KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 95 Malaysian students have been awarded scholarships to pursue academic degrees and short-term language studies in Taiwan.
The move is part of efforts to strengthen educational ties between Taiwan and Malaysia.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia head of mission deputy James Buu said this year's awards under Taiwan's Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship (HES) were the highest number offered to date.
He said the engagement, fostered over 20 years, had seen hundreds of Malaysians graduating from Taiwan's top universities and Mandarin centres, excelling in various fields.
"This year, nine students will pursue doctoral degrees, 18 will pursue master's degrees, and 10 will pursue undergraduate degrees.
"The remaining 58 were awarded the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship for Mandarin studies," he said.
Buu said there was growing interest in pursuing studies in Taiwan, citing an increasing number of English-taught courses and a Muslim-friendly environment, which has attracted many international students.
Scholarship beneficiary Adam Daniel Amstrong, 28, said he was grateful to be given the opportunity to pursue his studies after being awarded a scholarship to continue his Masters in administration.
"I've been to Taiwan before and know how dynamic the learning exchange there. That is why I decided to apply in the first place," he said.
"This scholarship will certainly help put my mind at ease when it comes to tuition fees," he added.
Nursyazwani Jamil, 24, said she found out about the scholarship opportunity via TikTok.
"I actually applied two weeks before the application deadline. Even though I am surprised that I was selected, I am definitely happy to be able to go and learn Mandarin in Taiwan," she said.
"I have been wanting to learn the language because I watch a lot of Chinese drama series. My course is for three months, and I will fly off in August. I can't wait to get started!"
Recipients of the Taiwan MOE scholarship will receive tuition and expenses of NT$40,000 per semester and a monthly living allowance of NT$15,000 to NT$20,000. HES recipients will receive a monthly stipend of NT$25,000.