Taiwan Today

The ROC government took a solid step forward in promoting the sustainable development of Taiwan’s tertiary education sector April 25 with the announcement that commencing later this year, a large number of universities and colleges islandwide would begin trialing two-year undergrad degree programs for mainland Chinese junior college graduates from the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. Aimed at promoting cross-strait academic exchanges while raising the profile of Taiwan’s high-quality and well-structured tertiary education sector, the Ministry of Education-overseen initiative is also set to play a key role in boosting enrollment numbers at local institutions and putting the sector on an increasingly strong footing for improving its international competitiveness. Under the plan, 73 public and private universities and colleges will offer courses through 276 departments to mainland Chinese meeting requisite admission criteria. It aims to attract 955 students, with applications opening this month for first semester beginning late September. It is crucial to note that the initiative’s enrollment figure is separate to the existing government quota for tertiary students from mainland China. In no way whatsoever will the increase in numbers impact the rights of local pupils or their access to higher education. Relevant government regulations governing this new intake of mainland Chinese students, as well as assessment and recognition of their academic credentials, have been revised by the MOE. The proposal, although still pending Cabinet approval, includes changes governing the accreditation of 191 vocational schools and equivalent courses in mainland China. In theory, this clears the way for more Taiwan students to study on the other side of the strait. But such a development is extremely unlikely as MOE research overwhelmingly indicates that Taiwan parents do not want their children to study at junior colleges in mainland China. The value of the program for Taiwan’s tertiary education sector is indisputable. Yet, an equally alluring benefit is its role in fostering closer cross-strait academic exchanges. ROC President Ma Ying-jeou has made it a priority since taking office in May 2008 to build a cultural bridge of understanding between the young people of Taiwan and mainland China, enabling them to find common ground and contribute to fostering lasting peace and stability between the two sides. Ma holds that offering more mainland Chinese the opportunity to undertake tertiary studies in Taiwan is one of the best ways for them to experience firsthand a vibrant democracy and society that cherishes free speech, human rights and rule of law. This lesson carries added salience given the two sides of the strait share the same culture and language. The two-year undergrad degree program for mainland Chinese students is an educated initiative that will pay handsome dividends for Taiwan. Most importantly, it remains faithful—as with all government cross-strait policies—to the principle of putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people.