Ma lauds Youth Ambassador Exchange Program

2014-10-28

President Ma Ying-jeou said Oct. 26 that the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is broadening the global outlook of participants and boosting Taiwan’s image on the international stage.

“This initiative showcases youth soft power and highlights Taiwan’s role as a supporter of cultural exchanges and standard bearer for ethnic Chinese culture,” Ma said. “The government will continue providing opportunities for young people of Taiwan to interact with their counterparts abroad.”

The president made the remarks at a program ceremony in Taipei City attended by more than 700 foreign dignitaries, officials, youth ambassadors and representatives of participating colleges and universities.

Launched in 2009 to sharpen the global competitiveness of Taiwan’s youth and promote overseas exchanges, the program has sent 1,154 participants in 150 groups to 61 countries spanning five continents. This year’s 128-member group completed six weeks of training before visiting 36 cities in 32 countries in September.

According to Ma, the undertaking is part of government efforts encouraging younger generations to embrace volunteerism and broaden their horizons. “The Youth Development Administration under the Ministry of Education implemented a project in 2008 that has seen over 1.3 million individuals donate their time at home and abroad,” he said.

“The government is also promoting working holiday visa programs for those aged between 18 and 35,” Ma said, adding that as of April, 120,000-plus citizens have taken part in the programs.

“Since I took office in May 2008, the number of countries and territories extending this privilege to Taiwan jumped from two to 11,” he said. “Such a positive trend affirms the success of government policymaking and augurs well for the future of our young people.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223298&CtNode=413)