, providing vital resources to expand Taiwan’s cultural footprint across Polish universities and promote Taiwanese heritage abroad.

The workshop generated enthusiastic responses. The participants said that they had gained invaluable practical skills and a renewed passion for teaching.

"Teaching abroad for many years, it has been a long time since I attended any in-person Mandarin pedagogical training," said one Taiwanese Mandarin teacher. "Learning how to leverage AI and podcasts as instructional tools was incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to implement these techniques in my own classroom."

The workshop also consolidated the Taiwan–Poland Mandarin Chinese teaching network which provides avenues for continuing interaction. And it demonstrated the practical value of Taiwan’s language learning resources. 

That same month, COOVI organized an exchange group comprising two teachers and eight students to visit Taiwan, and Chung Shan Industrial and Commercial School arranged a two-week culinary practicum program for the Belgian students. It was complemented by some Mandarin language classes and cultural visits to give the Belgian teachers and students a deeper understanding of Taiwan and the local culture.

From June 2 to June 14 this year, a group from Chung Shan Industrial and Commercial School—15 students and a teacher, Lee Yi-Zheng—made a return visit to COOVI Secondary School in Belgium to participate in Belgian culinary practicum courses. The program covered the preparation of iconic Belgian specialties such as chocolate and waffles, and included hands-on culinary training sessions on traditional Flemish cuisine, pastries, and other local specialties. Their itinerary also included an introduction to the local culture, language, and daily life.

Apart from the practical professional training, the group also visited Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent and experienced Belgium’s historical context, cultural heritage, and food culture firsthand. The visit broadened the students’ international horizons and demonstrated the important value of cross-border cooperation in culinary education, where practical skills, creativity, and intercultural understanding are all essential components of vocational training.

On June 12, the 15 Chung Shan students prepared a luncheon at COOVI Secondary School featuring Belgian dishes they had cooked, and showcasing their learning outcomes and practical skills. A closing ceremony was held during the luncheon, at which certificates were presented to the Chung Shan students to recognize their learning achievements during the exchange program. The Chung Shan students then spoke about what they had learned and their experiences in Belgium, and they expressed their gratitude to all the COOVI teachers by singing You Are My Sunshine.

The teachers and students at each of the schools gained a deeper understanding of the practical operations and professional standards of the hospitality and culinary industries in Taiwan and in Belgium, and they look forward to continuing to promote each other’s food culture and strengthening their bilateral friendship and educational cooperation.

The exchange visits made by a group from each of the two schools— to Taiwan and to Belgium respectively—were supported by the K–12 Education Administration of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, and by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme for international mobility, with the promotion and mutual support of the Education Division and the Flemish Department of Education and Training. These exchange visits represent a pioneering step for bilateral vocational education cooperation at secondary school level.

The Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver extended a warm welcome to Livia and commends her for her active engagement in this excellent learning opportunity. Participation in such international internship programs enhances young people’s intercultural competence and global outlook, and it also contributes to enhancing educational cooperation between Taiwan and Canada.

During her placement at BCCIE, Livia has been actively involved in a range of international education initiatives, working with a small but highly coordinated team. This has included providing on-site support for the British Columbia International Education Week, a major annual conference with more than one hundred participants. She’s been helping with conference registration services, photography, and facilitating the opening and closing of concurrent sessions. This has given her valuable insight into the planning and implementation of a large-scale international event, and the dynamics of collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, and global partners.

Livia also interacted directly with the delegates and speakers and participated in some of the workshop discussions. This gave her opportunities to observe Canada’s strengths and challenges in international education, including policy considerations, student mobility trends, and its strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental education, and the importance of professional networks and open dialogue in fostering meaningful international collaboration.

Livia has a strong academic background in curriculum design and digital learning, as well as having experience in the non-profit sector, and a longstanding commitment to education and youth development. As well as broadening her global perspective, this internship is deepening her understanding of international education governance, and giving her opportunities to share details of Taiwan’s values and educational strengths with the international community.

