Fostering Ties Through Education: Taiwan Hosts Interactive Session for Indian Uni Students
An Exploration of Culture, Academia, and Diplomacy Sparks Interest in Strengthening India-Taiwan Relations.
New Delhi: The Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India hosted students from Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence of Shiv Nadar University and Ashoka University for an engaging session dedicated to Taiwan’s cultural, academic, and diplomatic dynamics including “One China” policy. Organized by TECC’s Education Division, this collaborative event involved active support from faculty members of both universities, making it an enlightening and participatory experience.
The event commenced with an ice-breaking session led by TECC’s Deputy Representative Robert HSIEH Bro-Huei, who encouraged students to introduce themselves in Mandarin. Impressively, many students displayed notable fluency despite only recently beginning their Mandarin studies. Their enthusiasm for the language left a lasting impression, setting a positive tone for the session.
Robert delivered a comprehensive presentation on Taiwan-India relations, beginning with a historical overview of Taiwan, its complex interactions with the People’s Republic of China, and its evolving global position. He demystified the “One China” policy, provided insights into Taiwan’s competitive advantages, and emphasized the importance of fostering closer people-to-people ties.
The presentation highlighted collaborative opportunities between the two nations, focusing on technological advancements, joint research initiatives, trade and investment partnerships, education exchanges, and sustainable development. Robert underlined the untapped potential for India and Taiwan to strengthen their relationship by leveraging each other’s unique strengths.
A lively Q&A session followed, with students engaging on topics ranging from international trade and commerce to Taiwan’s stance on digital freedom and innovation in technology. The discussion showcased the students’ curiosity about Taiwan’s role in global geopolitics and its innovative strategies for growth and sustainability.
The session also featured videos spotlighting Taiwan’s vibrant tourism industry and cultural richness. These clips offered glimpses of Taiwan’s stunning landscapes and unique heritage. One video shared the personal journey of an Indian student working in Taiwan, emphasizing work-life balance, travel opportunities, and personal development in a culturally enriching environment.
Peters LY Chen, Director of TECC’s Education Division, presented educational opportunities for Indian students in Taiwan. He elaborated on academic programs, scholarships, and work opportunities available to international students, highlighting Taiwan’s appeal as a destination for higher education and career growth. His presentation sparked enthusiasm among the attendees, who expressed keen interest in exploring these opportunities.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Peters remarked, “The collaborative effort between TECC and Taiwanese faculty from Shiv Nadar and Ashoka Universities ensured a holistic representation of Taiwan as a hub for education, travel, and professional development. We look forward to more universities joining the Taiwan Education Project and fostering exchange programs with Taiwan.”
By showcasing shared values and opportunities for cross-industry growth, this session underscored the importance of educational and cultural exchanges in enhancing India-Taiwan relations. As a platform for mutual understanding, such interactions are instrumental in building sustainable partnerships between the two nations.
