MOFA Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang (front, center) is joined by participants in the 2022 NSP Elite Study Program, as well as representatives from three partner universities and NSP target countries, during the closing ceremony Jan. 6 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

The 2022 New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program wrapped up Jan. 6 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people connections with NSP target countries.

Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the five-month program offered 50 participants from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines a deeper understanding of the health, medical care and semiconductor industries in Taiwan. They also studied mandarin and attended regional security courses at National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Quemoy University in Taiwan’s outlying Kinmen County.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, MOFA Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang said he believes program participants have a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s free and open society, democratic way of life and key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific after their stay in the country. It is anticipated that they will help foster bilateral exchanges with their home countries going forward, he added.

According to Tien, the MOFA is planning to increase the number of students and partner universities in keeping with the NSP’s people-oriented spirit.

Following his remarks, three participants—two from Indonesia and one from the Philippines—were awarded certificates for their outstanding performances in the program.

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