After completing her internship in Canada, Livia will take part in an academic exchange program in the United Kingdom. She wants to develop her professional expertise further by experiencing another educational system and cultural context, and contribute to advancing international education collaboration in the future.

Taiwan Research Academy 2026 brought together 19 outstanding students from the U.S. and Taiwan for the 7-day intensive program. Taiwanese and American experts gave lectures analyzing Taiwan’s pivotal role in global affairs, broadening the participants’ perspectives and sparking their critical thinking. These lectures, together with workshops and final presentations, enhanced both the participants’ academic knowledge and their practical research skills.

The success of this year’s academy came about as a result of the leadership of Jennifer Holmes, Dean of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, the meticulous planning of Professor Karl Ho and his team, and the active involvement of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston, and the local Taiwanese community. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Dennis Lu-Chung Weng 翁履中, an Associate Professor of Political Science from Sam Houston State University, and all the faculty members whose expert critiques of the research frameworks of the young scholars participating expanded their academic horizons and gave them practical insights.

Antonio Chen, Deputy Director General of TECO in Houston, was invited to speak at the closing ceremony on June 20 and present certificates to the participants. He pointed out that this year marks two historic milestones: the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S., and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s beginning to hold direct presidential elections. Chen described democratic Taiwan as “an indispensable global partner that safeguards regional freedom of navigation and ensures global economic security” and he encouraged the participants to visit Taiwan and serve as bridges between the two cultures.

Rebecca Lan, Director of the Education Division, then outlined the government scholarships that the American participants can apply for to learn Mandarin, undertake a degree, or conduct research in Taiwan. She then outlined the wide range of scholarships and grants that Taiwan’s Ministry of Education provides to encourage young Taiwanese to study abroad, and she urged any of the Taiwanese participants wanting to do further studies in the U.S. to apply for one of them.

Taiwan continues to occupy an increasingly important position in the international order, the Taiwan Research Academy helps prepare students to engage in associated issues with scholarly rigor, policy insight, and cross-cultural understanding. The success of the 2026 Academy reflects the commitment of the University of Texas at Dallas and the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences to advancing Taiwan studies and building the next generation of leaders in the field.

The Expo gave registered attendees an opportunity to chat directly with representatives of eight major universities in Taiwan, either in person or online, to gain a better understanding of the range of study opportunities and scholarships that are available, and see how Taiwan could be a part of their future study plans.

The eight universities in Taiwan that took part in the Expo already have collaborations with local Australian universities: Feng Chia University, Fu Jen Catholic University, National Cheng Kung University, National Chung Hsing University, National Taiwan Normal University, National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. Each university holds particular discipline strengths and they each set up a stall area where the attendees could chat with university representatives and alumni who are currently studying or working in Australia.

The Taiwan Education Expo attracted a wide range of people interested in Taiwan’s culture, industry, and study opportunities. Among the dignitaries were Louise Kinnaird, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Asia-Pacific Association of International Education (APAIE), and Lucinda Malgas, the Secretariat’s Global Engagement Manager for the Asia Pacific Region; Dr. Guei-Sheung (Rick) Liu 劉貴玄, Head of Genetic Engineering Research at the Centre of Eye Research Australia (CERA); and Brent Moore, former Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Office in Taipei, and an active member of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council.

Ray Ming-Tse Lu 呂明澤, the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office branch in Melbourne, Rowan Callick, vice-chair of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council,  and Dr. Craig Smith, an associate professor at the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne welcomed everyone and gave opening remarks about the advantages of studying in Taiwan.

The attendees included staff and students from the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, and Monash University, high school students, and some of this year’s New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship holders who selected Taiwan as their study destination, and recipients of Huayu Enrichment Scholarships who’ll be travelling to Taiwan to study Mandarin Chinese later in 2026 intake also came along to meet representatives from TECO and their future study institutions. The high school students were generally interested in future opportunities in Taiwan’s leading technology sectors, while many university students asked about exchange programs and PhD programs.

