IMPLEMENTING its “New Southbound Policy” that aims to enhance cooperation with neighboring countries, the Republic of China’s (Taiwan) Ministry of Education (MOE) and its International Development and Cooperation Fund (ICDF) have once again selected outstanding Filipino students as scholarship recipients to study there.
This year 18 students were awarded with the MOE scholarship, 41 students will study Mandarin through the Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship, while nine others were given the Taiwan ICDF scholarship.
On July 22 the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (Teco) staged the 2022 Scholarship Awards Ceremony for the 68 scholarship-recipients. During the program, Representative Michael Peiyung Hsu warmly congratulated the scholars and their families for their achievements.
Some of the scholars shared their motivations for choosing Taiwan as their study destination. ICDF scholar Jardene Marie de Leon, who will be studying at the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University this September, said: “A community that is peaceful and can be a leader in advancing technology, yet still keep hold of culture and tradition—this is one of the reasons…I chose Taiwan. It is the epitome of a quality health system and outstanding education programs worth emulating.”
MOE scholars John Michael Marquez and Kenneth Perez’s reason for studying in Taiwan is because of its “robust economy, modern infrastructures, efficient transportation system, efficient Covid-19 response, good reputation of universities globally,” as well as its “safe environment, outstanding quality of education and friendly people.” Both will pursue their individual Master’s degree in the republic.
Sabrina Ponce and Jianne Uy had both visited the island-nation. This year they will be coming back as Huayu scholars and learn Mandarin for three months.
The Filipino scholars said they are all excited to try Taiwan’s authentic food, visit night markets, and experience its rich culture.
Teco-Philippines wishes all scholars a pleasant stay in Taiwan, and is determined to attract more Filipino students to study there.
Image credits: Teco in the Philippines