Amid rapid changes in the global political and economic landscape and the growing threat of China's united front tactics targeting Taiwan, the environment in which the Council operates has become increasingly complex and multifaceted. Despite these challenges, the Council has continued to make steady progress, thanks to the steadfast support of Taiwanese communities worldwide. Guided by national policies and the needs of overseas communities, we have delivered tangible results that reflect their recognition of and support for Taiwan.

The year 2024 holds significant importance for both national development and the Council's work. After three peaceful transitions of power between different political parties, this marks the first time in Taiwan's democratic history that the same party has governed for two consecutive terms, representing a new milestone in its democratic journey. At the same time, the Council has made outstanding progress in several areas, including promoting Mandarin education overseas, expanding programs to cultivate and retain overseas students, and empowering the next generation of overseas Taiwanese youth. As we look ahead to 2025, this reflection on key accomplishments not only celebrates past successes but also sets clear goals and direction for the future.

Highlight 1: Record-Breaking Participation in the Taiwan Youth and Overseas Expatriate Bridging Program—Empowering Dreams and Promoting Taiwan
To help young Taiwanese better understand the overseas community affairs and broaden their international perspective, the Council launched the Taiwan Youth and Overseas Expatriate Bridging Program in 2017. This program offers exceptional university students the opportunity to participate in overseas visits and internships during their summer vacations. Over the years, the program has built a strong reputation and become highly popular among young people. In 2024, applications hit a record high, with over 2,800 students eager to join.
After a competitive selection and vigorous training process, 59 students embarked on a seven-day visit in July to five destinations: Bangkok (Thailand), Brisbane (Australia), Los Angeles, Orange County, and Seattle (United States). During their trips, participants met with prominent overseas community leaders, influential Chinese-American professionals in politics and business, young entrepreneurs, and second-generation Taiwanese youth
The program also gave participants the unique role of youth ambassadors, tasked with promoting Taiwan to overseas communities and international mainstream audiences. This experience not only enriched their personal growth but also allowed them to represent Taiwan on the global stage.
After returning to Taiwan, program alumni took a further step by establishing an Alumni Association in November. This new network helps them maintain connections and build lasting relationships, ensuring that the journey doesn't end here but becomes a starting point for new opportunities and collaborations.

Highlight 2: Unique Education Programs for Overseas Students—Fostering Skilled Talent for Industry Needs
Aligned with Taiwan's National Project of Hope talent development policy, the Council has been actively encouraging overseas compatriot students to pursue higher education in Taiwan. In recent years, we have introduced industry-academia collaboration programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical training, leveraging Taiwan's strengths in vocational education. These programs target high-demand fields such as manufacturing, construction, caregiving, agriculture, e-commerce, and service industries, addressing critical workforce shortages while meeting the needs of domestic businesses.
In response to growing interest from overseas communities, the Council also launched the new Overseas Compatriot Youth Taiwan Technical and Vocational Education Experience Program in 2024, offering students more diverse pathways to study in Taiwan.
These initiatives have delivered remarkable results. In 2024, enrollment in the 3+4 Vocational Education Program reached 5,719 students, while the Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program (including four-year bachelor's degree programs, two-year associate degree programs, and vocational training programs) welcomed 1,024 students. This represents substantial growth from last year's totals of 4,069 and 312 students, respectively.
The success of these programs demonstrates their effectiveness in preparing students for promising careers while earning widespread recognition. This growing interest in studying in Taiwan highlights the country's reputation as a leader in high-quality education and professional training, fueling a wave of enthusiasm among overseas compatriot communities worldwide.

