Over 100 Students aspiring for Taiwanese Scholarships
Since the inception of the Taiwanese scholarship program over two hundred and sixty Belizeans have successfully acquired graduate and post graduate degrees from Taiwanese institutions and over a hundred and sixteen others are currently in Taiwan studying. Today, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Benjamin Ho, and his team hosted its 2015 scholarship briefing. Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
Over a hundred Belizeans, primarily students, gathered today at the Chateau Caribbean for the 2015 Taiwan’s Scholarship Briefing. For the past three years, the Taiwanese Embassy has been hosting the event which seeks to familiarize those seeking the opportunity to study in Taiwan. Up for grabs annually are approximately twenty-five spots in either the Taiwan-Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship or the International Cooperation Development Fund.
Benjamin Ho
Benjamin Ho, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize
“The last but most important of the bilateral relations that is the human resources cooperation. In this we mean that we are going to provide scholarships to your students to go to Taiwan to study so that they can learn more about the most updated knowledge in every field they are interested in. They become very important in the nation’s development and contribute to the country. We are part of them and now we have about a hundred and sixty more in Taiwan still pursuing their degrees in their respective fields. I know many of you are keen in going to Taiwan; that’s why you are here.”
Since the inception of the program, over two hundred and sixty Belizeans have received scholarships to study in Taiwan acquiring bachelors, masters or doctorate degrees from various educational facilities. Interim President of the Belize-Taiwan ICDF Alumni Society, Keisha Rodriguez spoke of the demands of the scholarship.
Keisha Rodriguez
Keisha Rodriguez, Interim President, BTAS
“Most of the Belizeans who have studied in Taiwan have been at the top of their classes. They have participated in academic life, in sports, international organizations and so forth, conferences. So they have really represented Belize well. So our new scholarship recipients, that’s the type of individuals that we are looking for…people who would be good ambassadors of Belize. I think the second thing that they need if they are accepted to study in Taiwan is to be open. More than the academic, it is also the experience that they have sharing their culture as Belizeans, the diverse culture that they have as Belizeans and also experiencing what Taiwan has to offer. So the opportunity that exists for Belizeans is to go to a different country, learn about them, group personally and these scholarships are also for Belizeans to return home and to contribute positively to our society.”
Kensworth Williams is among the persons in attendance, looking for that opportunity to get a higher education.
Kensworth Williams
Kensworth Williams, Attendee
“Sometimes being in a third world country it is hard to get an education and sometimes even a proper education. So today for this Taiwanese scholarship is actually a great opportunity for not only myself but also people who have jobs and want to go back to school…so they can come here and apply and get something they think would benefit themselves in the future.”
Duane Moody
“Any idea as to what program you’d want to do over there?”
Kensworth Williams
“Currently, I am doing IT, but I think sometimes in a profession, you need to change to expand your range. I would personally want to apply for business so I can expand my own horizon.”
Today’s event signals the opening of the scholarship application process. The deadline to submit applications is set for March thirty-first. Duane Moody for News Five.
