Linus St Juste was among six Saint Lucians who participated in the 2024 Taiwan Alumni Workshop Programme. During the recent presentation ceremony, where participants shared their testimonials, he spoke about the valuable experience and knowledge gained from the two-week training workshop in Taiwan.
St Juste received training in AI in Smart Healthcare, sponsored by the Taiwanese government and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF). As a software developer from the Health Management and Information Unit (HMIU) within the Ministry of Health, he described the workshop as “timely.” He mentioned that the HMIU department is currently revamping its Health Information System, which is used at health centres across the country.
He highlighted that the workshop provided a “fresh perspective, innovation, and hope for endless possibilities,” and assured that their ideas and dreams are within reach. The advanced technical training covered topics such as Precision in Medicine, Smart Medical Services, and other relevant information, which he believes will enhance the national healthcare system.
The workshop also included field trips to medical facilities in Taiwan, where St Juste and his colleagues were “blown away” by the technological advancements.
Martin Powlette from The Fleet Management Company Ltd, along with Godwin Frederick, received training in Electric Vehicle Maintenance. Powlette spoke highly of his training experience, the expertise of the tutors, and his vision for further implementation.
He emphasized the efficiency of Electric Mobility at the core of the program. The training covered areas such as the use of battery-stored and powered energy to operate motor vehicles.
The need to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, lower air pollution, explore alternative energy sources, and address the impact of global warming, which has led to the resurgence of electric mobility. Powlette noted that Taiwan has achieved a high level of electric mobility, particularly with electric scooters.
The course outline included:
The historical aspects of electric mobility.
The human and economic interest story.
Design, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electric-powered motor vehicles.
Design, repair, and maintenance of electric-powered scooters.
Water transfer painting (two methods were introduced and practiced).
Basic Mandarin lessons.
On Connection and Value Creation he said the acquisition of a new skill set was a welcome addition to his CV and business portfolio
With government incentives in place and the challenges of climate resilience, the number of electric powered vehicles has grown exponentially in Saint Lucia, and has given rise to economic spin offs and added business opportunities .
– Our educational facilities have started to build training syllabuses to include electric mobility
– ICDF has opened a portal for ongoing training and continued partnership with the Taiwanese Technical Mission
In summing up, on his Cultural Experiences in Taiwan, Powlette noted:
– Taiwan is a melting pot of cultural influences inspired and shaped by its history
– For the Dragon Boat Festival, we made sticky rice dumplings (Zongzi) and went to the boat race
– We visited the night markets and sampled various dishes
– Taiwanese are a proud and patriotic people, we witnessed the changing of the guards at Parliament House and walked the halls of the Chung Shan which bears on the 100-dollar Taiwanese bill
– Taiwan ranks top as one of the safest countries in the world, we always felt safe and cared for
– Scaled the iconic Taipei 101 building.