First Cohort of 491 Graduates from Taiwan's 'New Elite Program' ; Valedictorian Jokes She Gained 10kg

(Central News Agency, Chen Zhizhong, Taipei, June 11) The first cohort of 491 students from Taiwan's International Industry Talent Education Program (New Elite Program) graduated today and will enter the workforce according to their contracts. Valedictorian Tsai Yueh-jou admitted that her growth in Taiwan was not limited to knowledge; she also gained 10 kilograms, for which she holds the night markets largely responsible.

In recent years, the government has actively recruited international talent to work in Taiwan. The 'New Elite Program,' launched in the 113th academic year, offers a full two-year tuition-free scholarship from the government and a monthly living allowance of at least NT$10,000 from partner companies. Graduates are obligated to work for these companies; for example, receiving a two-year scholarship requires working in Taiwan for two years.

The Ministry of Education held the first graduation and employment commencement ceremony for the New Elite Program today. A total of 491 students successfully completed their studies and will work for 107 partner companies. Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao stated that talent is key to national competitiveness. The program's enrollment and number of participating companies have been steadily increasing, and international cooperation is becoming closer. He wished the graduates' lives would take a new turn in Taiwan, forging deeper connections with the country.

Valedictorian Tsai Yueh-jou, from Indonesia, earned a master's degree in Chemical Engineering from National Taiwan University. She recalled arriving in Taiwan with a mix of excitement and anxiety, unsure if she could adapt to the unfamiliar language and culture. However, her learning experience in Taiwan taught her that what truly shapes a person is not necessarily a specific class, but the people who are always willing to encourage, believe in, and accompany you through the ups and downs.

Tsai believes the New Elite Program provides not only financial support but also a form of trust and a force that helps dreams come true step by step. She sees graduation as the beginning of a new journey and looks forward to using her expertise to bring more value to society.

Tsai also humorously noted that her growth in Taiwan was not just in knowledge; she also gained 10 kilograms. 'As for the reason, I think Taiwan's night markets are largely to blame. Perhaps this is also proof of happiness,' she said.

Chau Thi Thanh Hoa, from Vietnam and a graduate of Kun Shan University, said the New Elite Program alleviated most of her financial burden, allowing her to study without worries. She applied without hesitation upon seeing the program brochure.

Chau said she was initially a bit anxious upon arriving in Taiwan, but the small class size did not affect the quality of learning. What gave her more peace of mind was that while other graduates were anxious about job hunting, program students had already built connections with companies through internships, avoiding unemployment anxiety and laying a solid foundation for the future.

Liu Fa-ming, a graduate of Cheng Shiu University from a small town in Indonesia, noted that locals rarely have the opportunity to study or work abroad. He expressed gratitude to the New Elite Program for bringing him to Taiwan, stating that this step into the workforce is not just an opportunity but a 'zero to hero' responsibility.

Li Shu-hsia, Deputy General Manager of the Administrative Resources Center at ASE Technology Holding, said in an interview that about 20 students from the program are graduating this year, most of whom will work as equipment engineers. Taiwan faces a declining birthrate and a shrinking pool of graduates. The technology industry needs to expand the talent pool, and one strategy is to encourage more women to join the field, while another is to attract more international students to study and work in Taiwan.

Li added that the language barrier is not the main issue; rather, the challenge is how to inform more students about these opportunities and encourage them to come to Taiwan to study and work. This requires a joint effort from the industry and the government. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150611