Hargeysa (Hornpost) Taiwan Ambassador in Hargeisa Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou discussed Taiwan-Somaliland cooperation so far and benefit of Taiwan scholarship to Somaliland students read here his full remarks
“Good morning and welcome to join the 2025 Taiwan Scholarships Awarding Ceremony. Today I am pleased to host this ceremony to acknowledge and congratulate the 26 Taiwan Scholarships recipients. If we add 7 Security Scholarship recipients now are studying in Taiwan, altogether there are 33 Taiwan Scholarships recipients in 2025. And there are roughly 180 Somaliland scholarships recipients are benefited. Congratulations! Hambalyo! Hambalyo! Hambalyo!
Today’s awarding ceremony is a pivotal event under the Taiwan-Somaliland relationship which symbolizes a mutually beneficial partnership, friendship, and cooperation established on 17th August 2020. Today coincides the date of the sixth anniversary of official establishment of the Taiwan-Somaliland relationship.
Let’s recall the history. In July 2020, under the Trump Administration, the White House National Security Council openly acknowledged and praised the newborn relationship. After 5 years, we are glad to see the Taiwan-Somaliland cooperation is a “TEMPLATE” in the Horn of Africa. And the Taiwan-Somaliland relationship upgrades to the strategic level after the signing of coast guard agreement, a security platform to work with the like-minded partners in Somaliland. Taiwan is – – which .
Let’s focus on the Taiwan Scholarships. In 2025, there are 18 male recipients and 8 female recipients. There are 22 recipients pursuing master’s degrees and 4 recipients pursue PhD in areas such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, business administration, electric engineering, international affairs, public health, technology management, and urban planning among others. It is a testament to the excellent work you have done to pave the way for the next round of academic pursuit to benefit both your personal growth and Somaliland.
Dear Taiwan Scholarships recipients, I have some takeaways for you:
First, always keep in mind the Taiwanese saying that “drink water and thank its source, eat fruits and thank the trees”. Always appreciate this hard-eared opportunity provided by the Taiwan Government and support Taiwan.
Second, to be the cultural Ambassador to make friends and share with them the knowledge of Somaliland – this is part of the process to strengthen people-to-people engagements. Friends made in Taiwan will promote continued close ties between Taiwan and Somaliland.
Third, I would like to quote what USA President John F. Kennedy said, “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. After you complete your studies, I encourage you to return to Somaliland to make a difference for the development, progress and prosperity of Somaliland.
I noticed that there are some recipients from the Ministries and Government agencies. It shows that Taiwan Scholarships are precious “cradles” for cultivating Somaliland nation building talents. In this regard, I encourage more government officials to apply for the Taiwan Scholarships next year.
It is also delighted to see there are 8 female scholarship recipients., the highest numbers in the past 5 years. As the African proverb says” If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family. It is also encouraging more females to apply for the Taiwan Scholarships next year.
Lastly, remember that true achievements come from hard work, daring to embrace challenges head-on, and most importantly, a strong sense of purpose. Be curious, be ambitious and believe in yourself.
In closing, I wish for the everlasting friendship between our two nations! I wish you all the best of health and success.”
Source: Taiwan in Somaliland
Hornpost staff Reporter
