Author: George Carter

EMI Courses for Tzu Hui Institute of Technology

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On September 14, the Taiwan International Friendship Association (TIFA) delivered two English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) courses. The interactive sessions was attended by 30 faculty members of the Tzu Hui Institute of Technology in Pingtung, Taiwan.

The English as a Medium of Instruction courses were presented by TIFA’s distinguished member, Dr. Mercia de Souza, Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Visiting Committee Chair for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. She was assisted by Yashowardhan Singh, Vice Chairman of TIFA. Faculty members from a range of disciplines participated actively throughout the sessions, showing strong interest in the ideas and practical strategies presented.

Interactive English as a Medium of Instruction

The EMI professional development workshop focused on two contemporary teaching pedagogy:

  • Transforming Teaching Through Shared Practice. By sharing curricular experiences, faculty members can expand their scope of the needs of the learners. This session explored collaborative teaching practices and practical approaches to identifying and responding to the students’ expectations.
  • AI as a Tool for Teachers. AI is becoming a prominent tool in business, but has immense potential in academia. This session examined the practical and appropriate use of AI to support teaching, assessment, and feedback.

TIFA would like to extend its special thanks to Professor Ai-Lin Chen, PhD (Peggy), Dean of the Center for General Education and Dean of Hakka Cultural Research and Development, for her efforts in organizing and coordinating this valuable collaboration.

We also sincerely thank Dr. De Souza and all participating faculty members for contributing to an engaging and meaningful professional exchange.

This collaboration reflects TIFA’s continued commitment to strengthening connections with Taiwan’s higher-education sector and supporting opportunities for professional exchange, educational development, and international collaboration.

English as a Medium of Instruction courses
Dr. Mercia de Souza

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TIFA × 慈惠醫護管理專科學校：教師專業發展工作坊

9月14日，台灣國際友誼協會（TIFA） 很榮幸與屏東慈惠醫護管理專科學校合作，為約30位教師舉辦教師專業發展工作坊。

本次活動包含兩場以英語為授課媒介（English as a Medium of Instruction, EMI）的互動式工作坊，聚焦於現代教學實務與教育發展：

* Transforming Teaching Through Shared Practice｜透過共享實踐轉化教學

探討協作教學的實務，以及如何辨識學習者需求並採取適切的教學策略。

* AI as a Tool for Teachers｜AI作為教師的教學工具

探討如何適當且有效地運用人工智慧，協助教學、評量與學習回饋。

English as a Medium of Instruction courses
Faculty of Tzu Hui Institute of Technology

本次工作坊由Dr. Mercia De Souza主講，TIFA副主席 Yash Singh協助活動進行。來自不同專業領域的教師積極參與課程，並對工作坊所分享的理念、內容與實務策略展現高度興趣。

TIFA特別感謝陳艾琳教授（Professor Ai-Lin Chen, PhD／Peggy），通識教育中心主任暨 Hokka 文化研究與發展中心主任，在本次合作中的協調與安排。

同時也誠摯感謝 Dr. Mercia De Souza 以及所有參與的教師，透過積極交流與參與，共同促成此次有意義的專業學習活動。

此次合作展現了TIFA持續深化與台灣高等教育界交流與連結的努力，也為教育專業發展、國際交流及跨領域合作創造更多機會。

Talent Taiwan

Talent Taiwan Thanksgiving Dinner

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December 18, 2025

The Talent Taiwan Office and Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office held their 5th Anniversary Appreciation Event on December 18, 2025.

This event, under the auspices of the National Development Council and ministries across Taiwan, connected international chambers of commerce, universities, corporations, ecosystem partners, foreign professional communities, Taiwanese American associations, and all Gold Card holders.

It was not only an end-of-year celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on their five years of service, collaboration, and impact. Talent Taiwan hopes to expand talent mobility, strengthen Taiwan’s global competitiveness, and support thousands of professionals who now call Taiwan home.

Roundtable Event

Roundtable #1: The Beginning

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December 25, 2025

TIFA’s first-ever “Roundtable” session was a complete success. It was an exclusive event for 15 business and community leaders who came together to connect and discuss ways to collaborate in the future.

ATTENDEES

✅ Debbie Wang, TIFA 💎Diamond Member, Owner of 求精外語留學機構, PP of Rotary Club, and President of the Kaohsiung Buxiban Association.

