The Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation held its fourth and fifth Board of Directors inauguration ceremony, marking a key milestone in supporting underprivileged Filipino-Chinese students pursuing higher education in Taiwan. The event also featured the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines’ leadership handover, welcoming Pai Shih-jung as the new president.
The Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation held its fourth and fifth Board of Directors inauguration ceremony on January 12, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support underprivileged Filipino-Chinese (Fil-Chi) students pursuing higher education in Taiwan. The event also featured the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines’ 19th and 20th leadership handover ceremony. Chair Su Kuo-fang, president of Song Yue Construction, was re-elected as head of the foundation.
The ceremony saw the presentation of certificates to board members by Taiwan’s representative to the Philippines, Wallace Minn-Gan Chow. Dignitaries from Taiwan in attendance included Minister Hsu Chia-ching, Minister Lin You-chang of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Secretary-General Lin You-chang of the Democratic Progressive Party, and legislator Lee Kuen-cheng. Su, who arrived in the Philippines in 1994 and transitioned from the restaurant industry to construction, emphasized the foundation’s role in providing airfare sponsorships to financially disadvantaged Fil-Chi students. These students are given opportunities to enroll in technical and vocational programs in Taiwan, with pathways to further their education at technology universities. The minister noted that many of these students not only improve their families’ economic situations but also contribute to the Taiwanese and Philippine workforce after completing their studies. Chow highlighted the OCAC’s initiatives, such as the “3+4 Vocational Education Program” and the “4-Year Overseas Youth Vocational Training Program (OYVTP).” These programs offer students the option to remain in Taiwan for work or return to the Philippines to serve local businesses. Last year, more than 2,000 Fil-Chi students applied, and 792 were selected—a three-fold increase from the previous year. Chow acknowledged that airfare costs pose a significant burden for some families. Thanks to the Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation’s support, students can pursue brighter futures without financial barriers. Hsu also praised the foundation’s remarkable contribution in assisting more than 200 students in 2023 alone and expressed her optimism about its impact on both local industries and Taiwanese business development. She also shared plans to collaborate with the foundation to enhance students’ Mandarin proficiency through workshops and courses that will prepare them for academic and cultural adaptation in Taiwan. Established in November 2019, the Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation has overcome challenges, including a temporary halt during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since its revitalization, the foundation has supported approximately 1,400 Fil-Chi students in pursuing education in Taiwan. Exec. Dir. Allan Lin explained the foundation’s mission: to preserve traditional culture, encourage Fil-Chi youth to study in Taiwan, strengthen grassroots diplomacy between the two nations, and cultivate qualified Mandarin educators for sustainable development of overseas compatriot schools. According to the OCAC, the Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation continues to serve as a bridge for educational and cultural exchange, fostering opportunities for Fil-Chi youth while promoting Taiwan’s values and strengthening bilateral ties.During the inauguration and turnover ceremony, the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines underscored organizational efforts in fostering stronger bonds among Taiwanese expatriates while supporting the advancement of Philippine relations. The event welcomed Pai Shih-jung, a prominent Taiwanese business leader, as the new president. He highlighted in his inaugural speech his vision to enhance connections among Taiwanese expatriates in the Philippines through networking events, lectures, and social activities. He also emphasized leveraging social media and online platforms to promote the association’s values and initiatives, including the formation of a basketball team to attract younger members. The grand ceremony, attended by over 300 guests, saw the presence of distinguished officials from Taiwan, as Chow administered the oath for the new board members. Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, also conveyed his congratulations through a formal message. Under Pai’s leadership, the association plans to uphold its commitment to “serving fellow countrymen and caring for the disadvantaged.” The association aims to give back to Philippine society through charitable activities such as disaster relief, medical missions, poverty alleviation, and computer donations
FIL-CHI STUDENTS TAIWAN-PHILIPPINES EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDAT HIGHER EDUCATION TAIWAN PHILIPPINE RELATIONS TAIWANESE ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
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