On May 27th, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-Yao led a delegation to Orlando, Florida, for the 2026 Taiwan–U.S. Semiconductor Higher Education Forum. There, he witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) and AASCU, formally launching the Taiwan–U.S. Semiconductor Education Alliance. AASCU is a major national organization representing public higher education in the United States, with a membership of more than 500 state colleges, universities, and higher education systems. Members of the delegation visiting Taiwan represent several AASCU institutions and bring expertise in engineering, semiconductors, nanotechnology, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and international education.

AASCU organized this Taiwan visit to translate the commitments outlined in the Letter of Intent into concrete action. In addition to participating in a forum hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the delegation toured Minghsin University of Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, and National Cheng Kung University. Through discussions with university and industry partners, the delegation gained firsthand insight into how Taiwan’s universities integrate curriculum design, hands-on training, and industry resources to prepare semiconductor talent. The delegation also attended SEMICON Taiwan to learn more about the latest developments and trends in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

Building on these site visits, the delegation brought their observations to the meeting with Deputy Minister Liu at the MOE today. Dr. Liu noted that the United States is an important like-minded partner for Taiwan and that, under the framework of the U.S.–Taiwan Education Initiative, Taiwan and the United States continue to deepen cooperation in higher education and talent development. As technological advances and industrial transformation accelerate worldwide, he emphasized that semiconductor education cooperation extends beyond technology, curricula, and research. Universities and industry must work together to create international learning and hands-on opportunities for students and prepare the next generation of talent with both a global perspective and practical skills.

President Welch expressed his appreciation to the MOE and FICHET for facilitating the signing of the Letter of Intent in May and for arranging the delegation’s visit to Taiwan. He noted that visits to Taiwan’s universities and industry sites had given the delegation a deeper understanding of the close connections between Taiwan’s higher education sector and its technology industry. He also expressed his hope that AASCU member institutions and universities in Taiwan will continue to expand institutional partnerships, faculty and student exchanges, and talent development programs.

Looking ahead, the MOE will continue to encourage universities in Taiwan and the United States to build on their respective strengths through short-term training programs, industry internships, and research collaboration. By connecting higher education with industry resources in Taiwan and the United States, the MOE aims to further strengthen the Taiwan–U.S. partnership in semiconductor talent development.

The competition was divided into two categories: one for students of Mandarin Chinese as a major subject (Sinology students), and one for students of Mandarin Chinese as a minor subject. Thirteen University of Tübingen students took part in the competition. To help them prepare, before the competition each participating student received a list of the texts that they might have to recite. Then on the competition day, each participant had to draw one recitation piece randomly from among all the prepared texts and then recite it on stage.

The pieces included both classical and modern Chinese poems, giving students the opportunity to explore different forms of Chinese literary expression. Many participants incorporated creative elements into their presentations, for example by dressing in costumes, and makeup that matched the theme and atmosphere of their selected text. These artistic interpretations added a visual cultural dimension to the recitations and contributed to the lively atmosphere of the event.

The students’ performances were evaluated based on four criteria, set out in the competition guidelines: 1. their pronunciation and tones; 2. their fluency and rhythm; 3. their emotional expression and delivery; and 4. their interpretation and understanding of the text. A panel of judges consisting of Chinese language instructors and faculty members, and Ms. Sabine Chin-Ying Weng 翁勤瑛, Director of the Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany selected the first, second, and third place winners in each of the two competition categories. The students who gave the three best recitations in each category each received an award for their outstanding performance.

The competition has provided a new way for students to improve their Mandarin Chinese language skills, deepen their understanding of Chinese literature, and then creatively present what they’ve learnt. It attracted a large audience, including approximately 70 students, and professors and language instructors from the Institute of Sinology and Korean Studies, demonstrating the Institute community’s strong interest in and enthusiasm for creative approaches to learning a different language and culture. The response from the participants and the audience was extremely positive and there are already plans to organize the competition again in the coming year.

