A memorandum of understanding signing ceremony was held between Taiwan and Indonesian universities April 17 in Taipei City, highlighting rapidly expanding academic exchanges between the two sides, according to the Ministry of Education.

First-time tourists to Taiwan are often drawn by renowned natural and urban attractions like Alishan, or Mt. Ali, Sun Moon Lake and the Taipei 101 skyscraper. But what inspires visitors to return is the warmth of the people, said American couple Liz and Mike Medes, who have vacationed in the country five times since 2011.

Taiwan is one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies and has replaced Hong Kong as the bastion of free speech in the region, according to a New York Times article published April 14.

A delegation of foreign broadcast and print media professionals is in Taiwan April 8-13 to get up to speed on the latest government initiatives advancing indigenous peoples’ rights and tribal tourism development.

A variety of Taiwan agricultural products are being showcased at the Bangkok International Book Fair running through April 8 as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen cultural and trade exchanges with Southeast Asia.

Four Taiwan influencers from the fields of arts, business and science were named in this year’s 30 under 30 Asia list released March 27 by Forbes magazine.

A three-minute film promoting rail travel in Taiwan was released March 29 by the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications as part of government efforts to showcase the country’s diverse visitor attractions.

Taiwan ranks first in Asia and third globally in fostering democratic change, economic development and good governance, according to the Transformation Index released March 22 by Germany-based Bertelsmann Foundation.

Google’s Intelligent Taiwan project was officially unveiled March 21 in Taipei City, underscoring the U.S. internet company’s commitment to cultivating and promoting local talent.

The inaugural Michelin Guide Taipei was unveiled March 14, with one local restaurant receiving the coveted three stars, two establishments earning two stars and 17 eateries landing one star.