Members of the Global Impact Association and the World Trade Institute were honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation from the government of Taiwan. This a high-level visit focused on international academic cooperation, scholarship development, and global trade leadership.
During the ceremony, Prof. Manfred Elsig presented the achievements and outlook of the Penglai Scholarship program, which was launched in cooperation with the Government of Taiwan and the Taiwan Mission to the WTO to support global talent in international trade and economic governance. The initiative awards two scholarships annually: one to a student from Taiwan and another to a student from a least- or low-income developing country. Since its founding, recipients have come from Taiwan, Ethiopia, Nepal, Lesotho, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
“By building capacity where it's most needed, and we fully believe that empowering talent across the world is essential to enduring equal participation in a global multilateral trading system,” says Dr. Lin Chia-Lung, representing the government of Taiwan. Dr. Chia-Lung, emphasized that the WTI as a globally respected center for cultivating international trade talent and emphasized the importance of education, innovation, and economic diplomacy in foreign affairs. Referencing Taiwan’s longstanding partnership with the WTI, he noted that many scholarship recipients have gone on to serve in government and international organizations, helping advance economic diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. He reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting the 2026 Penglai Scholarships through a formal donation ceremony and highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in trade policy, and supply chain resilience.
The visit concluded with a photo session, exchange of commemorative gifts, and discussions on future academic collaboration between Taiwan and Switzerland. Speakers throughout the event emphasized the shared commitment of the WTI and international partners to fostering dialogue, developing the next generation of global trade leaders, and expanding educational access for students from diverse backgrounds. The Penglai Scholarship program continues to strengthen international partnerships through education, research, and innovation.