The Education Division also invited two students to talk about Taiwan and what it's like to study and live there: Bukut Qalavangan from Taiwan, a member of Taiwan’s indigenous Bunun people who’s currently undertaking a Master of Public Health program at the University of Melbourne, and Davidson Yue, a former New Colombo Plan scholar who studied at National Taiwan University.

Dr. Yang Yu-Huei 楊玉惠, Director-General of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Technological and Vocational Education, who officially launched the Wind Rider in October, 2023; Prof. Yu Ke-Wei 俞克維, one of the vice presidents of National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology; and Ms. Lee Kuan-Ying 李冠穎, Education Secretary of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka, all traveled to Matsuyama Port, where they joined staff from the Ehime Prefectural Government and the Ehime Prefectural Board of Education to welcome the training ship’s arrival. Speaking on board, Director-General Yang said that as well as an important platform for maritime navigation and marine engineering training, Wind Rider also serves as a bridge for international educational cooperation.

During the training ship’s visit, approximately 75 teachers and students from two colleges that are member institutions of Japan’s National Institute of Technology (KOSEN)—Oshima National College of Maritime Technology, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and Yuge National College of Maritime Technology, located in Ehime Prefecture—were invited to go on board and participate in academic and cultural exchange activities. The program included guided tours of the bridge, engine room, and simulation facilities, presentations and interactive exchange sessions.

The teachers and students were also joined by administrators, making this one of the largest Taiwan–Japan maritime education exchange activities held in recent years. Kenya Nakai 中井賢哉, Director of the High School Education Division of the Ehime Prefectural Board of Education, praised the valuable educational role of the Wind Rider and its advanced facilities, describing her as a “mobile classroom at sea”. Wind Rider is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, marine engineering, and simulation systems that meet the international training standards set out in the STCW Convention.

The Ministry of Education will continue to use Wind Rider to train world-class maritime professionals, and enhance international maritime education exchanges and cooperation.

The theme of this year’s conference was Taiwan and Its Neighbours: Indo-Pacific States in a Changing World Order. The conference was organised into three panel sessions: Panel 1 was on US–China competition and Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific; Panel 2 was on Northeast Asia Theatre: Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea; and Panel 3 was on Other Indo-Pacific States: India, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

The speakers included Professor Tsai Chung-min 蔡中民, from the Department of Political Science at National Chengchi University; Associate Professor Lee Chun-yi 李淳怡, from the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham, where she is director of the Taiwan Research Hub; and Professor Lu Yeh-chung 盧業中, Dean of the College of International Affairs at National Chengchi University, where he is a professor in the Department of Diplomacy, and vice president of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.

It began with welcoming remarks given by Dr. Jing Bo-jiun 荊柏鈞, a senior research fellow and programme manager of the Oxford Taiwan Studies Programme in the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, and by Cheu-an Andy Bi, Director of the Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the UK. Dr. Jing stated that a principal objective of the conference was to situate Taiwan within a broader Indo-Pacific context beyond cross-strait relations, and to examine how regional actors are responding to rapid geopolitical change. The conference’s timing—amid heightened international attention on US–China relations and the visit to the UK by Han Kuo-yu 韓國瑜, president of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, and a cross-party delegation—underscored the urgency and significance of discussions on Taiwan and regional resilience.

Director Bi described Taiwan studies as a long-term investment in mutual understanding, as well as an academic initiative. Taiwan-related research enables scholars and students to engage with Taiwan, examining its democracy, society, history, culture, economics, and international relations, and this contributes to more balanced and nuanced perspectives. He pointed out that issues affecting Taiwan are closely connected to the future of the Indo-Pacific region, including regional security, democratic resilience, supply chains, technological development, and the international order. He said that the Ministry of Education remains committed to supporting the Oxford Taiwan Studies Programme, and to strengthening the academic foundations of Taiwan studies in the UK and globally, through international collaboration and training of people with expertise in the Taiwan studies field.

Each of the three panel presentations was followed by a Q&A and discussion. Professor Rachel Murphy from the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies gave the closing remarks.

