Tamkang University's Department of Global Politics and Economics held an in-person instruction week for its In-service Master's Program in Digital Learning in Asia-Pacific and Latin American Studies in the mid-October 2026–2027 academic year. 12 distinguished international participants from seven Latin American countries, including diplomats, think tank scholars, and prominent political figures, gathered at the university. Through face-to-face exchanges and dialogue, the program aimed to strengthen Taiwan's strategic partnerships and academic collaboration with Latin America.

This year's 12 students are distinguished professionals from the political, economic, media, and academic sectors of seven Latin American countries: Guatemala, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Mexico. On October 15, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ming-Chi Chen hosted a special luncheon in their honor. In his remarks, he welcomed distinguished participants from diverse professional backgrounds across Latin America and thanked Tamkang University for its longstanding efforts to promote exchanges between Taiwan and the region.

During the luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Professor Lorena Yael Piedra Cobo of the Asia-Pacific Affairs Research Program at the College of Security and Defense, Ecuador's National Institute of Advanced Studies, delivered remarks on behalf of the incoming students. She thanked MOFA and Tamkang University for thoughtfully organizing the program's courses and study visits. She noted that the visit provided valuable opportunities to gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan's history, technological innovation, education, healthcare, and democratic governance, while also encouraging reflection on the development challenges currently facing Latin American countries. She emphasized that all participants would make the most of this opportunity to deepen their understanding of Taiwan and share their experiences upon returning home. They also hoped to apply what they had gained to further strengthen cooperation and friendship between Taiwan and Latin America.

The students participating in this year's in-person program have impressive professional backgrounds, representing influential figures from government, industry, and academia across Latin America. Among the participants were Atanasio Bogado González, a retired Colonel affiliated with the Paraguayan Embassy in Taiwan, and his spouse; Andrea Nathalia Ruiz Jordan, First Secretary at Paraguay's diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates; Mario Fabián Silva, Confidential Secretary to Paraguay's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Jorge Garicoche Centurión, advisor to the Paraguayan Banking Association; Paula Macarena Carro Olmedo, General Manager of Paraguay's Chamber of Commerce and Services; and Pedro Ramón Puerta, founder of Argentina's Activar political party. Through this e-learning master's program, Tamkang University has successfully attracted influential individuals from Latin America to Taiwan to learn from its experiences. The initiative not only expands the reach and depth of Taiwan's people-to-people diplomacy but also showcases the country's soft power in regional studies and higher education.

During the intensive seven-day program of in-person classes and visits, participants explored political and economic developments in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions. They also engaged in direct dialogue with representatives from Taiwan's government and academic communities through luncheon gatherings and other activities carefully arranged by MOFA and Tamkang University. After the program successfully concluded, participants departed for their home countries over the weekend. They will continue their studies through online distance learning and, upon completing all required coursework, their master's theses, and oral defenses, will be awarded master's degrees.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG08 Decent Work and Economic Growth #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

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