From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
As Taiwan embarks on a new chapter under President Lai Ching-te’s leadership, we are excited to bring you this special edition of Southbound Magazine, themed “New Southbound Policy+, New Vision.” With the start of this new presidency comes a renewed focus on Taiwan’s role in the Indo-Pacific, and in this issue, we take a closer look at how the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) has contributed to this evolving vision throughout 2024.
In the first part of this edition, we explore TAEF’s diverse efforts through its five core programs. TAEF continues to drive collaboration across Asia by fostering policy research and dialogue through think tank partnerships, while promoting cooperation on shared challenges through civil society connectivity initiatives. Our commitment to regional resilience remains strong, as we address pressing issues to ensure a sustainable future. Additionally, our programs dedicated to youth engagement and cultural exchange offer platforms for cross-cultural understanding, empowering the next generation of leaders.
In the second part, we offer professional insights on the New Southbound Policy+ (NSP+), as envisioned by TAEF. As Taiwan’s foreign policy adapts to the evolving regional landscape, Dr. Alan Hao Yang analyzes President Lai’s "Shin-Lai" diplomacy and how the NSP is being strategized to strengthen Taiwan’s partnerships. We also feature Dr. Sana Hashmi’s unique perspective on how the NSP serves as an unconventional yet effective solution to Taiwan’s long-standing challenges. Lastly, we share insights from our recent NSP+ forum, where experts gathered to discuss how the NSP can be viewed as a core part of Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific strategy, addressing the region’s evolving dynamics.
In the third section, we are excited to celebrate TAEF’s key accomplishments in 2024. Marking our 6th anniversary, the "New Southbound, New Vision" Forum brought together regional experts to reflect on the future of the NSP+. We also spotlight the Taiwan-India Dialogue, which enhanced collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation and paved the way for greater bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ninja Summer Camp offered participants a unique opportunity to explore the lives of Taiwan’s migrant workers and new immigrants through the Greater Taipei Migrant Workers and New Immigrants Faith Map, fostering a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s diverse communities.
Our cultural exchange initiatives continue to thrive, particularly through the Asian Artists Exchange Program, which fosters collaboration between artists from across the region, enriching Taiwan’s cultural landscape. In addition, this year’s SEASAT Youth Camp featured a special partnership with the National Human Rights Commission, hosting a multigenerational dialogue that created a platform for cross-generational and regional discussions on human rights and the importance of solidarity in Asia.
Lastly, we turn the spotlight on the voices of Asia’s young leaders, showcasing reflections from participants in this year’s SEASAT Youth Camp. These inspiring youth from Southeast and South Asia share their bold visions for a more interconnected and cooperative future, highlighting the pivotal role they play in shaping regional progress and fostering deeper mutual understanding across borders.
We hope you find this edition both insightful and inspiring as we continue to chart a new course for Taiwan’s future through the New Southbound Policy+ under President Lai’s leadership. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to hearing your feedback.
Warm regards,
Chairman, the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation
Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao
Content
TAEF Programs
Think Tank Collaboration 4
Civil Society Connectivity 6
Regional Resilience 8
Young Leaders Engagement 10
Cultural Exchange 12
TAEF on New Southbound Policy +
Strategizing the New Southbound Policy in President Lai’s ‘Shin-Lai’ (Trustworthy) Diplomacy: Making Taiwan Indispensable and More Reliable 14
New Southbound Policy: An Unconventional Solution to Taiwan’s Longstanding Challenges 22
Taiwan's New Indo-Pacific Strategy: How Do We Envisage the Prospect and Blueprint for the "New Southbound Policy+” 25
TAEF Highlights
India-Taiwan Dialogue: Enhanced Collaboration between Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation and Observer Research Foundation 29
TAEF 6th Anniversary Celebration and the “New Southbound, New Vision” Forum 32
2024 Ninja Summer Camp: Greater Taipei Migrant Workers and New Immigrants Faith Map 38
Human Rights in Asia: A Multigenerational Dialogue 36
TAEF Cultural Exchange: Asian Artists Exchange Program 40
TAEF Spotlight: Youth Perspectives
Youth Voices on Indo-Pacific Futures—Selected Essays from the 2024 SEASAT Youth Camp 42
Download the full context of TAEF Biannual