Representative Simon S.K. Tu met with Dean (and Professor of Politics) Vincent Wei-cheng Wang, of “ Ithaca College”(USA) on March 16th. Professor Wang and Representative Tu discussed in depth the development of higher education and the successful academic, educational and think-tank exchanges between Ireland and Taiwan. Representative Tu also described the level of bilateral relations between Ireland and Taiwan, by emphasising the importance of academic, tourism and cultural connections. Importantly, post-Brexit, Ireland will become the only English-speaking country in the European Union, which makes it a most attractive nation in which Taiwan must strive for further cooperation.
Additionally, approximately 400 young Taiwanese nationals have taken advantage of the “Holiday-Working program” to explore and fall in love with Ireland, and many other have also come to Ireland for further studies. These are important developments in the bilateral relations between Ireland and Taiwan in recent years. Representative Tu encouraged Professor Wang to fully exert his influence in the Taiwanese Overseas Community and the American Community and to promote bilateral education and academic cooperation between Ireland and Taiwan.
Professor Vincent Wei-cheng has taught at the “Ithaca University” (USA) for many years, and also served as a senior member of the Taiwanese “Overseas Compatriot Council” in Washington, DC. He has enjoyed many successes in both political and academic fields, and also learned much about the Taiwanese society in USA. During his visit to Ireland, he visited various Universities in Dublin as well as the NUI in Galway, to discuss potential future cooperation projects.
Professor and Mrs. Vincent Wei-cheng Wang (left) join Representative and Mrs. Tu for a working dinner.