As Taiwan becomes part of the global society, there are an increasing number of overseas Taiwanese returning home as well as foreigners becoming a permanent part of Taiwanese society.

He also said that Taiwan was willing to increase the number of scholarships for outstanding students from allied nations hoping to complete their university education in Taiwan in either Mandarin Chinese or English. Meanwhile, President Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday that soft power is the key to winning respect from other nations.

The Nancy Yu Huang Foundation co-sponsored yesterday the celebration of the one-year anniversary of National Immigrations Agency's “Taiwan What's up?” e-newsletter. The foundation often cooperates with international agencies in organizing events to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

Branches of Taiwan Academy, an institute promoting Taiwanese culture and Mandarin Chinese, are set to open in Los Angeles and Houston once the U.S. gives the green light.

President Ma Ying-jeou yesterday said he wanted Taiwan to make “full use” of its soft power and to become a provider of humanitarian assistance, which is one element of soft power.

Taiwan's private sector is trying to involve more industries in its effort to promote medical tourism, with the latest trial balloon drawing interest from a local airline, according to a local travel agency.

President Ma Ying-jeou touted Sunday Taiwan's humanitarian relief efforts for Japan as an illustration of the country's soft power and a way to help earn the country wider recognition in the world.

APDS Blogger: Mark Preston