IIT Guwahati to set up Taiwan Education Centre, signs MoU with Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 13, 2024

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) has entered into a significant partnership with the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India (TECC) marking a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Taiwan through education and language/cultural learning

The IITG signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TECC aimed at enhancing cultural and educational exchange. The MoU, effective from August 13.

The MoU was signed by Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, and Peters Chen, Director of the Education Division TECC, witnessed by Baushuan Ger, representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, and Prof Parameswar K Iyer, Dean of Public Relations, Branding and Ranking, in the presence of Deans and senior representatives from both institutions.

This agreement heralds a new chapter in the collaborative efforts between India and Taiwan in the field of education, technology enhancement and industry interaction.

Highlighting IIT Guwahati’s commitment to fostering international educational ties and providing its students with diverse learning opportunities, Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, stated, “This collaboration with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre is a pivotal moment for our institute, as it aligns with our mission to offer our students a truly global education. By integrating Mandarin language instruction into our curriculum and building strong connections with leading Taiwanese institutions, we are not only enhancing our students’ linguistic skills but also broadening their understanding of different cultures.”

“This partnership opens new academic, industry and research opportunities, allowing our students to explore diverse educational pathways and develop a deeper appreciation for the global landscape, especially in semiconductor industries. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings and are confident that it will significantly contribute to the holistic development of our students,” he added.

Under this collaboration, TECC will assist IIT Guwahati in recruiting Mandarin teachers who are experts in designing curricula and evaluating foreign language courses. These teachers will conduct Mandarin language courses over the required semesters, helping to broaden students’ linguistic skills and cultural understanding, specifically those interested in pursuing internships and careers in Taiwan semiconductor and agritech industries. In return, IIT Guwahati will provide the necessary infrastructure to establish the Taiwan Education Centre on campus, where classes, seminars, and bilateral exchange programs will be conducted.

After COVID-19, the Education Division of TECC has established 25 Taiwan Education Centres in India. Along with 10 established earlier, today’s MOU marked the 36th Taiwan Education Centre in India.

Speaking at the MoU signing event, Peters Chen, Director of the Education Division TECC, commented, “IIT Guwahati, as one of the top universities in India, is not only the key driving force for northeast India but accelerator for the semiconductor industry in India.

It’s glad that we will work together to provide students with Mandarin language skills, Taiwanese culture and more exchange programmes between the universities of India and Taiwan. We will recruit a Taiwanese teacher soon to come to campus. The teacher will also hold the Test of Chinese Language as Foreign Language (TOCFL) at campus if there are students who hope to take the test and get a certificate. In addition, students will have better opportunities for further studying in Taiwan majoring in the interested fields with scholarship.”

This collaboration aims to introduce Indian students to Mandarin language learning by offering access to high-quality instruction from qualified teachers.

In doing so, IIT Guwahati seeks to equip students with valuable linguistic and cultural skills that are increasingly important in today’s globalized world.

The partnership is also designed to deepen bilateral ties between IIT Guwahati and Taiwanese universities. By facilitating academic exchanges, and other collaborative endeavors, this initiative will create a robust network of cooperation, strengthening educational and cultural connections between the two regions.

The MoU will remain in effect for three years from the date of signing, with provisions for amendment and extension.