Dear friends and compatriots around the world, Happy New Year!
On this first day of 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all overseas compatriots for a year filled with good health, happiness, and peace for you and your families.

Looking back at 2024, following three peaceful transitions of power between different political parties, Taiwan witnessed a historic first: the same party governing for two consecutive terms, marking a significant milestone in its democratic journey. Taiwan also garnered international recognition for its achievements in economic growth, social security, and civil liberties. Adding to this pride, our national baseball team won the championship in the WBSC Premier12 tournament for the first time, sparking a deep sense of unity among overseas compatriots. 

As we look ahead to 2025, the OCAC reaffirms our commitment to serving overseas Taiwanese communities. Our focus will center on "Move to Next Generation," a strategy to ensure the legacy and continuity of overseas communities, while embracing the vision of "Move to Next Dream."

Let us work together. Trust in Taiwan and share in its prosperity as we build a brighter future together.

1.Strengthening Ties with the Overseas Community – Amplifying Taiwan's Global Volume
Over the past year, the OCAC has worked actively to strengthen connections with overseas communities. I personally visited numerous organizations, including compatriot associations, schools, Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning, and Taiwanese business groups, to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and respond in a timely manner. 

I would like to extend my special gratitude to our overseas compatriots for their steadfast support of Taiwan's international participation. In 2024 alone, more than 150 events were organized globally to advocate for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations and the World Health Assembly.

Looking ahead, we will deepen our collaboration with diverse sectors of the overseas community to ensure that Taiwan's voice continues to be recognized and valued on the global stage. 

2.Expanding Youth Exchange – Cultivating the Next Generation of Overseas Leaders
Passing the legacy forward through generational continuity remains central to our mission, and we are dedicated to advancing a diverse range of youth training programs in the coming years. Recently, the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) training program has expanded beyond North America to include Asia and Australia, with outstanding participants invited to Taiwan for further exchanges. 

In addition, the OCAC will continue promoting key initiatives such as the OCAC Summit of Global Compatriot Youth, the English Teaching Volunteer Service Program for Overseas Youth, and the Taiwan Youth and Overseas Expatriate Bridging Program. These programs aim to inspire greater engagement among young people in Taiwan and abroad, injecting fresh energy into youth development and cultivating future leaders who maintain strong ties to Taiwan.

3.Showcasing Taiwan's Unique Culture – Expanding the Global Mandarin Learning Market
Mandarin language education has long served as a vital bridge for fostering cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the world. In recent years, the OCAC has actively promoted Taiwan Centers for Mandarin Learning in regions such as Europe and North America, leveraging the global overseas compatriot education network to advance Mandarin education that highlights distinctly Taiwanese features. To date, 84 centers have been established worldwide.

Additionally, the OCAC has enhanced collaboration with Mandarin teachers worldwide by developing bilingual teaching materials, creating innovative educational tools, and organizing teacher training programs. Moving forward, the OCAC will focus on both cultural and linguistic exchanges, inspiring more young people overseas to learn Mandarin and experience Taiwan's abundant cultural heritage through language.

4.Strengthening Cooperative Platforms – Facilitating Mutual Beneficial Opportunities for Taiwan and Overseas Businesses
As the global economic landscape evolves rapidly, overseas Taiwanese businesses have adapted to these trends, increasingly shifting their investments to New Southbound countries and emerging regions. The OCAC has actively facilitated cooperation by inviting overseas businesses to visit Taiwan and enhancing the functionality of Taiwanese business associations to help them strengthen their competitiveness.

In 2025, the OCAC will deepen partnerships with Taiwan's key industries, such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, creating cooperative platforms that connect Taiwan with overseas Taiwanese businesses and foster mutually beneficial opportunities.

5.Cultivating Future Talent – Encouraging Overseas Youth to Study and Work in Taiwan
To help talented overseas compatriot students gain valuable skills and pursue careers in Taiwan, the OCAC has launched diverse educational programs, such as the "Vocational Education Program for Overseas Compatriot Student." These programs have been warmly received, with enrollment in 2024 reaching a historic high and sparking a surge of enthusiasm for studying in Taiwan.

The OCAC remains committed to enhancing support mechanisms to help overseas students feel at home in Taiwan, strengthen their Mandarin proficiency, and foster cross-agency collaborations. These efforts aim to provide domestic industries with exceptional talent while ensuring a fulfilling and enriching experience for overseas students.

Building a New Future Together: Joining Hands with Overseas Communities in 2025
Overseas compatriots have always been a steadfast pillar of support for Taiwan's development. We deeply value your unwavering dedication to Taiwan. The remarkable achievements of Taiwan's democracy, technological innovation, and economic strength have earned widespread international recognition. With unity and determination, we can overcome any challenge and achieve even greater recognition on the global stage.

As we look toward 2025, the OCAC will remain committed to the goal of "Joining Hands with Overseas Communities, Moving Forward Together." We will continue to prioritize the needs of overseas compatriots, enhance overseas affairs services, and share Taiwan's strengths with the global community. Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your enduring support and wish you and your family a year filled with peace, joy, and success in all your endeavors.

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