South SFV Today

The Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University inaugurated its new Taiwan Program during the conference "Innovate Taiwan: Shaping the Future of a Postindustrial Society" on May 2, 2024. The program aims to conduct policy-relevant research addressing Taiwan’s challenges in the global context and to educate the next generation of Taiwan experts while fostering interactions between Stanford and Taiwanese stakeholders.

Stanford President Richard Saller praised the program's launch, emphasizing its role in advancing the university's global presence. APARC Director Gi-Wook Shin highlighted the growing interest in Taiwan among students and community members, underscoring the program's commitment to inspiring engagement with Taiwan among Stanford students.

The inaugural conference featured panel discussions on Taiwan's societal, cultural, and healthcare advancements. The first panel explored Taiwan's cultural trends, including second-generation identity formation and the appeal of Mazu pilgrimages. The second panel focused on healthcare innovation and biotechnological advancements, discussing AI-driven healthcare solutions and the future of personalized medicine.

Experts at the conference discussed strategic imperatives for Taiwan's economic future, emphasizing the need to diversify the economy, address cross-Strait relations, and promote entrepreneurship and global talent. The event also included a student panel on Taiwanese identity and community engagement, showcasing diverse perspectives on Taiwan studies at Stanford.

The conference aimed to spark dialogue on Taiwan’s future and enhance collaboration in establishing a leading Taiwan program at Stanford.