Among the competitors was a group of 18 students from seven secondary schools in Taiwan: the Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University, National Hualien Senior High School, Taipei First Girls’ High School, Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School, Taipei Municipal Jingmei Girls High School, Taipei Municipal Long Men Junior High School, and Taipei Fuhsing Private School. They were led by Dr. Liu Huoo-Chin 劉火欽, Director General of the National Taiwan Science Education Center.

The 18 students presented 12 projects in 11 of the 21 competition categories: Animal Sciences, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Embedded Systems, Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design, Environmental Engineering, Mathematics,jo and Robotics and Intelligent Machines.

Despite the tough global competition, the solid research and creative thinking of four of the students from Taiwan led to their five awards. The number of awards distributed in each category is proportional to the number of projects entered in that category. 

Two students from Taiwan won Grand Awards: 

* Anita Huang from Taipei Fuhsing Private School received one of the four Third Awards in the Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design category for a project on A New Class of Thermoelectric Material – Electrical Power From Coconut-Fibers and Carbon Nanoparticles. 

* Lu Pin-Chun from Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School received one of the four Fourth Awards in the Mathematics category for a project on Projective Generalization of Foci and Isogonal Cubics Loci of Complete Quadrilaterals.

Two students from Taiwan won a total of three Special Awards:

* Lee Meng-Hsuan from Taipei First Girls High School received the American Chemical Society First Award for her project in the Chemistry category on Dual-Functional Vaccine Adjuvant for Amplifying Immunity.

* Lin Jia-Ying from Taipei First Girls High School received two special awards for her project in the Mathematics category on Digraphs From a New Josephus Transformation. This was one of five projects to receive a Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye TUBITAK First Award. 

* Lin Jia-Ying’s project also received an American Mathematical Society (AMS) Honorable Mention and a One-Year Membership to AMS.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles immediately offered their congratulations and forwarded messages from President Lai Ching-te 賴清德 and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim 蕭美琴, who both praised the students for their hard work and great results. Taiwan’s Minister of Education Dr. Cheng Ying-Yao 鄭英耀 also congratulated the students, saying that their exemplary achievements brought honor to Taiwan and reflected the quality of Taiwan’s education, and the strong focus it places on well-rounded STEM education.

A list of all the research project entries from each of the 67 countries, regions, and territories that took part in Regeneron ISEF 2026 can be found in the online Finalist Directory, and you can click on the link at the end of each project listing to see full details.  

One team competed in the FIRST LEGO League division – for ages 6 to 10; two teams competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge division – for ages 12 to 18; and twelve elite teams competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition division—the championship’s most demanding category, for ages 14 to 18. This is the highest number of teams from Taiwan that has ever qualified for the world finals, where they competed against more than a thousand teams from more than 50 countries. Yvonne Hsiao 蕭伊芳, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, Rebecca Lan 藍先茜, Director of the Education Division, and Dr. Chen Pin-Chuan 陳品銓, Director of the Science and Technology Division visited the competition venues on the opening day of the competition to cheer the teams on.

During the four fiercely competitive days, the students demonstrated their knowledge, skills, strategic and creative thinking, and their ability to tackle complex engineering challenges. Their outstanding performances resulted in their earning the following seven awards, the highest number of awards teams from Taiwan have ever won at this world championship.

In the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC):

• Team 8595 – This Is How We Play from Ger Jyh Senior High School was awarded a Finalists Award in the FIRST Robotics Competition Curie Division;
• Team 8020 – CyberpunK from Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School was awarded the Excellence in Engineering Award;
• Team 7632 – An Kang Robotics Maker from New Taipei Municipal An Kang High School was awarded the Team Sustainability Award;
• Team 9427 – iDEER, a coalition team of students from New Taipei Municipal Shulin High School and from Yuteh Private International School in New Taipei was awarded a Rising All-Star Award; and
• Team 10034 – GammaLand, a coalition team of students from two schools in Yilan County—Ci-Xin Waldorf School, an experimental senior high school—and from National Lotung Industrial Vocational High School was awarded a Rising All-Star Award.

