Four of the latest Taiwan Fellowship recipients delivered research presentations spanning such areas as bilateral relations, education, regional security and technology March 21 at National Central Library in Taipei City.
 
Tobias Burgers, a doctoral candidate at Free University Berlin, outlined the ways in which digital and robotic technologies can impact international security relations in East Asia, especially at a time when rising tensions between major regional players have created an atmosphere of growing mistrust.
 
Abubakar Eby Hara, an associate professor in international relations from the University of Jember in Indonesia, discussed the role soft power plays in Taiwan’s foreign policies and its importance in expanding relations with Indonesia. The academic also praised the government’s New Southbound Policy and said it can increase Taiwan’s visibility and promote exchanges.

A key component of the government’s national development strategy, the policy seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
Sumit Kumar, a research fellow from the Chennai Center for China Studies in India, detailed the contributing factors behind warming Taiwan-India relations since 1995, inherent challenges in the relationship and potential areas for future cooperation.
 
Jessica Claribel Ramirez Vidal, a professor of social science from Universidad Iberoamericana in Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic ally Dominican Republic, elaborated on technology-related education in Taiwan with a focus on computer science and engineering curriculums.
 
According to Tan Kuo-ting, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Policy Planning, the presentations underscore the value of the fellowship in promoting research on Taiwan within the framework of Chinese studies and cross-strait relations, as well as East Asia and the South Pacific.
 
A total of 115 outstanding scholars, including 41 from NSP countries, will take part in the fellowship this year, Ting said. It is hoped that upon returning home, they will share their positive experiences and deepen understanding of Taiwan, he added.
 
Launched by the MOFA in 2010, the fellowship has enabled 808 academics from 74 countries and territories to conduct research projects at local institutions and universities. (SFC-E)