Taipei: Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (???) on Wednesday announced an increase in the number of ministry-sponsored Taiwan Fellowships from 100 to 125 beginning next year. At a scholarship event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Taipei headquarters, Lin expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded opportunities for foreign experts and scholars interested in researching topics related to Taiwan, cross-strait relations, the Asia-Pacific region, and Sinology at institutes in Taiwan. According to Focus Taiwan, Lin emphasized the importance of education and talent cultivation as integral components of Taiwan's policy framework. He highlighted Taiwan's willingness to collaborate with diplomatic allies and like-minded nations to nurture promising youth, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductors, ICT, agriculture, and healthcare. Lin further noted that 2024 marks the 14th anniversary of the MOFA Taiwan Fellowship program and the 20th anniversary of the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship program, which is av ailable to degree-seeking students from Taiwan's diplomatic allies. These initiatives have collectively benefited 3,000 and 1,400 recipients, respectively, Lin stated. Earlier this month, Lin revealed plans to increase the annual number of Taiwan Scholarships from 200 to 400 by 2025 and 500 by 2026. He remarked, "Through these programs, recipients gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's development. After returning home, many fellows and students become the best cultural ambassadors for Taiwan." Since 2010, MOFA has also established the Taiwan Alumni Association (TAA) program to maintain connections with these recipients worldwide through Taiwan's overseas missions.