Memorable: (From left) Muhammad and Muhamad Farhan share their experiences of studying in Taiwan.
The Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Malaysia and The Federation of Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities, Malaysia, (FAATUM) are calling for applicants for the 2024 Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Scholarship Programme.
Muhamad Farhan Muhamad Rawi and Muhammad Mahdi, who were ICDF scholars in 2020 and 2021, respectively, urged Malaysians to apply for the financial aid.
Sharing his experience, Muhamad Farhan, who studied international health at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, said he chose to study in Taiwan because of its efficient healthcare system and experience in pandemic control.
“I wanted to study public health. I met my Taiwanese professor at an event in Indonesia and learnt about Taiwan’s public health system and scholarship opportunities from him,” he said.
Encouraging Malaysians to apply for the ICDF Scholarship, Muhamad Farhan said it is Taiwan’s version of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship from the United Kingdom as it provides full financial support for successful scholars.
Muhammad, who graduated with an International Master of Business Administration degree from National Chengchi University, described the Taiwanese people as friendly and praised the nation’s convenient public transportation.
“Taiwan has an efficient and extensive public transportation system, making it easy for students to explore the whole island.
“The crime rate is low and the locals are welcoming and willing to help international students,” he said.
FAATUM vice president Andrew Lim Eng Hin said Taiwan, as the epicentre of global semiconductor manufacturing and information and communications technology (ICT), has performed well in all aspects of science, technology and innovation.
“Taiwan is making a name in research into the humanities and social sciences, and FAATUM is keen to promote talent development in Malaysia alongside Taiwan’s educational trends.
“We hope to help youths achieve their dreams and ambitions,” he said, adding that Taiwan’s tertiary education sector provides a sound academic environment and a comprehensive public health and medical system for students to thrive.
TECO Education Division director Charlin Chang said Taiwan offers various scholarship opportunities for Malaysians to further their studies there.
Taiwanese culture, she added, is among the reasons students opt to further their education there.
“With the increasing number of English-taught courses being introduced in varsities and colleges in Taiwan, and the government’s effort to establish a Muslim-friendly environment, many international students are interested in undertaking full-time degree courses or learning Mandarin in Taiwan,” she said.
They were speaking at a press conference to announce the scholarship on Dec 14.
