▎GLOBAL OUTLOOK

National Taiwan University’s (NTU) International Mentorship Program (IMP) has made its mark in international education, winning two prestigious awards at The PIEoneer Awards 2024. Held at London’s historic Guildhall, the awards ceremony brought together nearly 600 leaders from higher education, industry, and government to celebrate innovation and excellence in global education. The IMP was honored with the “Employability International Impact Award” for its outstanding success in fostering international employability. It was also named “Pioneer of the Year” for its innovative approach.

Launched in 2022, the IMP is a unique initiative designed to empower international students in Taiwan with career guidance, training, job placement, and visa support—equipping them to pursue meaningful careers in Taiwan. Within just three years, the program has expanded significantly. From an initial cohort of 40 participating organizations, 51 mentors, and 58 students, the IMP now includes 91 organizations, 113 mentors, and 180 students. The program’s rapid growth has been fueled by partnerships with top international institutions, including University College London, Singapore Management University, and the University of Washington, as part of the Global Talent Alliance.

Prof. Hsiao-Wei Yuan, NTU’s Vice President for International Affairs, accepted the awards, expressing sincere gratitude to the judges while underscoring IMP’s alignment with Taiwan’s national strategy to attract, develop, and retain global talent. The program has successfully drawn more international students to study and establish careers in Taiwan, significantly enhancing NTU’s global collaborations.

This recognition underscores NTU’s commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment. The IMP serves as a model for universities worldwide, demonstrating how structured support for international students can positively impact both local and global talent pools. By enabling international students to pursue their career aspirations, the program not only strengthens Taiwan’s economy but also enriches the global workforce.