New Southbound Policy Portal

Participants in the 2019 International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program are all smiles at the MMAJ Academy of International Studies in India. This year’s edition is accepting applications through April 30. (MOFA)
 

The International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program is now open for entries through to the end of next month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced March 3, spotlighting government efforts to foster the next generation of diplomatic talent.
 
Open to ROC (Taiwan) nationals under 35 years old currently studying on an undergraduate or graduate course in one of the country’s universities or colleges, the program is looking to attract the best and brightest, the MOFA said. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are wanted capable of adapting to the different environments of host countries, it added.
 
Those with a good command of English, Thai or Indonesian are especially encouraged to apply as well as anyone majoring in science, technology, engineering or math subjects, the ministry said, adding a total of 75 youth ambassadors will be chosen.
 
Participants will be split into groups, with each embarking on a 10-day visit to a different country in late August. Host nations include Taiwan’s Pacific ally Tuvalu and New Southbound Policy target countries India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
 
A key plank in Taiwan’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to bolster 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.
 
According to the MOFA, since its launch in 2009, the initiative has dispatched around 200 groups to almost 70 countries and territories around the world. The delegations take part in volunteer activities and seminars and deliver cultural performances. (TYT-E)