The Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation announced on Monday plans to invite 40 faculty members and students from seven universities on the Chinese mainland to visit Taiwan. Building on the success of a previous visit in 2023, this initiative aims to enhance cross-strait cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
According to Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the foundation, the visit is scheduled to commence on November 27 and will last for nine days and eight nights. “We have submitted applications to the relevant authorities,” Hsiao said at a press conference. “We hope for swift approval to facilitate this meaningful exchange.”
The delegation from the Chinese mainland will include participants from prestigious institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Normal University, and Beijing Sport University. Notably, the group will feature Olympic champions, including table tennis gold medalist Ma Long and shooting gold medalist Yang Qian.
During their stay, the mainland students and educators will visit six universities in Taiwan, including Taiwan University, Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, Chengchi University, Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Chinese Culture University, and Chang Gung University. They will also engage with local students at Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School.
Beyond academic interactions, the itinerary includes visits to scenic spots such as Sun Moon Lake, offering the visitors an in-depth appreciation of Taiwan’s rich history and natural beauty. Additionally, the foundation has arranged for baseball experience activities, providing mainland students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Taiwan’s popular baseball culture.
This upcoming visit marks the second such exchange organized by the foundation. In the previous year, faculty members and students from five mainland universities were warmly received across Taiwan, making a positive impact on cross-strait relations.
In related efforts to promote youth exchanges, Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Kuomintang, led youth groups from Taiwan on visits to the Chinese mainland in 2023 and 2024. These initiatives reflect a continuing commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding between young people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
