Taiwan is a perfect balance of modern innovation and cultural preservation, from the bustling night markets and mouth-watering cuisine to stunning natural scenery, from the soothing Beitou (北投) hot springs and the unique rock formations at Yehliu (野柳) to the breathtaking Taroko National Park and the majestic mountains, where you can hike from dawn till dusk.
This beautiful island has not only welcomed me with open arms, but has also become a second home over the past six years.
The news of being accepted into the Taiwan International Graduate Program to pursue a PhD in molecular medicine marked the beginning of an important chapter in my academic and professional journey.
Reflecting on my PhD journey in Taiwan, I am deeply humbled by the academic and personal growth I have undergone.
I have had the privilege of conducting groundbreaking research in the field of cancer, specifically lung cancer, under the guidance of two esteemed professionals, Chiou Shih-hwa (邱士華) and Wang Mong-lien (王夢蓮), along with their dedicated team at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Emphasizing the outstanding support and resources available in Taiwan, I received assistance that culminated in the publication of my research in Advanced Science. This research centered on the modulatory effects of the tumor microenvironment on cancer progression.
Chiou and Wang’s laboratory stands out for its excellence in not only basic research, but also translational and clinical applications. Their work addresses significant challenges in scientific research, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world medical solutions.
During my time in the lab, I had the opportunity to meet with individuals from around the world. This diverse environment fostered a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, enhancing my collective understanding and approach to research.
Taiwan has distinguished itself across various sectors, including scientific research, healthcare, transportation, security, and most notably, its semiconductor industry, which stands as the cornerstone of the nation’s economy. I experienced first-hand how Taiwan seamlessly integrates scientific excellence with a deep respect for culture and humanity, creating a distinctive environment where academics like me can truly thrive.
I truly believe that Taiwan is a hospitable and open-hearted country. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the government, universities and professors for their guidance and support. I will forever cherish the opportunity to study and grow here. Taiwan has given me the tools to succeed in my academic journey.
Anita S. La’ah is a postdoctoral researcher at the Taipei Veteran General Hospital And National YanMing ChiaoTung University
The gutting of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) by US President Donald Trump’s administration poses a serious threat to the global voice of freedom, particularly for those living under authoritarian regimes such as China. The US — hailed as the model of liberal democracy — has the moral responsibility to uphold the values it champions. In undermining these institutions, the US risks diminishing its “soft power,” a pivotal pillar of its global influence. VOA Tibetan and RFA Tibetan played an enormous role in promoting the strong image of the US in and outside Tibet. On VOA Tibetan,
Sung Chien-liang (宋建樑), the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) efforts to recall Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lee Kun-cheng (李坤城), caused a national outrage and drew diplomatic condemnation on Tuesday after he arrived at the New Taipei City District Prosecutors’ Office dressed in a Nazi uniform. Sung performed a Nazi salute and carried a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf as he arrived to be questioned over allegations of signature forgery in the recall petition. The KMT’s response to the incident has shown a striking lack of contrition and decency. Rather than apologizing and distancing itself from Sung’s actions,
US President Trump weighed into the state of America’s semiconductor manufacturing when he declared, “They [Taiwan] stole it from us. They took it from us, and I don’t blame them. I give them credit.” At a prior White House event President Trump hosted TSMC chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家), head of the world’s largest and most advanced chip manufacturer, to announce a commitment to invest US$100 billion in America. The president then shifted his previously critical rhetoric on Taiwan and put off tariffs on its chips. Now we learn that the Trump Administration is conducting a “trade investigation” on semiconductors which
By now, most of Taiwan has heard Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s (蔣萬安) threats to initiate a vote of no confidence against the Cabinet. His rationale is that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government’s investigation into alleged signature forgery in the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) recall campaign constitutes “political persecution.” I sincerely hope he goes through with it. The opposition currently holds a majority in the Legislative Yuan, so the initiation of a no-confidence motion and its passage should be entirely within reach. If Chiang truly believes that the government is overreaching, abusing its power and targeting political opponents — then
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