The delegation included people from the Philippine Science High School System, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Far Eastern University Alabang Senior High School, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Laboratory High School, the University of Baguio Science High School, and the University of the East Senior High School. The Ministry of Education’s Department of International and Cross-strait Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a welcome banquet where the delegation was warmly received by Dr. Joyce Yu-Jiuan Lee, Director-General of the Department of International and Cross-strait Education.

During the banquet, officials from the Ministry of Education and its K–12 Education Administration spoke about the long-term goals of educational cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines. These include cooperatively training highly-skilled with global mobility, research development, and developing pathways to higher education in Taiwan with the Taiwan-Philippine high school exchange program. And members of the delegation expressed similar interest in engaging in educational exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines during their visits to a number of Taiwan’s prominent secondary schools, universities, and research institutions.

The delegation’s visits to National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Academica Sinica, and National Sun Yat-sen University led to productive discussions about establishing closer cooperation in areas such as training skilled people in several science and technology fields, research development, and recruitment initiatives to encourage aspiring Filipino students to undertake studies and training in Taiwan.

Another of many highlights took place on July 15 when De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding with Taipei Municipal Zhong Zheng Senior High School establishing a sister-school partnership.

On July 17, the fourth Taiwan–Philippines High School Exchange Roundtable Forum was held at National Sun Yat-sen University and attended by personnel from more than 30 Taiwanese secondary schools. During the forum, personnel from several high schools in Taiwan that have established partnerships with secondary schools in the Philippines shared details of their years of exchange experiences. And nine secondary schools in Taiwan extended exchange and cooperation invitations to high schools in the Philippines, demonstrating the growing momentum of such secondary school exchanges and partnerships.

The delegation also attended the presentations at the end of the fourth annual Science & Innovation Camp hosted by National Sun Yat-sen University. Thirty-six senior secondary school students from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam completed laboratory research, interdisciplinary courses, and entrepreneurship training in just five days. The Camp culminated in a Shark Tank Final Pitch, presented to an international panel of one hundred high school educators from Taiwan and the Philippines. The students’ collaborative efforts to transform laboratory research results into innovative proposals unanimously impressed the panel. It found their teamwork, interdisciplinary skills, and bilingual education future-ready.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines has promoted the Taiwan–Philippines high school exchange program. This year’s exchange represents a milestone with the number of exchange and cooperation invitations extended to high schools in the Philippines by high schools in Taiwan, and the signing of the MOU between Taipei Municipal Zhong Zheng Senior High School and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School.

The Taiwan Education Center in the Philippines will also assist National Taiwan University with its student recruitment and exchange programs in the Philippines and promote a series of activities, including the next Taiwan Education Fair and Taiwan Scholarship Day in the Philippines. The center remains dedicated to working hand in hand with its educational partners in the Philippines in order to deepen educational cooperation and attract more outstanding Filipino students to study in Taiwan, and jointly train a new generation of highly skilled people with an international perspective, cross-cultural communication skills, and an innovative outlook.

The 67th London International Youth Science Forum officially opened on July 20, at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The theme of this year’s Forum was Truth Through Science, and its focus was the vital role that evidence-based research plays in advancing society in many fields—including medicine, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and environmental sustainability. The more than 500 students from over 90 countries and territories participating included a 16-member delegation from Taiwan. The opening ceremony began with a procession of the delegations from the participating countries and territories and the 16-member delegation joined the other participants from around the world, proudly carrying the Taiwanese flag.

After the opening ceremony, a reception hosted by the Royal Geographical Society gave the students, educators, and delegates an opportunity to interact and exchange ideas, celebrating international friendship and scientific collaboration. The outstanding students representing Taiwan were the first to participate in the Forum with support provided by the Ministry of Education’s Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative which was launched in 2025. Andy Cheu-An Bi 畢祖安, Director of the Education Division, attended the opening ceremony, representing Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. He welcomed the Taiwanese delegation and encouraged the students to make the most of this unique international learning experience.

Professor John O'Keefe, winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and the inaugural Director of the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour at University College London, then gave the keynote address. Professor O'Keefe reflected on his pioneering research and encouraged the students to pursue scientific discovery with curiosity, perseverance, and an open mind. He stressed that international cooperation remains essential for addressing the complex global challenges of the future.

