The Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration held a launch press conference for the “Youth 10 Billion Overseas Dream Fulfillment Fund Program” on January 24 at Lunghwa University of Science and Technology, officially announcing the program’s implementation. President Lai Ching-te, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun, ambassadors from allied nations, and youth representatives attended the event, along with government agencies and private organizations, demonstrating their commitment to expanding young people's international perspectives. The event also featured the first public unveiling of the program’s online platform, providing detailed application guidelines and encouraging youth to leverage government resources to fulfill their dreams and enhance global competitiveness.
President: National Support for Youth Dream Fulfillment to Strengthen Taiwan’s International Presence
President Lai Ching-te emphasized that youth represent the future of the nation. The slogan "You Dream It, Taiwan Supports It" not only reflects Taiwan’s ambition to expand its international influence but also reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting young people in their pursuit of dreams. Through cross-ministerial collaboration and integration of private and allied nation resources, the program encourages young people to engage in overseas internships and exchanges, share Taiwan’s experiences, and drive innovative initiatives to elevate Taiwan’s global visibility and reputation.
Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao stated that the four-year program will invest NT$10 billion, targeting youth aged 15 to 30. The program consists of two main categories: Dream Workshop Program and Global Exploration Program.
Deputy Minister of Education Yeh Ping-cheng explains the details of the program (Image from the Youth Development Administration, Ministry of Education website)
Dream Workshop Program: Up to NT$2 Million in Funding to Encourage Youth-Led Initiatives
The Dream Workshop Program supports youth in independently planning international exchange projects lasting between two weeks and one year. Themes include global networking, industrial innovation, and multicultural initiatives. The Ministry of Education will provide professional guidance and establish a consultation room to assist applicants in proposal writing and review. Each project is eligible for up to NT$2 million in funding, with an initial selection of 200 participants. The first application period runs from January 24 to March 14, 2025, and the second from May 1 to June 20, 2025.
Global Exploration Program: Over 600 Opportunities with Up to NT$1.5 Million in Funding
The Global Exploration Program collaborates with government and private institutions to provide internship opportunities in international organizations, think tanks, startups, and professional training programs. Covering 10 key fields such as environmental sustainability, cultural creativity, and technological innovation, the program offers 85 projects with 610 positions.
Youth aged 15-18 can apply for programs like green energy studies in Iceland or K-POP industry internships in South Korea. Those aged 18-30 can engage in sustainable fisheries training in Saint Kitts and Nevis or explore hip-hop culture in the Netherlands. Each project is eligible for up to NT$1.5 million in funding, with the same application timeline as the Dream Workshop Program.
Additionally, the 2025 flagship theme focuses on “Environmental Sustainability,” in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, offering international learning opportunities such as climate model analysis in California, with 60 available slots.
Immigrant Youth Interest: Call for More Southeast Asian Opportunities
Liu Chien-ping, Chairperson of the Taiwan Immigrant Youth Advocacy Alliance, highlighted the program’s significance for Taiwan’s youth and diplomatic strategies. Immigrant youth are particularly interested in opportunities to return to their home countries for cultural reconnection.
Having participated in the 2018 Root-Seeking Program, Liu traveled to Vietnam to produce a documentary, which profoundly influenced her family relations and career direction. However, she noted that despite over 600 Global Exploration Program opportunities, very few are available in Southeast Asia. She expressed her disappointment and plans to submit an independent proposal through the Dream Workshop Program.
Liu also acknowledged the government’s 5% additional funding incentive for Indigenous and economically disadvantaged youth and suggested better outreach efforts to ensure the program reaches those who need it most. She urged authorities to enhance promotion efforts to help more young people seize this opportunity and step onto the international stage.
For more details and application guidelines, visit the official website: https://twpathfinder.org/. The government hopes this initiative will empower Taiwan’s youth to shine on the global stage and create limitless possibilities.
