Legislation to relax requirements for foreign professionals working or seeking employment in Taiwan took effect Feb. 8, spotlighting government efforts to foster the recruitment and retention of top talents and boost the nation’s economic development.

President Tsai Ing-wen said that multidisciplinary integration holds the key to the cultivation of science talent in Taiwan and the government is leaving no stone unturned in fostering cooperation among the academic, private and public sectors in this regard.

Following Tuesday night’s magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit Hualien County in eastern Taiwan, Premier Lai Ching-te visited the Central Emergency Operation Center early this morning to oversee responses by government agencies. He directed the agencies to devote all resources to disaster relief in order to contain and minimize damage caused by the strong temblor.

The president pointed out that to keep pace with these trends, Taiwan is increasing investment in basic research and science education. Prime examples in 2017 included overhauling the Fundamental Science and Technology Act and promoting the 5+2 industrial innovation program. She also said that our New Southbound Policy has created more opportunities for exchanges of professional talent.

During a second visit today to the Central Emergency Operation Center, Premier Lai Ching-te said that the Executive Yuan will establish a response task force to take charge of disaster relief and reconstruction following a strong earthquake that struck Hualien County in eastern Taiwan on Tuesday night.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 2 that the government is working to transform Taiwan into a top global investment destination, especially for international semiconductor firms seeking to establish local production and R&D bases.

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system owes a debt of gratitude to academics and experts for their contributions to promoting international awareness of the nation’s medical care, public health and disease prevention efforts, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Feb. 1.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 31 that relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and diplomatic ally Solomon Islands are strengthening across a broad spectrum of areas and she looks forward to taking bilateral exchanges to new heights.

On the morning of January 30, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a visiting delegation led by Heritage Foundation Founder Dr. Edwin J. Feulner, Jr.. President Tsai thanked Dr. Feulner and the Heritage Foundation for continuing to help consolidate and upgrade the long-standing partnership between Taiwan and the United States.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 30 that Taiwan-U.S. relations are going from strength to strength based on a mutual commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.