HSINCHU (TVBS News) — Taiwan is on the brink of enhancing its technological and educational landscape through a significant collaboration with India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries, expected to be finalized by the year's end, is set to bolster this partnership, primarily focusing on the exchange of highly skilled professionals.
This development comes at a critical time for Taiwan. The island has seen a notable decline in the number of Ph.D. graduates in key fields like electrical and electronic engineering, which fell by 40% in 2020 compared to a decade earlier.
In response, institutions like the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have ramped up their recruitment efforts, leading to a significant increase in Indian Ph.D. students in science and engineering disciplines.
Bridging the Talent Gap
Anil Kumar, a student at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at National Tsing Hua University, epitomizes this trend. He expressed a strong inclination to remain in Taiwan post-graduation if better opportunities arise.
"If I find better opportunities in Taiwan, I will stay here. And maybe, I can utilize my skills which I learn here," Kumar said.
Edward Yi Chang, Dean of the International College of Semiconductor Technology at NYCU, highlights the mutual benefits of this collaboration.
"India has built up quite a reputation in the international arena. They know their own strengths, so they enter the sector. In Taiwan, it's because we combine AI with semiconductors. In this regard, we also need this kind of talent," he stated.
The increasing synergy between Indian and Taiwanese educational institutions reflects a broader strategy to address Taiwan's labor shortage, especially in high-tech industries. Taiwan's aging population and declining birth rate have intensified the need for skilled foreign workers.
Professor Wang Wei-chung from the Center for India Studies at National Tsing Hua University sees this as a crucial step.
"India has a large population, but the employment opportunities are not as good as in Taiwan."
"Unlike Taiwan, they don't have a large manufacturing industry. Therefore, for Taiwan, I think the introduction of migrant workers can address our decreasing population. We need this manpower, but I also think this is an opportunity," he said.
Cultural Integration: A Work in Progress
However, the challenge for Taiwan extends beyond just attracting foreign talent. The need for a more inclusive and culturally integrated society is paramount. Despite its culinary diversity, Taiwan still struggles with cultural assimilation.
As Taiwan opens its doors to the world, it's equally important for its citizens to open their hearts and minds, embracing the idea of a global community.
This MOU with India represents an exchange of talent and a step towards a more interconnected and diverse Taiwan. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for future international collaborations, significantly impacting Taiwan's economic and cultural landscape.