Remarks by Minister Dr. Lin Chia-lung at a welcome reception for recipients of the 2024 MOFA Taiwan Scholarship, Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, and the fourth Distinguished[...]

Remarks by Minister Dr. Lin Chia-lung at a welcome reception for recipients of the 2024 MOFA Taiwan Scholarship, Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, and the fourth Distinguished Taiwan Alumni Award

• Data Source：Department of Policy Planning
• Date：2024-11-08

Dr. Lin Chia-lung

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

November 8, 2024

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good afternoon!

Thank you for attending this special event. Today, we welcome new recipients of the 2024 Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, as well as honor distinguished alumni. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Taiwan Scholarship program, highlighting Taiwan's long-standing friendships with allies and like-minded countries worldwide.

The fostering of high-quality human resources is key to a nation's development and competitiveness. The Taiwan Scholarship program was created to invite talented youths from allied countries to experience Taiwan's top-tier education. During their stay, they also gain insights into our vibrant society, political system, and economy. The valuable knowledge acquired here helps transform them into leaders and innovators in their fields. So far, this program has benefited more than 3,000 students, thereby further strengthening Taiwan's relations with their countries.

Since becoming foreign minister, I have promoted integrated diplomacy and the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. This has opened a new chapter of bilateral cooperation based on mutual benefits and shared prosperity. Education promotion and talent cultivation are crucial aspects of these initiatives.

We plan to increase the number of scholarship recipients over the next two years. This year, there are 259 MOFA Taiwan Scholarship recipients. This number will be expanded to 400 next year and to 500 the following year. This will give opportunities to even more promising students, including youths from friendly countries where Taiwan sees great collaboration potential.

I am also delighted to meet many outstanding scholarship alumni here today. Since 2010, our overseas missions have established 89 Taiwan Alumni Associations (TAA) worldwide. These have brought together alumni who have studied, engaged in training, or participated in other educational programs here in Taiwan.

Last November, MOFA created a TAA Facebook page to keep alumni connected. It posts announcements on locally held events and updates from Taiwan. I encourage all of you to follow the page and join your TAA chapter back home. By taking part in the TAA network, you can help build a supportive community.

You are the best promoters of Taiwan. Together, we can create a robust network of advocates and supporters for Taiwan worldwide. I look forward to continued collaboration and friendship with all of you.

I wish the event great success and hope that you enjoy yourselves. Thank you.