To strengthen connections with countries of the New Southbound Policy, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) held a four-day conference, “New Southbound Chinese Language School Principals Meeting” for the first time. In addition to inviting 107 principals and managers from Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the OCAC also extended special invitations to principals from South Korean Chinese schools, and principals and representatives from the schools undertaking the Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program and the Cooperative Education Program in Vocational High Schools. 

On August 20th, Executive Yuan Premier Ching-De Lai visited the booths of fourteen vocational high schools that offer programs for overseas compatriot students to better understand the learning situation of overseas youth in Taiwan. Afterwards, during the opening ceremony, he stated that the government values talent education and welcomes students from New Southbound countries to continue their studies in Taiwan. Furthermore, after the students graduate, in addition to returning home and starting up their own businesses or working for Taiwan-owned enterprises, they also have the opportunity to obtain permanent residence status or gain ROC citizenship if they meet the requirements. 

OCAC Deputy Minister Chien-Chih Kao stated that overseas education is a crucial part of the OCAC’s foundation-building work and thanked the assembled principals for their support and promotion of Chinese language education. He also expressed his hope that this conference will enhance the relationships between Taiwan and the New Southbound countries. Legislator Chia-Bing Chung also pledged to continue providing assistance for Chinese school students in New Southbound countries who come to Taiwan to continue their studies. 

In the meeting, the OCAC also held a lecture titled “The State of Higher Education in Taiwan and the New Southbound Policy Talent Cultivation Promotion Plan”, a discussion between overseas students and overseas educators, and benchmark school experience sharing, and various other items.

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