A group of 8 scholars and several graduate students led by Dr. Tai Wan-chin, the Dean of the College of International Studies of TKU, will depart to the US for a conference at the American University in DC on April 2. In the evening of their arrival, they will be received by Mr. Lee Ta-wei, Taiwan’s diplomatic representative to the US, at his official residence, Shuan-Shiang (Twin Oak) Yuan. The conference is on April 3, while on April 4 , Dr. Tai and his entourage will also pay a visit to the former Chair of the Board at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Dr. Richard Bush, who is working at the Brookings Institute in DC presently, exchanging views on some current events.

The conference entitled “Globalization and East Asia” is co-organized by TKU and American University (AU) with Taiwan’s Ministry of Education as its chief sponsor. The conference will be opened by Mr. Lee Ta-wei’s speech, followed by presentations given by eminent scholars from nearby heavy weight think-tanks such as Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University.

Dr. Tai comments that the School of International Service (SIS) at AU ranks high in the US (undergraduate program is No. 11, whereas Master’s program No. 9), exceeding even some Ivy-league universities, and is renowned for its specialty in the field of diplomacy. Presently, TKU and AU are drafting a memorandum for a partnership with the possibility of setting up accredited dual degrees. Should that materialize, it will be extremely beneficial to both Taiwanese and American students. Several directors from the College of International Relations at TKU are overseeing the materialization of this promising partnership. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )