THE Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia recently organized an online information session with five Taiwanese universities.
The “Study @ Taiwan” Online Information Session was held at the Finance Administration Centre at Pointe Seraphine, Castries, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, and was the very first information session co-hosted by the three Taiwanese Embassies in Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and Grenadines.
As part of a series events of the 2023 National Day celebrations of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the online information session Livestreamed and presented five universities in Taiwan, namely National Chengchi University, National Taipei University, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Tamkang University, and Shih Chien University. The Taiwanese Embassies in St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and Grenadines shared the Livestream link with students in these two Eastern Caribbean countries.
Representatives from the five outstanding academic universities shared their advantages, environments, and scholarship opportunities available for international students through the virtual meeting. Brochures from the five universities were also available for those in attendance.
In-person attendance at the session included His Excellency Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, and spouse; Hon. Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere, Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training; Ms. Michelle Charles, Permanent Secretary, Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations; Form 5 students; and those interested in studying in Taiwan to explore more opportunities of world-class education.
In his remarks, Ambassador Chen acknowledged that education is universally recognized as a tool that fosters mutual understanding, promotes innovation and brings people from diverse backgrounds closer together. He noted that Taiwan places special emphasis on the education opportunities provided to Saint Lucians annually.
“Over the years, through multiple scholarship schemes, Taiwan is very proud to be part of education development in Saint Lucia by working with Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and his administration in alignment with his visionary policy “One University Graduate per Household”,” Ambassador Chen said in his brief remarks on Tuesday. “Today’s information session, one in a series events for 2023 Taiwan National Day celebrations, holds even more special significance for Taiwan and Saint Lucia in terms of educational cooperation and bilateral relations.”
Ambassador Chen expressed gratitude to Hon. Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training; Hon. Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training; and Ms. Michelle Charles, Permanent Secretary, Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations; for their friendship and support.
He also thanked the five Taiwanese universities for their participation in the session, and recognized the contributions of the Taiwanese Embassies in St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Vincent & Grenadines for their assistance in allowing more students in the Caribbean to benefit from the event.
“Together, we can be stronger,” Ambassador Chen stated. “I am convinced that today’s information session is not only the beginning of higher education journey for students, but also the next level of education cooperation. I look forward to working with all of you, and let’s set the path for a brighter future.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere, Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, thanked the Government of Taiwan for being generous to Saint Lucia by providing scholarships to students to study in Taiwan over the years.
“Many Taiwanese universities also offer scholarships (and) high level of academic resources,” she said. “The people of Taiwan are also very hospitable, and our students boast of the comfort that they receive while studying in Taiwan. For this, we are very grateful. There’s also a rich cultural environment in Taiwan that students can enjoy. Of course, there are prospects for future job opportunities.”
Hon. Dr. Pauline Antoine-Prospere added: “Our Government has a goal of ‘One University Graduate per Household’, and Taiwan has been helping us in making this a reality. In my experience, this level of cooperation results in the best outcome, and we are very thankful for their benevolence. Our country is making real change, and you’re helping us make this possible.”
Taiwan, as a perfect destination for students seeking quality education and cultural experience, is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation across various fields. From technology, engineering to art design and humanities, Taiwan’s universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world, providing international students the best academic and hands-on training opportunities.