MOFA Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang (second row, fifth right) and the ministry’s Department of International Information Services Director-General Henry M. J. Chen (second row, center) give the thumbs-up alongside officials during a videoconference spotlighting “Embracing Taiwan,” a show co-produced with broadcasters from NSP target countries, at National Taiwan University Sept. 15 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Four TV shows showcasing Taiwan’s cultural, social and technological highlights are being broadcast in New Southbound Policy target countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 15 in Taipei City.

Co-produced by the MOFA and TV networks in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, the prime-time shows titled “Embracing Taiwan” are now in their second season. This year’s editions, which are tailored to interests of viewers in each country, feature two 22-minute episodes focusing on Taiwan’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, with emphasis on domestic measures and collaboration with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific.

MOFA Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang spotlighted the shows at National Taiwan University during a videoconference with TV hosts in participating countries, including Dam Phuong Linh of Vietnam; Rovilson Fernandez and Valerie Tan from the Philippines; Sherry Ibrahim of Malaysia; and Yepun Thanat Thanajirachai from Thailand.

The MOFA said the productions demonstrate Taiwan Can Help contain the spread of infectious diseases and greatly contribute to the international community in areas spanning humanitarian assistance and medical missions. They also provide insight into key government policies such as five-plus-two innovative industries initiative, Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program and the six core strategic industries, the ministry added.

According to the MOFA, 2020 editions are expected to maintain the success of the first season, which attracted 88 million viewers last year, while helping viewers in NSP target countries gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan.

A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to enhance 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. (YCH-E)