Taiwan has awarded scholarships to 137 Indian students, marking a significant milestone in academic ties between the two nations. The scholarships were distributed at a ceremony organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECC).
Scholarship Details
- Huayu Enrichment Scholarship: 92 students received this scholarship to pursue Mandarin language studies in Taiwan.
- Taiwan Scholarship: 45 students were awarded this scholarship to pursue various degree programs at Taiwanese universities.
Highlights of the Ceremony
- Ambassador’s Remarks: Taiwan Ambassador to India, Baushuan Ger, highlighted the importance of the scholarships, noting that India has become the largest pool of international students benefiting from Taiwan’s government scholarships. He emphasized the growing academic ties between India and Taiwan.
- Student Experience: Indian student Srishti, a recipient of the Taiwan Scholarship, shared her positive experience as an exchange student in Taiwan. She emphasized the value of participating in academic innovation and understanding Taiwanese culture.
- Inclusivity: The scholarships were awarded to students from diverse academic backgrounds, demonstrating the broad appeal and inclusivity of Taiwan’s scholarship programs. Recipients hailed from various states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Mizoram, and Himachal Pradesh.
Encouragement from Officials
- Peters Chen: The Director of the Education Division, Peters Chen, congratulated the students and encouraged them to study diligently and explore Taiwan’s culture through travel.
Growth in Indo-Taiwan Relations
- Trade Volume: Indo-Taiwan trade volume has grown significantly, from US$ 2 billion in 2006 to nearly US$ 8.22 billion in 2023.
- Scholarship Program History: The Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Program was launched by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education in 2004, initially benefiting only five Indian students. The number of scholarships has increased notably, particularly with the growth in trade relations and new developments in semiconductor industry cooperation. In 2023, 77 students received the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, which increased to 92 in 2024.
This record-breaking scholarship distribution underscores the strengthening academic and cultural bonds between India and Taiwan, fostering greater mutual understanding and collaboration.
