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
Concerns that the US might abandon Taiwan are often overstated. While US President Donald Trump’s handling of Ukraine raised unease in Taiwan, it is crucial to recognize that Taiwan is not Ukraine. Under Trump, the US views Ukraine largely as a European problem, whereas the Indo-Pacific region remains its primary geopolitical focus. Taipei holds immense strategic value for Washington and is unlikely to be treated as a bargaining chip in US-China relations. Trump’s vision of “making America great again” would be directly undermined by any move to abandon Taiwan. Despite the rhetoric of “America First,” the Trump administration understands the necessity of
US President Donald Trump’s challenge to domestic American economic-political priorities, and abroad to the global balance of power, are not a threat to the security of Taiwan. Trump’s success can go far to contain the real threat — the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) surge to hegemony — while offering expanded defensive opportunities for Taiwan. In a stunning affirmation of the CCP policy of “forceful reunification,” an obscene euphemism for the invasion of Taiwan and the destruction of its democracy, on March 13, 2024, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) used Chinese social media platforms to show the first-time linkage of three new
If you had a vision of the future where China did not dominate the global car industry, you can kiss those dreams goodbye. That is because US President Donald Trump’s promised 25 percent tariff on auto imports takes an ax to the only bits of the emerging electric vehicle (EV) supply chain that are not already dominated by Beijing. The biggest losers when the levies take effect this week would be Japan and South Korea. They account for one-third of the cars imported into the US, and as much as two-thirds of those imported from outside North America. (Mexico and Canada, while
I have heard people equate the government’s stance on resisting forced unification with China or the conditional reinstatement of the military court system with the rise of the Nazis before World War II. The comparison is absurd. There is no meaningful parallel between the government and Nazi Germany, nor does such a mindset exist within the general public in Taiwan. It is important to remember that the German public bore some responsibility for the horrors of the Holocaust. Post-World War II Germany’s transitional justice efforts were rooted in a national reckoning and introspection. Many Jews were sent to concentration camps not