LAST Saturday (21st July) 12 Saint Lucian students in Taiwan participated in an Intern-Career Introduction and lunch at the headquarters of one of Taiwan’s leading banks.
The students were provided with career advice, guidance on developing and writing resumes and applying for jobs by the Vice Chairman of Hua Nan Bank Tommy Lin, who co-hosted the event with Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to Taiwan, Edwin Laurent.
Hua Nan Bank is one of the oldest and largest in Taiwan and has a number of subsidiary companies and affiliates in a wide range of areas.
The initiative to have this workshop came out of discussions in the last two weeks on collaboration between the bank and the Saint Lucia Embassy.
They engaged in a lively discussion on a number of issues relating to careers, banking and financial matters and business.
According to Ambassador Laurent, “Since Taiwan is so advanced economically and technologically, getting Saint Lucian students employed with its businesses can be very beneficial.
“Among other things, it provides them, not just with some income, but also an invaluable learning opportunity before they return home to contribute to the prosperity and advancement of the island. “
Mr. Lin said that, in general, “Taiwanese businesses know very little of the island, so when they engage Saint Lucians, they can learn about and get to better understand its life, culture, economy and opportunities.
“The employee, even if initially an intern, therefore facilitates introduction and potentially, investment and joint ventures in Saint Lucia.”
At the end of the workshop, it was agreed that the embassy will gather the details and resumes of all Saint Lucian students interested in internships and will compile and send them to the bank, which will circulate them to the managers of its branches and affiliated businesses for arranging attachments.