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Strengthening Taiwan-UK Ties: A Collaborative Effort

2024-05-09

(Provided by Office of International Affairs) National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) students and faculty witnessed a pivotal discussion on the burgeoning relationship between the United Kingdom and Taiwan. Representative John Dennis from the British Office Taipei and Director Ralph Rogers from the British Council Taiwan shared insightful perspectives on the multifaceted nature of this relationship.

The speech began with an opening by Dr. Mitch Ming-Chi Chou, NSYSU's Vice President for International Affairs, who introduced the significant exchanges between NSYSU and British universities after the pandemic, particularly in the thriving development of Chinese language learning.

Representative John Dennis commenced the event by illuminating the broader UK-Taiwan relationship. His discourse highlighted the UK's global leadership in diplomacy, development, and technology. He underscored the UK's status as the fifth-largest economy in the world, its robust defense and security capabilities, and its commitment to climate action. Dennis highlighted the UK's support for Taiwan's aspirations for net zero emissions by 2050 and its role as a key partner in the development of Taiwan's offshore wind sector.

Moreover, Representative Dennis emphasized the shared values of democracy and human rights that underpin the UK-Taiwan relationship. He celebrated milestones in bilateral ties, including the signing of the UK-Taiwan Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) Arrangement in 2023 and the upcoming 6th UK-Taiwan Energy Dialogue. Notably, Dennis underscored the UK's support for Taiwan's ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, a testament to the depth of their partnership. He showcased opportunities for collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, technology, and science, highlighting the UK's International Technology Strategy and its collaboration with Taiwan in the semiconductor industry.

The event also served as a platform to explore opportunities for study and work in the UK. Representative Dennis introduced initiatives like the Chevening Scholarship and the Youth Mobility Scheme, which offer young Taiwanese the chance to pursue education and career opportunities in the UK. He encouraged attendees to stay engaged with the British Office in Taipei through social media channels, fostering continued dialogue and cooperation between the UK and Taiwan.

Following Representative Dennis's insightful remarks, Director Ralph Rogers from the British Council Taiwan took the stage to delve into the pivotal role of language learning in cultural relations. Rogers highlighted the British Council's rich history of promoting dialogue and collaboration on a global scale, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and respect in fostering genuine connections between cultures. He showcased the council's initiatives in Taiwan, including English language teaching programs and the establishment of the Taiwan-UK University Consortium (TUKUC). TOKUC's founding members include eight universities, four each from Taiwan and the UK, with NSYSU being one of them. He delightedly announced that the inaugural seminar will be held in Kaohsiung this November, where researchers from all eight institutions will gather at NSYSU to discuss topics such as net zero and bilingual education.

Director Rogers's talk underscored the British Council's vision for a more peaceful and prosperous world built on trust and cooperation. He emphasized the importance of bilingualism in empowering individuals to bridge linguistic and cultural divides, facilitating meaningful interactions and collaborations. Rogers invited NSYSU students and faculty to explore opportunities for study and research collaboration through the TUKUC, showcasing the council's commitment to fostering lasting connections between the UK and Taiwan.

As the event concluded, participants deepened their understanding of the Taiwan-UK relationship and the role of language learning and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties. The insights shared by Representative John Dennis and Director Ralph Rogers highlighted the shared commitment of the UK and Taiwan to building a more interconnected and prosperous world.

(Edited by Public Affairs Division)
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