Highlight 3: Building Networks and Resources to Help Overseas Compatriot Graduates Launch Careers in Taiwan
The Council is committed to helping overseas compatriot graduates build successful careers in Taiwan by connecting them with job opportunities and creating a strong employment support network. In 2024, these efforts were expanded through a range of initiatives designed to help graduates find the right positions.
Key initiatives included hosting job fairs in Taipei and Kaohsiung, with participation from 130 companies. These events featured workshops led by HR professionals and alumni, who shared valuable interview tips and insights about working in Taiwan. The fairs attracted 5,975 attendees, resulting in 3,331 resumes submitted and interviews conducted.
To enhance accessibility, the Council launched the online platform 「Career All Pass」 for global compatriot talent, offering services such as job matching and resume reviews. Additionally, eight on-campus employment seminars were organized, providing students with opportunities to connect directly with potential employers. For the first time, the Council also hosted four Employer Information Sessions—in northern, central, and southern Taiwan, as well as online—to encourage businesses to hire overseas graduates.
Looking ahead, the Council plans to intensify its efforts through cross-departmental collaboration to ease labor and immigration regulations. By fostering a more welcoming environment for employment and daily life, the Council aims to help domestic industries attract talented overseas compatriot graduates while supporting their long-term career growth in Taiwan.

Highlight 4: Empowering Student Cultural Ambassadors—Sharing Taiwan's Story from a Youthful Perspective
The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) has been a popular program in North America for over a decade, becoming one of the most cherished initiatives for nurturing young talent in overseas Taiwanese communities. To further strengthen connections among past participants, the Council launched SENIOR FASCA—a program designed to keep alumni engaged and connected. Additionally, FASCA's reach was expanded from North America to Asia and Australia, where it was met with enthusiastic response.
In 2024, the Council hosted an expanded Senior FASCA Training and Exchange Camp in Los Angeles. The program featured courses on leadership, organizational skills, role responsibilities, and included corporate visits. At the closing ceremony, participants presented their projects as part of a "Startup Competition." Professional leaders from the overseas Taiwanese community served as judges, providing feedback that empowered the youth and supported their career development.
The event also leveraged the FASCA alumni network to increase interaction among overseas compatriot youth. Outstanding participants were selected as candidates for the Award of International Youth Goodwill Ambassador of that year, and partnerships were formed with local Taiwanese associations to promote Taiwan. Through the creativity of young people and effective use of social media, the new generation of overseas Taiwanese youth is promoting Taiwan globally, ensuring Taiwan's voice is heard and its presence felt worldwide.

Highlight 5: Upgrading Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning—Diverse Operating Models Boost Enrollment
To capitalize on the growing demand for Mandarin language learning, the Council launched the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning Establishment Program to support compatriot schools and associations in the United States and Europe in setting up Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning (TCMLs). Since its launch in 2022, 84 centers have been established—66 in the United States and 18 in Europe—demonstrating steady growth from 66 centers in 2023.
As the program continues to expand, each Taiwan Center has successfully adapted its operations to meet local needs, developing unique and effective approaches. For example, the TCML in Northern California partnered with Google to offer Mandarin classes, which attracted significant interest from tech companies in Silicon Valley. Likewise, TCML IFY Chinese School customized courses for the Fremont Library in California, effectively encouraging students to enroll in regular TCML classes after participating in these community sessions.
Building on the existing overseas Taiwanese education network, the Council is committed to supporting the sustainable development and tiered growth of these Mandarin learning centers. By leveraging community resources and network to expand internationally, TCMLs are becoming key hubs for learning Mandarin and experiencing Taiwanese culture abroad.

