Dr. Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
February 24, 2025
(As delivered)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
It is a great pleasure to attend the 2025 MOFA Taiwan Fellowship Lunar New Year reception. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), I want to extend my warmest welcome to all of the distinguished Taiwan Fellowship scholars.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Director General Wang and her capable staff for organizing today’s event. Without your hard work, today’s event would not have been possible.
MOFA established the Taiwan Fellowship in 2010. This program aims to attract exceptional scholars and experts from around the world to come to Taiwan and conduct research related to our country, cross-strait relations, and the Indo-Pacific region. To date, over 1,500 scholars have benefited from this program. Since assuming the post of foreign minister, I have increased the number of recipients from 100 to 125, demonstrating MOFA’s strong commitment to the program. This year, we are pleased to welcome scholars from 41 countries.
Academics conducting research here not only serve as important ambassadors between Taiwan and their home countries but also link our country to the rest of the world. You all play a vital role in influencing how people see Taiwan by sharing your experiences here with people back home or on various platforms such as articles or social media. We encourage all of you to share stories of your time in Taiwan, speak up for our country, and help the world gain a better understanding of Taiwan.
MOFA is currently implementing integrated diplomacy policy and the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. Academic communities and people-to-people networks are important pillars of our efforts. Knowledge sharing is critical for a country’s national development. I therefore look forward to exchanging ideas with all of you.
This year, we celebrate the Year of the Snake. The snake is a creature that represents intelligence, flexibility, and dynamic energy. My wife and I wrote a spring couplet, which translates as “deftly reaching far, smoothly realizing goals.” This conveys our expectations for the new year. By being as flexible and wise as a serpent, we can surely overcome all challenges.
Today’s reception provides you the chance to connect with other fellowship recipients, domestic scholars, the ambassadors or representatives of your home countries, and the administrative staff of this program. We have prepared some traditional snacks, such as tang yuan, which are often eaten during this time of year, helping you experience more of our traditional culture.
In closing, I wish everyone great success and the best of health during the Year of the Snake. 新年快樂! Thank you.