As Taiwan continues to expand its global footprint with the New Southbound Policy, a critical gap remains in securing the nation’s future and growth as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. There is a pressing need to increase cross-cultural competencies — the ability to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds — for Taiwan’s youth to thrive in the increasingly complex and volatile global environment.
The New Southbound Policy has made some headway in promoting cross-cultural understanding. The Southeast Asian Languages (SEAL) component was introduced to the national curriculum in 2019 to equip students with linguistic skills relevant to Taiwan’s growing economic and cultural interactions with ASEAN countries.
However, current educational initiatives have not fully captured the imagination or participation of Taiwanese students.
The SEAL initiative, which aims to equip students with Southeast Asian linguistic and cultural skills, has faced challenges from the outset. Research shows there are issues such as insufficient instructional time and a lack of professional training. Parents also have concerns about balancing educational priorities in an already-packed curriculum.
However, it is crucial for Taiwan to address these challenges to foster an inclusive and globally competitive society. Taiwanese students need more than just academic excellence. They require a robust understanding of different cultures to thrive in an interconnected world.
Taiwan’s education system is already in a strong position to to internationalize its youth. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results show that the nation’s schools are among the best in the world. Taiwanese students performed above the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average, demonstrating high levels of competency in reading, mathematics and science.
Moreover, Taiwan’s schools have improved since 2018, with a larger proportion of students reaching basic and top performance levels.
These excellent results show that Taiwan is already in a strong position to implement much-needed educational reforms.
Internationalizing Taiwanese students and increasing cross-cultural competencies should be one of the focuses of its education system. Beyond academic and career advantages for students, it would also help improve Taiwan’s global standing.
A well-designed curriculum can bridge the gap between intent and practice. Partnerships with educational institutions in ASEAN countries can provide Taiwanese students with firsthand exposure to diverse cultures. These initiatives can also facilitate exchange programs, enabling students to gain a deeper appreciation of the culture of its neighbors.
Despite some progress, the road ahead is long. Recent data reveals a limited take-up rate for SEAL programs. To truly embed cross-cultural competencies in Taiwan’s education system, there is a need to implement comprehensive strategies. This includes increasing instructional time, standardizing teaching practices, and providing adequate training and resources for educators.
The Ministry of Education recognizes the need for change and has established formal partnerships with educational institutions in ASEAN countries.
By learning from successful models from countries like Singapore, Taiwan can better prepare its students for a globalized world.
Strengthening these competencies would not only enhance academic and career prospects, but also improve Taiwan’s global visibility, securing the future of its students and the nation’s long-term prosperity.
Mohamad Faisal Jamain is a former department head at a primary school in Singapore. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Southeast Asian Studies.
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