In the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC):

• Team 17257 – GoBuilder.GC, a coalition team of students from Sacred Hearts High School, National Tou-Liu Senior High School, Fu Jen Catholic High School, and Kang Ming Senior High School—all in the Yun-Chia region of southwestern Taiwan—was awarded the Control Award 2nd Place;

In the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge:

• Team 75225 – The Potter by the Stream from Taichung Municipal Shi Nan Junior High School received the Robot Performance Award – 5th Place

After the competition, Director General Hsiao presented messages to the following award-winning teams from behalf of President Lai Ching-te 賴清德 and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim 蕭美琴 congratulating them for their outstanding accomplishments on the global stage. She said afterwards “These students have demonstrated far more than technical excellence; they have shown the courage to innovate and an inspiring spirit of teamwork and collaboration. These opportunities for international connection and cross-cultural dialogue are among the most valuable lessons students can gain beyond the classroom.”

These young innovators have proven their ability to compete and collaborate at the highest international level, serving as outstanding ambassadors for Taiwan’s education sector, and Taiwan’s government remains committed to providing advanced, interdisciplinary STEM education and nurturing Taiwan’s next generation to be globally minded and competitive.

During the forum, a letter of intent (LOI) establishing the U.S. –Taiwan Semiconductor Education Alliance was signed by Dr. Li Tsai-Yen 李蔡彥, Chairperson of FICHET—the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan—and Dr. Charles L. Welch, President and CEO of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. 

Dr. Cheng Ying-Yao, the Minister of Education, Alexander Tah-ray Yui 俞大㵢, Taiwan’s Representative in the U.S. Ms. Ingrid D. Larson, Managing Director of the American Institute in Taiwan Washington Office (AIT/W), and officials from the U.S. Department of State were among the dignitaries who attended the signing ceremony.

In his remarks before the signing, Minister Cheng explained that the U.S. and Taiwan reaffirmed our shared commitment to extending education cooperation to support workforce development, and strengthen language capacity, and people-to-people ties, during the fifth U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative high-level dialogue held in Taipei in January. The officials taking part in the high-level dialogue agreed on a three-year strategic plan that includes expanding cooperation between universities to train skilled professionals for the semiconductor industry.

The newly established U.S.–Taiwan Semiconductor Education Alliance will serve as a platform connecting universities, industry, and government stakeholders to expand academic exchanges, joint research, internships, and workforce training opportunities. It will facilitate Taiwan and the United States working together to train highly-skilled, globally competitive professionals, and strengthen the resilience of the semiconductor supply chain.

This exchange was centered on Japan’s ongoing implementation of “ESD for 2030.” Through site visits to schools, civil society organizations, and environmental learning facilities, the delegation gained in-depth insights into the mechanisms for advancing ESD policies, the distinctive features of course development, and cross-sector collaboration models. The delegation also learned how global issues such as climate change, net-zero transition, and resource circulation can be integrated into educational settings and translated into concrete actions by students. 

This visit was led by Professor Emeritus Osamu Abe of Rikkyo University, Japan, and jointly organized by the Japan Environmental Education Forum (JEEF), the Japan Council on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD-J), and the Japanese Society for Environmental Education (JSFEE). The arrangements enabled the delegation to gain a deeper understanding of ESD implementation models and the outcomes of ESD promotion in schools and communities. During a keynote lecture, Professor Emeritus Osamu Abe shared the development of ESD in Japan and its latest trends. He noted that environmental education in Japan has transitioned from an early focus on the transmission of environmental knowledge to an educational model that uses systems thinking to guide social transformation. The core philosophy focuses not only on improving the relationship between people and nature, but also on fostering connections and the common good among people and between individuals and society. Through education, students develop the ability to think proactively, anticipate the future, collaborate to solve problems, and take action. 

