National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) recently hosted eight youth from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies for a month-long professional training course focused on “Smart Agriculture” under the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative.
At the end of the intensive month of learning and practical operations, a closing ceremony was held in Taipei on October 30 (2025) for the participating youth. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Deputy Minister François Chihchung Wu of Foreign Affairs, Director-General Hsueh-Yu Chen of the MOE Youth Development Administration, Tuvalu’s Ambassador to Taiwan, H.E. Lily Tangisia Faavae, Professor Herlin Chien (responsible for the NPUST Sustainability Hub), and Professor Jung-Yi Fang, director of NPUST’s Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation.
The participating youth came from six of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies: Paraguay, Eswatini, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Christopher and Nevis, and St. Lucia. The curriculum centered on three key areas of learning: Smart Agricultural Technology, Sustainable Environmental Conservation, and Interdisciplinary Innovation. Practical content covered the application of sensing systems, data management, and resource recycling.
In her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae praised the young trainees for their excellent performance in smart agriculture and cross-cultural communication, affirming the program’s effectiveness in boosting their professional skills and global outlook. Deputy Minister Wu and Director-General Chen emphasized that Taiwan continues to deepen its partnership with diplomatic allies and expand its global influence through innovative agricultural technology and diversified diplomacy. The guests collectively expressed their hopes that the participants would apply the acquired smart agricultural techniques to their local farming practices, promote national sustainable development, and serve as a bridge for friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and its allies.
During the month-long training, participants not only gained in-depth theoretical knowledge of modern agricultural technology but also strengthened their teamwork and problem-solving abilities through group discussions and practical projects—highlighting the program’s professional and practical value.
The curriculum also incorporated diverse cultural and industrial visits, including a tour of King Car Biotechnology to see how the biotech industry utilizes agricultural waste for circular reuse and sustainable development; an immersive experience at the Taiwan Indigenous Cultural Park to learn about ethnic cultures and traditional farming methods; a visit to the Kaohsiung Management Office of the Agency of Rural Development and Water Resources to understand the use of smart water infrastructure in agricultural production; and visits to various local specialty farms, which showcased the complete industrial chain from production and processing and sales.
