National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Auditorium to attend the joint graduation ceremony for the New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program on January 12th (2026) together with four other universities. The ceremony was presided over by Baushuan Ger, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, who presented the “Minister’s Award” on behalf of Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to outstanding students from the five partner universities, recognizing their exceptional performances and learning achievements throughout the program.
NPUST nominee Angela Kwee, a student from Indonesia, was honored with the “Minister’s Award” and delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of the NPUST cohort. Speaking entirely in Mandarin, Angela shared her learning journey and cultural experiences in Taiwan, demonstrating excellent language proficiency and a profound understanding of Taiwanese society and culture, which earned unanimous praise from the distinguished guests in attendance.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION
Since 2023, NPUST has been participating in the New Southbound Policy Elite Study Program under the direction of the Office of International Affairs (OIA). Leveraging the university’s teaching and research strengths in Agriculture, Food Science, Animal Science, Aquaculture, Bioresources, and Sustainable Development, the school designed a diverse and in-depth curriculum featuring a variety of practical activities. These activities help students from New Southbound Policy countries deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s professional technologies, social culture, and lifestyle.
This year’s program at NPUST hosted 30 students. In addition to professional training on campus, the students engaged in cross-county cultural visits, festival experiences, and hands-on practices to gain insight into Taiwan’s diverse and inclusive cultural landscape. This approach embodies the educational philosophy of “learning through living and growing through exchange”. The university also actively encouraged students to participate in Mandarin language learning and cultural activities to enhance their cross-cultural communication skills and international mobility.
STRENGTHENING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Looking ahead, NPUST will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and partner institutions to promote the “New Southbound Policy Plus”. By deepening educational exchanges and talent connections with Southeast and South Asian countries, the university aims to cultivate young elites equipped with professional expertise, cultural understanding, and a global perspective, thereby injecting new momentum into regional cooperation and sustainable development.