Highlight 6: Supporting Overseas Taiwanese Businesses in Net-Zero Transition—Leading the Way to a Sustainable Economy
As the world faces the challenges of global warming, achieving net-zero emissions has become a key priority for many countries as they help businesses transition towards sustainability. To assist overseas Taiwanese businesses in adopting low-carbon, sustainable practices, the Council organized a series of training and exchange activities in 2024. These activities focused on ESG sustainable management, smart low-carbon agriculture, and smart energy industries. Overseas Taiwanese business representatives were invited to Taiwan to attend events like the Net-Zero Taiwan and the 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan, where they could learn about Taiwan's latest developments and explore potential partnerships.
The Council also advanced net-zero initiatives through a variety of efforts, such as sending experts in digital transformation and net-zero practices to the countries of New Southbound Policy and African regions to conduct workshops and share practical insights. A significant achievement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Taiwanese business groups from Thailand and the Philippines and the Plastics Industry Development Center, aimed at supporting net-zero transition for these overseas Taiwanese businesses. Additionally, the Council launched the 2024 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Guidance Program for Overseas Taiwanese Businesses, selecting two Taiwanese businesses in Vietnam as pilot participants to extend Taiwan's expertise and support for net-zero transition internationally.
Through these initiatives, the Council aims to strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of overseas Taiwanese businesses by helping them implement net-zero practices and expand their economic reach, ultimately fostering prosperity both domestically and globally.

Highlight 7: Global Singing Competitions for Overseas Students—Showcasing Taiwan's Culture Through Beautiful Voices
To encourage overseas compatriot school students, overseas compatriot students studying in Taiwan, and students from Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning to study Mandarin, showcase their talents, and experience Taiwan's diverse culture through music, the Council launched the Singing competitions for Overseas Students in recent years. These events invite participants to sing in Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hakka, making language learning more enjoyable and motivating. The winner from the domestic student group also gets the opportunity to perform at Taiwan's National Day Gala, turning their dream of performing on a prestigious stage into reality.
In 2024, the competition was made even more accessible through a partnership with Taiwan's AI industry, allowing participants to register directly via mobile devices. The Council also encouraged more local singing workshops and competitions worldwide, giving more people the opportunity to showcase their learning achievements. This year, a total of 575 participants registered online for the competition, including 280 students from overseas compatriot schools, 9 from TCMLs, and 286 overseas compatriot students studying in Taiwan. Furthermore, the Council supported 61 local singing workshops and competitions organized by overseas compatriot schools and TCMLs, with 4,682 participants—a significant increase compared to previous years.

Highlight 8: International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines: Celebrating Taiwan's Culinary Soft Power
Taiwanese cuisine is renowned worldwide, attracting countless international tourists eager to experience its rich flavors and explore Taiwan in person. To support Taiwanese-owned restaurants abroad and leverage Taiwan's culinary soft power to promote diplomacy, tourism, culture, and international visibility, the Council has organized the International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisines since 2010. By integrating these events into major local festivals, the tours aim to attract more visitors to Taiwan.
In 2024, the tour spanned five routes across six continents and 18 countries, bringing the flavors of Taiwan to regions far and wide. The events received strong support from the overseas Taiwanese community and were held alongside cultural festivals like the Lazy Daze Festival, Taiwan Food Festival, Taste of Formosa, and the Call for Taiwan to Join the United Nations event. The tour also collaborated with Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning and promoted Taiwanese cuisine through television broadcasts, press conferences, trade shows, culinary school exchanges, National Day receptions at Taiwanese embassies, and partnerships with Czech food bloggers, showcasing Taiwanese food in diverse and creative ways.
These culinary showcases attracted mainstream audiences, Mandarin learners, and influential members of overseas Taiwanese communities and political circles, impressing them with Taiwan's diverse flavors. By sharing the essence of Taiwanese cuisine, the tour aims to build stronger international friendships through a shared love of food.

Highlight 9: Overseas Taiwanese Return Home to Support Democracy—A Collective Effort in Taiwan's Elections
The 16th presidential and vice-presidential election and the 11th legislative election of the Republic of China (Taiwan) were successfully held in January, with enthusiastic participation from overseas Taiwanese who returned home to vote. In addition to those who still hold Taiwanese household registration and actively exercised their civic rights, 4,172 overseas Taiwanese applied to register for the election, with 4,120 approved, demonstrating a strong commitment to Taiwan's democratic process.
To celebrate this important democratic milestone, overseas Taiwanese communities around the world held events like banquets, concerts, and gatherings to share in the joy of democratic achievement. In Taiwan, the Council welcomed returning overseas voters by opening a Reception Service Center on May 17 to assist them in joining the National Day Celebration. On May 21, the Council also hosted an inauguration tea party for President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim at the Taipei Guest House, expressing appreciation to those who traveled from around the world to take part in the election. Together, they contributed to Taiwan's democratic achievements, demonstrating the power of collective support in advancing Taiwan's democracy.

