• 2026-03-03

The NCL and MOFA held the 2026 Lunar New Year Networking Tea Reception on March 3 for foreign scholars and the diplomatic community. The event welcomed about 70 guests, including MOFA and NCL grant recipients and their families, as well as diplomats from 29 nations. Representatives from missions such as South Korea, Poland, Hungary, Switzerland, Malaysia, and Austria were in attendance to kick off the Year of the Horse. The reception provided a spirited platform for global researchers to connect and celebrate Taiwan’s hospitality.

Secretary General Daniel Kuo-ching Chen of the ministry of foreign affairs presided over the gathering, celebrating the 16th year of the Taiwan Fellowship. He noted that the program has successfully hosted over 1,600 scholars globally since 2010, with 130 attending this year. Chen called upon the fellows to become 'ambassadors' for Taiwan, using their research and digital platforms to present a real and vibrant Taiwan to their home countries, ultimately strengthening Taiwan's international ties.

Professor Elizabeth Larus, a Taiwan Fellowship recipient and Pacific Forum Senior Fellow, shared her insights on living and researching in Taiwan. She discussed incorporating the Taiwan perspective into international relations and her experience studying Taiwan-related topics in Poland. Her story served as an inspiration for other scholars to explore Taiwan's history, culture, and social diversity from various academic angles.

Timed with the Lantern Festival, the reception welcomed international scholars with a lucky draw and traditional Taiwanese refreshments. Cultural experience booths offered hands-on sessions in dough figurine making, lantern painting, and calligraphy. Attendees also engaged with an interactive wall showcasing mythical beasts from the library's Southern Branch, providing a deep dive into Taiwan’s festive traditions alongside their professional networking.