Taiwanese Delegation Highlights Tech Prowess, Courts Indian Talent

Led by Prof. cheng-Chih Wu, Chairperson of the foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET), the delegation comprises 44 representatives from 15 Taiwanese universities. Their mission: to showcase Taiwan’s technological strengths and attract Indian students to its academic institutions.

The delegation is receiving support from key Taiwanese representatives in India. Representative H.E.Baushuan Ger of the Taipei Economic and Cultural center in India, along with Assistant Representative Jen Chun Tsai, Director of the Education Division Peters Li Ying Chen, and Manager Teresa Weng of the Taipei Trade Center Liaison Office in New Delhi, are all assisting in fostering academic and research collaboration opportunities.

Prof. Venky Shankararaman, President of APAIE, and Ms. Louise Kinnaird, Executive director, met with Chairperson wu and the Taiwanese delegation on the conference’s opening day. This meeting underscores the importance of Taiwan’s presence at APAIE and its commitment to international educational partnerships.

FICHET’s role as a key platform for Taiwan’s international higher education collaboration.

Prof.Cheng-Chih Wu, FICHET Chairperson

Taiwan recognizes India’s vast pool of engineering and technology talent. The focus is on creating mutually beneficial partnerships that leverage India’s human capital and Taiwan’s advanced technological infrastructure,notably in semiconductors,ICT (Details and Dialog Technology),and biotechnology. These partnerships will primarily take the form of industry-academia collaborations and academic exchange programs.

This initiative aligns with broader U.S. interests in fostering technological collaboration with allies in the Indo-Pacific region.as the U.S.seeks to diversify its supply chains and reduce dependence on any single nation, partnerships between Taiwan and India become increasingly strategic.

Taiwan-India Higher Education Leaders Forum: A Key Event

A pivotal event, the “2025 Taiwan-India Higher Education Leaders Forum,” is scheduled for March 26 at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi.This forum will bring together approximately 70 university leaders from both Taiwan and India to discuss future collaborations and initiatives. Themes of discussion include semiconductor technology and SDGs (Lasting Development Goals) cooperation.

FICHET and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) have a long-standing relationship, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2010. This agreement, currently entering its third renewal period, has facilitated academic exchange and partnership between the two countries.

Representative Ger from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India will be present to witness the ongoing strengthening of Taiwan-India educational collaboration.

Taiwan’s Growing Appeal to International Students

Taiwan has become an increasingly attractive destination for international students, particularly from the Asia-pacific region. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, over 100,000 students from the Asia-Pacific region pursued studies in Taiwan in 2024, representing 87% of the total international student population. Each year, over 2,500 students come from India alone.

Taiwan actively promotes educational exchanges and talent mobility through its recruitment and retention programs for international students. This initiative aims to strengthen multilateral collaborations, attract a diverse student body, and address the talent demands of Taiwan’s burgeoning industries.

For U.S. students considering study abroad opportunities, Taiwan offers a compelling option with its strong academic programs, vibrant culture, and strategic location in Asia. The growing ties between Taiwan and India also present unique opportunities for U.S.students interested in international collaborations and cross-cultural experiences.

The increasing popularity of Taiwan as a study destination is supported by several factors:

• High-Quality Education: Taiwanese universities are gaining recognition for their academic excellence, particularly in STEM fields.
• Affordable Tuition: Compared to universities in the U.S. or Europe, tuition fees in Taiwan are generally more affordable.
• Scholarship Opportunities: The Taiwanese government and various universities offer scholarships to international students.
• safe and Welcoming Environment: Taiwan is known for its safe and welcoming environment,making it an attractive destination for students from around the world.

Addressing Potential Challenges and Future directions

While the outlook for Taiwan-India educational and technological collaboration is positive, potential challenges remain. These include navigating cultural differences, addressing language barriers, and ensuring the mutual recognition of academic credentials.

Furthermore, the success of these partnerships will depend on sustained investment from both governments and private sector entities. Funding for research grants, exchange programs, and infrastructure development will be crucial to fostering long-term collaboration.

Looking ahead, taiwan and India could explore opportunities to expand their collaboration beyond traditional academic disciplines. Areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity offer promising avenues for future partnerships.