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On the morning of September 20, President Tsai Ing-wen met with members of Taiwan's delegation to the 2017 International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program. She praised the youth ambassadors for successfully accomplishing their mission, and urged them to retain their enthusiastic concern for the world. In the future, she said, no matter where their lives might take them, they would continue to act as international ambassadors for Taiwan.
In remarks, President Tsai noted that the 2017 International Youth Ambassadors traveled this past August to various countries targeted by the government's New Southbound Policy, where they worked to further Taiwan's diplomatic efforts. "I appreciate your hard work," she said.
Commenting on the students in this year's exchange program, the president noted that Mr. Lai Ying-chieh (賴英傑), who speaks Indonesian even better than he speaks Chinese, intends to become a diplomat. Hopefully he will continue working toward his goal, she said, because the government needs more outstanding talent like him involved in New Southbound Policy implementation. President Tsai also mentioned Ms. Shi Feng-kai (石鳳凱), who grew up along the border between Thailand and Myanmar, speaks fluent Thai, and is an excellent singer. The president stated that languages like Indonesian and Thai will serve as bridges that link Taiwan to the rest of the world, help the people of Taiwan become more familiar with the countries targeted by the New Southbound Policy, and also help familiarize people in the New Southbound countries with Taiwan.
The president pointed out that the other students present may not necessarily have the sort of deep experience in Southeast Asia that Mr. Lai and Ms. Shi have, but she expressed confidence that their lives will become more and more closely connected to Southeast Asia and South Asia now that they had taken part in the International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program.
President Tsai told the youth ambassadors that their trips as ambassadors have left an indelible mark on their lives. Some may start to notice news reports from the New Southbound countries, and take an interest in their cultures. Some may even actively seek employment related to the New Southbound Policy. "If everyone would begin thinking along these lines, this year's International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program will have been a true success," said the president.
President Tsai voiced hope that all her visitors can retain their enthusiastic concern for the world, and said that no matter where their lives might take them, they would continue to act as international ambassadors for Taiwan. "Ten people are ten bridges, and 100 people are 100 bridges. Every single person can serve as a bridge that links Taiwan to the rest of the world. That is my fondest hope for all of you."
The president also thanked the teachers present at the meeting for leading our younger generation into the field of diplomacy, and expressed confidence that the students participating in the program will all become important international talent for Taiwan.
Finally, President Tsai once again congratulated the students for successfully accomplishing their mission as youth ambassadors and successfully raising Taiwan's international profile. She also wished her visitors good luck in their future careers, and said she hopes to have a chance to see them in action in diplomatic venues.