Regarding local educational governance and school-based practice, Tama City has adopted “Cultivating Adults for 2050” as its educational vision. The city integrates the principles of sustainable development into school culture, learning environments, and course planning. From campus design to everyday teaching and learning activities, students encounter and learn about the concepts embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the integration of ESD into formal courses and the development of locally rooted school-based courses, students are guided to draw on their own life experiences to understand the connections between global sustainability issues and local environmental and social development, thereby building a comprehensive and continuous sustainability learning journey. 

The MOE stated that the exchange not only enabled Taiwan’s environmental education personnel to gain a better understanding of international ESD trends and practical experiences, but also offered valuable lessons for strengthening environmental education, promoting interdisciplinary course integration, and cultivating students’ sustainability literacy. The MOE will continue to implement its “New-generation Environmental Education Development” policy. It will further advance environmental education guided by sustainable development, integrating the core concepts of ESD into environmental education issue learning and campus practices, with the goal of building green schools for net-zero and partnering with schools to advance a sustainable future.

Following NCSSFL’s inaugural delegationed visit to Taiwan in 2025, Dr. Skinner who visited Taiwan last year as President-Elect is returning this year as President. This return demonstrates the continued deepening of exchanges between the two sides. During the visit, the delegation exchanged views with Taiwan counterparts on language education policy, the promotion of Mandarin Chinese education, and bilingual talent cultivation, further deepening the Taiwan-U.S. educational partnership.

NCSSFL is a key organization in shaping language education policy across the United States. It has long been instrumental in the development of language proficiency standards and the promotion of the Seal of Biliteracy, and plays an influential role in the development of K-12 language education in the United States.

To continue promoting Taiwan-U.S. exchanges in language education, the Ministry of Education has commissioned the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) to facilitate ongoing collaboration. In 2023, FICHET signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NCSSFL and the National Association of District Supervisors of Foreign Languages (NADSFL), establishing an institutional cooperation mechanism to promote teacher professional development, teacher recruitment, and educational exchanges.

During their stay in Taiwan, the delegation visited K-12 schools, Mandarin Chinese education institutions, and the Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP). These visits allowed them to gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s achievements in bilingual education, Mandarin Chinese teaching, and language proficiency assessment. The two sides will also hold in-depth discussions on Mandarin Chinese teacher training, educational exchanges, and future cooperation.

The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) has earned growing recognition from the U.S. education community in recent years. To date, education departments in 28 U.S. states have officially recognized TOCFL as an approved assessment for students applying for the Seal of Biliteracy.

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Kuo-Wei Liu received the delegation on June 8. He stated that under the framework of the U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative, Taiwan and the United States have continued to deepen cooperation in language education, teacher professional development, and educational exchanges.

Deputy Minister Liu highlighted that the adoption of TOCFL by 28 U.S. states for the Seal of Biliteracy marks a significant milestone in bilateral language education cooperation. Looking ahead, the two sides will continue to promote cooperation in Mandarin Chinese education, teacher professional exchanges, and language proficiency certification, further strengthening the foundation of Taiwan-U.S. educational cooperation.

The Ministry of Education will continue to work through cooperation platforms such as FICHET and NCSSFL to deepen Taiwan-U.S. collaboration in language education, teacher training, and talent exchanges. Jointly cultivate international talent with intercultural communication skills and global perspectives, bringing deeper and more sustainable momentum to the Taiwan-U.S. educational partnership.

They were warmly received by Mr. Nguyen Van Tao 阮文早, Secretary of the university’s Communist Party Committee and staff from several university departments. 

The information session was held in the university's auditorium and approximately 160 teachers and students attended. Mr. Nguyen Van Tao warmly welcomed the delegation in his opening remarks and then provided an overview of TNU’s founding, development, and current international partnerships. Representative Liu thanked Committee Secretary Nguyen for the warm reception from the university and then told the attendees that there are nearly 53,000 Vietnamese students currently studying at universities in Taiwan. He gave details of the generous scholarships offered by Taiwan’s government, such as the Taiwan Scholarships, and Huayu Enrichment Scholarships, and the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (the INTENSE Program) which is tailored for international students. 