Highlight 10: Annual General Assembly of Council Members—Uniting Overseas Taiwanese to Build a Resilient Taiwan
The annual General Assembly of Council Members, OCAC took place from September 10 to 12 at the Grand Hotel in Taipei, bringing together nearly 200 council members and overseas compatriot representatives from 35 countries and 57 regions. Participants gathered to discuss ways to strengthen overseas communities and contribute to Taiwan's development.
This year, the meeting focused on Taiwan's current challenges, under the theme "Counteracting United Front Tactics Through Overseas Cooperation: Uniting Overseas Taiwanese to Protect Taiwan". The goal was to bring together the strength and wisdom of Taiwan and overseas communities to take practical actions for gaining international support and ensuring Taiwan's steady progress.
Unlike previous years, this year's agenda prioritized discussions and input from overseas representatives, aiming to gather valuable insights to guide policymaking. The meeting centered on nine key policy topics, such as building safe and resilient overseas compatriot communities, enhancing the operation of overseas Taiwanese schools to strengthen support networks, and fostering international business opportunities. These discussions encouraged participants to share their experiences in tackling challenges and to provide innovative ideas to improve overseas affairs policies.

Highlight 11: Creative Campaigns to Promote Taiwan—The Black Bear Icon Drives Overseas Community Engagement
In recent years, the promotional materials from the Council have received positive feedback from overseas communities. These promotional items have been effective in building stronger connections with foreign officials, overseas community leaders, and associations. During the 2024 General Assembly of Council Members, the Council introduced a new line of promotional items featuring the "Formosa Bear", a character originally designed by the OCAC Minister. This collection includes Formosa Bear Caring Packs, temporary tattoos, and neck pillows, all with simple and charming designs that make it easy for international audiences to recognize and appreciate Taiwanese culture.
The icon of Formosa Bear has also been used across the Council's social media platforms in diverse formats, such as illustrations and short videos, to share information relevant to overseas Taiwanese and to highlight Taiwan's achievements on the global stage. Through creative illustrations and the "Formosa Bear on a Mission" series of short videos, viewers are taken on a journey showcasing the vibrant overseas Taiwanese community. The lively design of the Formosa Bear, combined with practical and stylish promotional items, has been well-received both in Taiwan and abroad. This campaign has captured the audience's interest, increased engagement with the Council, and significantly boosted viewership and subscriptions across its social media platforms. It has effectively promoted Taiwan and overseas affairs and strengthened community engagement.

Highlight 12: Supporting the National Project of Hope—OCAC Budget Reaches an All-Time High
The Council focuses on uniting overseas Taiwanese and building support for Taiwan. To expand its capacity to serve overseas communities and contribute to the National Project of Hope, the Council has seen its annual budget reach a record high. In 2024, the Council built on recent successes, including increasing opportunities for overseas youth and compatriot students to study and work in Taiwan, training overseas community leaders, supporting young entrepreneurs in starting their business, and establishing a high-quality Mandarin learning brand. These achievements led the Council to propose an ambitious medium- to long-term budget plan.
Since 2021, the budget has grown from NTD 1.279 billion to NTD 2.029 billion in 2024, reflecting a strong commitment to expanding the Council's initiatives. With this increased funding and tangible results, the Council plans to use these resources effectively to strengthen connections between overseas compatriot communities and Taiwan. By working with overseas compatriots worldwide and leveraging available resources, the Council will continue to build new support for Taiwan and strive toward the vision of "Rooted in Taiwan, Expand Globally, Promote Worldwide", enhancing international cooperation and showcasing Taiwan to the world.

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