✅ Sumomo, TIFA 💎Diamond Member, and Founder of Always Aspire Charitable Association (AACA) 大有可為公益協會

✅ Vicky and Tony, President and Past President of Rotary Club of Kaohsiung Lighthouse 高雄燈塔扶輪社

✅ Anny, Founder and CEO of 社團法人臺灣愛與希望國際關懷協會 Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity

✅ Shu-Ling Wang, Owner in Yacht industry

✅ Eryk, Chairman of 高雄美國商會 AmCham Kaohsiung,

✅ Miona, Luxury Bag Investing

✅ Frank, Lecturer and Tour Guide

✅ Laura, Accountant

✅ Lawrence, PP of Elite Rotary Club, President of 愛國超市 Aigo Supermarket

✅ Jamie Li, President of the Lumina Rotary Club

Networking Yacht Cruise

Networking Yacht Cruise #1: BNI and Toastmasters

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December 28, 2025

TIFA was honored to be invited to join the BNI and TOASTMASTER clubs for a yacht cruise for friendship and networking. Also on board were students from Indonesia and Philippines, as they experience the wonders of Taiwan, and who also got an impromptu leadership workshop.

So much fun, we’re already planning TIFA’s next cruise.

SPECIAL THANKS

Fu En-Ping, Tour Guide and Organizer

Shu-Ling Wang, Executive, Yacht Business

Miona Chen, Cruise Assistant, Luxury Bag Investments

TIFA Roundtable Meeting

Roundtable #2: Meeting of Charities

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January 6, 2026

TIFA’s Signature “Roundtable” meetings bring together a diverse group of community leaders to forge new friendships and partnerships, in order to build more inter-connected communities in Taiwan.

For this event, two founders of charities met to forge new friendships and mutual support. TIFA is uniquely positioned to bridge not only cultures, but also associations.

ATTENDEES

✅ Professor Jan Z. and Anny Tiangco: Founders of 社團法人臺灣愛與希望國際關懷協會 Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity

✅ Founders of Always Aspire Charitable Association (AACA) 大有可為公益協會 who support children with ASD and the parents: Sumomo Lee, Allen, and Jennifer

✅Fu En-Ping: Lecturer, Translator, and Tour Guide

✅Vicky Chung and Tony, President and Past President of Rotary Club of Kaohsiung Lighthouse 高雄燈塔扶輪社

✅ Michael Sullivan: Airline Pilot

✅ Dave Trouba: Consultant to the World Health Organization

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

✅ Dave Trouba, Michael Sullivan, and Vicky Chung became our newest members

✅ Jennifer, a student at Boston University, became our youngest member

✅ Allen, Chairman of AACA, became our newest Honorary Member

Talent Taiwan Dinner

Talent Taiwan 2026 New Years Dinner

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January 10, 2026

The Talent Taiwan office for hosting a memorable event that brought together notable leaders in the international community space in Kaohsiung.

During the event, new partnerships with National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) and Startup Terrace Kaohsiung were forged, and relations with the American Chamber of Commerce-Kaohsiung strengthened.

TIFA, together with our and partners, strives to build a welcoming environment for global talent, and provide an inclusive platform to connect locals and foreigners, associations, and organizations for more inter-connected communities across Taiwan.

2025 Easter Egg Hung and DIY Pizza.

2025 Easter Egg Hunt + DIY Pizza

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This year was the inaugural year for the Taiwan International Friendship Association (TIFA) sponsored Easter event. It included an Easter Egg Hunt for children, coupon hunt for adults, and a unique DIY pizza.

While many local schools hold Easter events, there are not many opportunities for all children to participate. This year marked the first to hold an Easter event for the public.

Charity

In addition to the public event, TIFA invited the children and staff from the 社團法人臺灣愛與希望國際關懷協會 Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity, and low-income families, to participate in the tradition. Around 40 people from the orphanage participated, along with 20 other people. TIFA is proud to support both international friends and an international charity for the special event. Also present were the Healing Hands association.

Sponsorship

The gifting of 20 pizzas to the orphanage was made possible by the generous donations of the local pizzeria, Five House午好食手作窯烤披薩, and the corporation, Synthedge Advanced Chemicals, based in Taipei, Taiwan, donated monetarily to the event.

In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt, adults were treated to a coupon hunt sponsored by Cijin Sunset Bar 旗津沙灘吧, and the 愛國超市 Aigo Supermarket chain. Together, they donated over $4K NTD worth of coupons.