He said that he hoped the university would encourage its outstanding academic staff members and students to undertake further education in Taiwan. The students showed great interest in studying in Taiwan and asked many related questions. Representative Liu advised the students to start preparing early if they’re considering studying in Taiwan.

In addition to the information session, Representative Liu, Acting Education Division Director Tina Ou, and the personnel from the Economic Division and the Political Division held a round table discussion with Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Tao and university officials and staff about joint training of professionals to meet industry needs, and faculty-student exchanges to bring more prosperity and progress to Thai Nguyen Province.

Among the distinguished guests at the education fairs were the mayor of Padang, a special advisor to Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, and the rectors of the host universities. They spoke in their remarks about the importance of international collaboration for preparing students to meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected global environment and the important role that the INTENSE program plays linking academia, industry, and skills training.

Taiwan’s Administrative Deputy Minister of Education Chu Chun-Chang 朱俊彰  addressed each education fair by video, speaking about the support measures that are available to Indonesian students as part of the Ministry of Education’s International Industrial Talents Education Special Program—the INTENSE program. These include scholarships of up to NT$100,000 a year for two years, airfare subsidies, and administrative assistance to undertake higher education in Taiwan. He outlined Taiwan’s integrated pathway of study, internship, and employment, that allows international students to work in Taiwan after they graduate, offering further opportunities for career development. 

Ms. Shih Mei-Chi 施眉綺, the Director of the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Indonesia (TETO), confirmed that Indonesian students are an important component of Taiwan’s international higher education landscape. There are more than 19,300 students from Indonesia among the more than 140,400 international students that Taiwan is hosting in the 2025 academic year, reflecting the close and growing educational ties between the two sides.

Taiwan is continuing its efforts to expand opportunities for collaboration among government, universities, and industry partners, to provide training internships, combined with Mandarin Chinese language training to equip students with both practical skills and language proficiency for further study and career development in Taiwan.

A key outcome of the education fairs was 16 Indonesian universities signing memoranda of collaboration with Indonesian INTACT Hub; a demonstration of the growing momentum in higher education related cooperation between Taiwan and Indonesia. These signings are expected to enhance institutional partnerships, expand opportunities for student mobility and joint research, and support long-term international skilled workforce development collaboration.

The education fairs in Padang and Semarang and the INTENSE program have further expanded higher education related opportunities for bilateral cooperation, that strengthen long-term academic and industrial partnerships, and provide more opportunities for students that will equip them with global skills and competencies.

In March and April 2026, Lin Wei-Chih 林韋至, Educational Counsellor at the Education Division of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education in Ho Chi Minh City, visited key provinces in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam and gave a series of lectures on Emerging Technologies and Study Opportunities in Taiwan. The lectures attracted more than 1,200 students and members of academic staff at five universities: Can Tho University, Tra Vinh University, Dong Thap University, An Giang University, and Vinh Long University of Technology Education.

Counsellor Lin’s lectures focused on the fundamentals of chip manufacturing and how Taiwan’s higher education system is closely connected with industry practice. He gave students at each university a clearer understanding of Taiwan’s role in the global technology supply chain, together with practical information about studying in Taiwan, including Mandarin language preparation.

The students were very interested in Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor processes and AI applications, and asked questions about admission pathways, and scholarships to study in Taiwan, and related career prospects. Academic staff members expressed interest in future cooperation, including interdisciplinary programs in computer science and semiconductors, and expanded staff and student exchanges.

In response to the students’ questions, Counsellor Lin gave details of two major Ministry of Education scholarship programs: Taiwan Scholarships—to undertake a degree at any level, and the Huayu Enrichment Scholarships—to study Mandarin Chinese for up to a year. He then spoke about the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (the INTENSE Program). The INTENSE Program is designed to recruit international students and develop a pool of skilled STEM, semiconductor, and finance professionals to meet the demands of Taiwan’s growing high-tech industries. It combines resources from the government, industries, and educational institutions and has a comprehensive support system. It integrates academic study with opportunities for hands-on learning with industry partners and offers participating students scholarships and living expenses, and guaranteed employment opportunities in Taiwan after graduation.

