Major grant for Taiwan studies

10 March 2010

A new partnership between Monash and Taiwan will boost Australian research and education about the East Asian island nation.

Monash has received $US300,000 from the Taiwanese Ministry of Education to further expand its dedicated Taiwanese studies research centre – the only one of its kind in Australia.

The grant will fund the appointment of a new lecturer in Taiwanese studies with an emphasis on postgraduate research in areas such as politics, foreign relations, linguistics and history.

In addition the grant will enhance the University's research collaboration with Taiwanese universities including National Chengchi University and will help sponsor international lectures, seminars and research workshops at Monash.

Director of the Taiwan Research Unit Professor Bruce Jacobs said he was very pleased to receive the grant and looked forward to bringing a new lecturer in Taiwan studies to Monash.

"This new partnership reflects Australia's significant trade and investment ties with Taiwan," Professor Jacobs said.

"Taiwan is a good news story. It has democratised after a long period of authoritarian dictatorship and developed into a middle-ranking economic power in the Asia Pacific – much like Australia. It's an important area to learn more about."

Executive Director of Cultural Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia Yuri Chih, who visited the University last week to sign the funding agreement, said Monash was the first university funded by the Taiwan Ministry of Education to develop Taiwan studies in Australia.

"The project will promote a pure academic relationship between Taiwan and Monash through teaching and research and integrate academic resources and efforts from diverse schools and centres within the Faculty of Arts," Mr Chih said.