Photo courtesy of Taiwan in the Philippines/Facebook
Wishing stronger people-to-people ties between Taiwan and the Philippines, Taipei is encouraging more Filipino students to pursue higher education opportunities in Taiwan with its representative highlighting scholarships as a pathway to academic growth and career opportunities. Speaking at the 2026 Taiwan Scholarship Awards Ceremony organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Taiwan representative to the Philippines Wallace Minn-Gan Chow urged Filipino scholars to look beyond academic achievement and become future leaders and bridges between Taiwan and the Philippines
.According to Rep. Chow, “the Philippines remains one of (Taiwan’s) priority partner countries and he is confident to say that (Filipinos) have made the right choice in pursuing studies in Taiwan.”
The Taiwanese official noted that the growing interest among Filipinos in studying in Taiwan has recently grown with 1,600 applications and 147 scholarships awarded the current year as compared to last year’s 650 applicants and 96 scholars. He cited that the increasing number of Filipino scholars reflects the deepening educational ties between Taiwan and the Philippines, particularly as Taiwan continues to develop expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
“We encourage you all, therefore, to go beyond mere academic excellence, to be inspirations to those around you,” Chow told the scholars.
“Let the highlights of your journey in Taiwan be a beacon of light for further scholars, and a bridge that connects Taiwan and the Philippines closer together,” he added. The Taiwanese representative likewise
highlighted his country’s efforts to provide international students with greater opportunities to transition from university studies to employment.He gave as an example the
government initiative aimed at creating a ‘zero-barrier pathway’ to employment for international students, allowing eligible graduates to pursue employment opportunities in Taiwan without immediately having to secure a work permit, subject to applicable rules.”
This initiative could further encourage Filipino students to consider building their careers in Taiwan after graduation. Whether you return to the Philippines or decide to carve out a future in Taiwan, I am confident that you will all go on to become leaders, changemakers, and goodwill ambassadors of friendship between our two nations,” he pointed out. In ending, Chow
encouraged Filipino scholars to use their experience in Taiwan as an opportunity for personal discovery and to deepen their understanding of the shared connections between the two societies.”
I have no doubt that, just like the past Filipino scholars in Taiwan, you too will also excel, receive awards for your academic diligence, become educators and cultural leaders, and make significant contributions in your own fields,” he concluded.