Counsellor Lin pointed out that Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem is globally competitive and plays a key role in technological development. Studying in Taiwan offers academic training combined with close exposure to international industry trends, and opportunities to build long-term career competitiveness. 

The lectures were all well-received and are helping to bridge information gaps between Vietnamese students and Taiwan’s higher education system, attract more international students, and expand technology development related cooperation between Taiwan and Vietnam.

As well as Malaysia, the exhibitors represented countries and regions, including, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Germany, Hungary, the Ivory Coast, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, reflecting the fair’s important role as students look beyond Malaysia to find study destinations.

The exhibitors included the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia which took this valuable opportunity to engage directly with many Malaysian students and parents and enhance people’s awareness of Taiwan as a competitive and accessible study destination. Closer Taiwan–Malaysia educational ties are supporting long-term academic and professional exchanges in the region, and Taiwan has growing appeal to Malaysian students.

Education Division staff at the Fair answered questions about admission procedures and other aspects of studying and living in Taiwan in one-on-one consultations with prospective applicants. People had strong interest in scholarships, Mandarin programs, and internship opportunities and were provided with information about a range of scholarships available for different academic programs: the Taiwan Scholarships to undertake degree programs at any level, Huayu Enrichment Scholarships to undertake Mandarin language studies for up to a year, and the TEEP program which includes scholarship support.

In addition, the Education Division staff gave details of Taiwan’s 18 Academic Clusters, helping students better understand available disciplines and align their academic choices with future career pathways, and gave students currently studying in Malaysia, guidance on applying for internship opportunities in Taiwan—a study path that enhances employability.

As well as honoring excellence in teaching, the Excellent Teacher Awards are also intended to encourage continued professional learning and educational leadership. The Ministry hopes that giving awardees opportunities to observe international best practices and engage with teachers at overseas institutions will broaden these teachers’ global vision, and that their exchanges with leading education institutions abroad will inspire further innovation in teaching and contribute to the advancement of Taiwan’s education system. Each group visited government agencies, universities, schools, and cultural institutions to gain first-hand knowledge of their educational policies, professional development for teachers, and innovative classroom practices.

The study tours were designed with a focus on professional growth for teachers, and exchanges about international education. Each group began its tour with a visit to the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium, where they were briefed about regional affairs and educational cooperation with Taiwan. They next visited the Department of Education and Training of the Flemish Community of Belgium, where they discussed key topics such as digital education, teacher training policies, education-related international relations, and current educational development trends, with local officials and education experts.

In Brussels, the groups also visited VUB –Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where they learned about the university’s educational development strategies and innovation initiatives, including its AI learning center, and KU Leuven. They spoke with faculty members and administrators about how institutions of higher education are integrating technology into teaching and learning, and fostering international collaboration and pedagogical innovation.

In Belgium, the groups also visited educational institutions in Ghent, where they observed teacher training and classroom practices at the HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Flanders, and Mozaiek School, a public primary school. This gave them a deeper understanding of how teacher education, school governance, and classroom implementation are connected, and how local schools support inclusive learning environments, early childhood education, and the professional development of educators.

In the Netherlands, the groups visited Delft University of Technology and International Schools Delft to learn about the university’s teacher training, the relationship between school operations and its teacher training, and its campus-based learning resources. The teachers observed classroom teaching, and facilities at the university and schools, and engaged in discussions with local educators. These visits highlighted the importance of school-university partnerships, practical teacher training, and the effective use of learning environments to support student learning.

The very full itinerary for the study tours for each group was arranged with the assistance of the Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium and included visits to cultural sites, local observations, and activities to give the teachers a more comprehensive understanding of the social contexts affecting education in Belgium and the Netherlands. This all contributed to enabling them to bring fresh perspectives and ideas about practical aspects of teaching, and teachers’ continuing professional development, that could contribute to advancing education in Taiwan.