On the 20th September, 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Education, Taiwan, and SOAS, University of London, pledging to continue their co-operation on the SOAS Taiwan Studies programme. This programme, which was launched in 1999, aims to promote and broaden understanding of Taiwanese politics, history, languages and culture. With co-operation set to continue until at least 2021 under the new agreement, the signing of the MoU marks another exciting chapter for Taiwan Studies at SOAS.
The MoU was signed on behalf of SOAS by the Pro-Director (International), Professor Stephen Hopgood, and on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Taiwan, by the Director of the Education Division, Taipei Representative Office in the United Kingdom, Dr Nicole Yen-Yi Lee. The signing took place on the main SOAS campus in London and was followed by an exchange of gifts to celebrate the occasion.
During the signing ceremony, Dr Lee praised the Director of the SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies, Dr Dafydd Fell, for promoting Taiwan Studies in the United Kingdom and contributing to stronger academic links between the UK and Taiwan. This co-operation has helped SOAS to become the world leader in Taiwan Studies, offering a wide range of study programmes and hosting seminars, conferences, festivals and many other events. Professor Hopgood and Dr Lee are keen to enhance further cooperation between SOAS and the Ministry in the near future.
