In the age of globalization, Taiwanese youths need to be more involved in international affairs, said Premier Jiang Yi-huah during today's weekly Cabinet meeting where the Ministry of Education (MOE) reported on young people's participation in international activities and services.
To offer youths more opportunities to expand their global views and enhance their competitiveness, the MOE should integrate resources across agencies and step up publicity on related programs and activities, Jiang said.
"In my recent interactions with young entrepreneurs, I have come to understand their desires to widen their international horizons and be more competitive globally," indicated Jiang. He asked all government agencies to think of ways to create a more open and dynamic environment that affords the youth opportunities to learn and grow.
"Agencies should relax regulations to encourage entrepreneurship among young adults and allow Taiwanese companies more flexibility in branching out into the world. This would facilitate youth participation in world affairs while attracting more overseas talents to the country," noted Jiang.
"International networking should also be strengthened to allow our young people to share their achievement and experiences with the world while learning from other countries."
Jiang praised the MOE for encouraging high school and college students and young adults to interact with and serve the worldwide community. Through school courses, exchange programs, volunteer services, hands-on learning and competition events, the MOE has opened up many more avenues through which young people can broaden their world view.
According to the MOE, over 100,000 youths participated in these programs between 2012 and 2013, and more than 10,000 young people will benefit from a youth talent cultivation program each year beginning 2014. The "iYouth" international exchange information website has also logged over 2.9 million visits. In addition, Taiwan will host this year's international congress for the AIESEC (International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences) as well as the August meeting general assembly of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations.
The MOE's goals by 2016 are to set up 10 interscholastic international programs, accredit at least 60 universities for international programs, and send 20,000 university students to intern or study abroad. It will also enhance cooperation with worldwide nonprofit organizations and student-run groups, prepare seed personnel by establishing a youth talent databank, and launch a sports training program to secure a top five to seven ranking for Taiwan at the 2017 Summer Universiade.