TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Tuesday encouraged Taiwanese students to develop the skills and confidence needed to become future leaders as she addressed the opening ceremony of the Harvard Undergraduate Taiwan Leadership Conference.
Hsiao said the world is facing unprecedented challenges, including climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and threats to security and democratic societies. She added that rapid technological advances and AI are creating new opportunities, per a press release.
Hsiao said HUTLC represents several important connections, including the link between National Taiwan University and Harvard University, the bridge between Taiwan and the US, and connections between younger generations.
As a high school student, she said there were only three television channels and no internet, making television one of the few ways to learn about the world. Today's students, by contrast, have access to more tools and opportunities to connect with others around the world to learn about different cultures through film, art, and music.
Hsiao said such opportunities also come with responsibility, with “communication" one of the most important leadership skills, which she described as requiring listening, dialogue, and the courage to express one's views. Furthermore, she encouraged students to have the humility to recognize that others may know more about a particular issue.
She said HUTLC allows students to reflect on global challenges and consider how they can help shape the world. Regarding Taiwan's role in the world, Hsiao said Taiwanese people sometimes describe Taiwan as a small country with many different voices.
However, Hsai said Taiwan's diversity is a source of strength because it encourages people to embrace new ideas, learn from one another, and develop greater confidence in the country's place in the world. Hsiao highlighted the nation's technological capabilities as a tribute to a country that is "small but powerful," per the press release.
In conclusion, she thanked everyone involved in organizing the conference, including Harvard students who traveled to Taiwan during their summer vacation to share their experiences with approximately 80 outstanding high school students from across the country.
HUTLC was established in 2007 and is held annually in August to promote intellectual exchange and cultivate talented Taiwanese high school students. Jointly hosted by NTU, it seeks to provide an English-speaking environment where students can develop leadership skills and build connections, per the organization's website.
Each year, Harvard undergraduates are recruited to develop and teach a curriculum for Taiwanese students selected through a competitive application process that attracts thousands of applicants. The conference is funded by alumni, including members of the Harvard Club of Taiwan.
