Filipino Camaraderie Fellowship Dinner: Transforming the Philippines Away From Home, A Little Progress Each Day in Taiwan

September 27, 2026 | Filipino Camaraderie Fellowship Dinner: Transforming the Philippines Away From Home, A Little Progress Each Day in Taiwan

Filipinos are on fire in Kaohsiung for nation building! Home 2 Taiwan (H2TW), together with the Association of Filipino Scholars in Taiwan (AFST)-NSYSU and the Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association, gathers 46 Filipino scholars, industry leaders, and academics at NA KI, Zuoying District, for an evening of camaraderie, reflection, and commitment to the Philippines. The fellowship welcomes the new wave of Filipino scholars in Taiwan and reminds each one that nation building does not stop at the Philippine border. It continues in every classroom, laboratory, and workplace where a Filipino is learning.

From Taipei to Pingtung, one table. The scholars come from 11 universities across the length of Taiwan: Taipei National University of the Arts, National Taiwan University, and Ming Chuan University in Taipei; Yuan Ze University in Taoyuan; National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu; National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung Medical University, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, and I-Shou University in Kaohsiung; and National Pingtung University in the south. Scholars travel from the north to the south for a single evening because they share one purpose.

Industry and university, standing with the Philippines. Joining the scholars are Taiwanese leaders who back Philippine nation building with their presence: Dr. Eing-Ming Wu, President of the Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association; Dr. Yong-Chao Su of Kaohsiung Medical University; Dr. Sandra Hsieh; and Mr. Peter Lai of Yongjin Industrial Co., Ltd. and outgoing President of the Linhai Industrial Park Manufacturers Association, together with representatives from National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Chiamin Steel Inc., and LEEBEST Office Furniture Co., Ltd. Medicine, hospitality, steel, and manufacturing share one table with the next generation of Filipino professionals. This is Bayanihan meeting Taiwanihan: the Filipino spirit of carrying the load together, joined by Taiwanese friends who carry it with us.

The best pasalubong for the Philippines. Every Filipino abroad knows the tradition of bringing something home. For these scholars, the pasalubong is not in a balikbayan box. It is the knowledge, skills, research, and networks they are building in Taiwan today, carried back to Philippine hospitals, industries, schools, and communities tomorrow. A little progress each day in Taiwan adds up to a stronger Philippines.

This gathering is also a lesson in Transnational Human Capital Development (THCD). Taiwan faces an aging population and growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, long-term care, industry, and research. Filipino scholars bring more than labor to that need: they bring skills, cultural fit, and a readiness to build bridges between both countries. Home 2 Taiwan's role is to build people, not just fill positions, through training, upskilling, credentialing, and a community that keeps scholars connected long after graduation. Every future H2TW initiative will be read through this same THCD lens.

Stay tuned to our page for more stories of Filipinos building the nation, away from home. 🇵🇭🇹🇼

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