Director-General Charles Liao 廖朝宏, Education Division Director Cynthia Huang 黃薳玉, Dr. Tsai Mong-Hsun 蔡孟勳, Director of the Science and Technology Division, Science and Technology Division Secretary Mederic Yang 楊明儀, and Consular Officer Jerry Hsu welcomed the group.

Director-General Liao explained TECO-Boston's role to them and encouraged them all to use this valuable time overseas to broaden their international perspectives and build global networks. Education Division Director Huang encouraged them to consider pursuing future studies in the New England area.

Director Tsai then spoke about Boston's world-renowned biotechnology ecosystem and the opportunities it offers for cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. in the fields of biotechnology, semiconductors, medical devices, and precision medicine. He also discussed innovation trends and research and development related career opportunities.

The visit concluded with a lively Q&A session on overseas study, career development, and scientific collaboration. TECO-Boston hopes that these fifteen young people will make the most of their Future Medicine: Boston Connection project experiences, and apply what they learn abroad to Taiwan's future development.

Their overseas study visit—from July 26 to August 4—was commissioned by the Ministry of Education’s K-12 Education Administration under the New Century Leadership Cultivation Program. This is a program launched in 2000 to nurture future leaders who are able to think globally and act responsibly by helping students develop an international mindset, strengthen their analytical and communication skills, and give them opportunities to observe and increase their understanding of different societies and multicultural awareness.

This overseas study visit was a structured learning journey, rather than a general tour. The senior secondary school students with a sense of purpose who were selected to go on this trip part has to then complete special and preparation. Before their departure from Taiwan, the students were required to read a selection of books and materials, take part in preparatory seminars, and discuss questions related to each planned visit. To maximize the educational value of their experience, they were each assigned specific responsibilities to attend to during the trip, and they took part in daily sessions in which they shared their observations and what they were learning.

The itinerary was designed around visits to five types of places: 1. each host country’s economic development and related institutions; 2.non-governmental organizations; 3. institutions of higher education; 4. United Nations agencies; and 5. internationally recognized cultural and natural heritage sites. This gave the students first-hand insight into a wide range of matters related to science education, environmental protection, political and economic development, human rights, cultural preservation, animal welfare, and different school systems.

The study group visited the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, Ghent University, and the Belval Campus of the University of Luxembourg. They also visited the European Parliament, the Dutch Central Bank’s exhibition center, the Taipei Representative Office in the Netherlands, and the Taipei Representative Office in EU and Belgium.

The Education Division of the Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium organized a discussion session to introduce Taiwan’s educational, economic and parliamentary cooperation with EU and Belgium for the delegation. Dr. Shieh Jhy-Wey謝志偉, Taiwan’s Representative in Belgium and the EU engaged in a lively discussion with the students, talking with them about Taiwan’s relations with the EU, the functioning of the European Union, and Taiwan's cooperation with Europe in areas such as education, trade, and technology. He also encouraged the students to cultivate a global perspective and remain actively engaged in international affairs.

The students also explored six major cities—Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Brussels, Bruges, and Luxembourg— broadening their understanding of European history, culture, and public life, and they took part in exchanges with people in local communities, giving them opportunities to represent Taiwan internationally in cross-cultural interactions.

This program will definitely have enhanced the international vision of the young people who went on this overseas study visit and their capacity to make a meaningful contribution to Taiwan’s international engagement.

The core philosophy of Japanese gardens is the harmonious integration of nature and human culture and the key topics covered by the program were garden design concepts, stone arrangement techniques, plant pruning, and spatial composition. It combined hands-on practical training with the guidance of professional master gardeners, interactive discussion sessions, and exchange activities to foster cross-cultural understanding and dialogue between the Taiwanese and Japanese participants.

Mr. Huang Sheng-ming 黃聖明, Deputy Director of the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, said that the program enhanced participants’ understanding of traditional Japanese culture and professional horticultural techniques, and also strengthened connections between young people from Taiwan and Japan through direct interaction. The participants all found the program highly rewarding, and the Taiwanese participants said that the program had given them a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, and they hoped there would be more opportunities of this kind in the future. 

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.