TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s representative office in Sweden awarded scholarships to 33 Nordic students on Friday, underscoring growing ties between Taipei and the Nordic region.

At the office’s Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship ceremony in Stockholm, 28 Swedish and five Norwegian students were honored, per CNA. The event drew over 50 attendees, including Swedish lawmakers and representatives from cultural and student organizations.

Taiwan’s representative to Sweden, Ku Jui-sheng (谷瑞生), praised the recipients and encouraged them to embrace Taiwan’s vibrant democracy, strong economy, and leading role in semiconductors. He said Taiwan’s higher education system is internationally competitive and offers students growth opportunities.

Ku added that he hoped the students would become bridges between Taiwan and the Nordic countries, strengthening ties through academic and cultural exchanges.

In a video message, Sweden’s envoy to Taiwan, Helena Reitberger, welcomed Taiwan’s efforts to expand youth and cultural exchanges. She said her office has worked to deepen cooperation in education and thanked Taiwan for its support.

Swedish lawmaker Markus Wiechel also attended, urging young Swedes to seek opportunities abroad. He reaffirmed his long-standing support for closer relations and pledged to advocate pro-Taiwan policies in parliament.