Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
May 10, 2024
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients on completing your studies in Taiwan. And I am pleased to note that five MOFA Taiwan Scholarship recipients won the Outstanding Graduate Award this year. I commend you for your talent and diligent efforts.
The Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship programs were launched by the Taiwan government in 2004. This year, the programs are celebrating their 20th anniversary, marking an important milestone in the deepening of people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies, as well as like-minded countries worldwide. As the programs have expanded, MOFA has done its utmost to adapt to the needs of diplomatic allies and better serve scholarship recipients. For instance, last year MOFA raised monthly stipends by 3,000 NT dollars and began offering academic achievement awards. To date, MOFA has recognized 37 students for outstanding academic performance.
Over the years, the Taiwan Scholarship program has cultivated a number of prominent alumni, including Senator Bruce Bilimon, former Minister of Health and Human Services of the Marshall Islands; Mr. Kenrick Winston Williams, incumbent Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management of Belize; Mr. Kenton Chance, founder and Executive Editor of iWitness News in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; as well as Ambassador of Saint Christopher and Nevis to Taiwan Donya Lynex Francis, who is here with us today. The class of 2024 will become the leaders of tomorrow. I am confident that you will all make important contributions to your fields, and I look forward to seeing you grow and thrive.
As students here, you have gained a deep understanding of Taiwan. You have seen firsthand how Taiwan promotes freedom, democracy, and human rights, as well as embracing a diverse and open civil society. According to the Human Freedom Index 2023, Taiwan ranks number one in Asia. Taiwan is also known for its advanced technology, especially in the semiconductor industry. Moreover, the friendliness of its people and the variety of delicious food make living in Taiwan unforgettable. When you return home, I hope that you will become goodwill ambassadors for Taiwan, sharing your positive experiences and building greater support for Taiwan abroad.
To help scholarship recipients maintain lifelong friendships with Taiwan and one another, MOFA and its overseas missions have established 88 Taiwan Alumni Associations around the globe. The TAAs hold special events and help alumni keep in touch with each other. Last year, MOFA also launched the TAA Facebook page to share information on Taiwan and promote networking events. Please follow our TAA Facebook page and join your local TAA once you return home. These are convenient ways to stay connected to the international community of Taiwan alumni and further bilateral ties between Taiwan and your home countries.
Graduation marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. The world is evolving at an unprecedented rate, presenting both new opportunities and complex challenges. However, I am confident that each of you possesses the skills necessary to navigate this dynamic landscape. As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember to stay true to yourselves and work toward a brighter tomorrow. I wish you all every success as you continue on your path. Thank you!