Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) held the Mt. Jade Professional Medal Award Ceremony on February 21st. Minister Chia-Ching Hsu presented the medal to Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan, President of Fu Jen Catholic University, in recognition of his significant contributions to overseas community affairs.
In her speech, Minister Hsu highlighted Prof. Lan's extensive dedication to the field of education, particularly his efforts in fostering international collaboration between Taiwan and Australia in higher education. During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor for Global Development at Western Sydney University, Prof. Lan facilitated numerous visits by Western Sydney University students and faculty to Taiwan, fostering close interactions with Taiwan government and academic institutions. Reflecting on her first meeting with Prof. Lan during her visit to Sydney 2 years ago, Minister Hsu acknowledged his instrumental role in enhancing broader exchanges between Taiwan and Australia. She expressed gratitude for Prof. Lan's assistance in establishing meaningful relationships between OCAC and the local community.
Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan, not only a distinguished academic but also a compassionate advocate, has exerted his influence in the academic community by making multiple visits to the border town Mae Sot between Thailand and Myanmar, training teachers, running youth education programs, and setting up humanitarian scholarships for Burmese refugee students in northern Thailand. These efforts have significantly contributed to diplomatic, educational, and humanitarian causes. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, OCAC awards Prof. Lan the esteemed Mt. Jade Professional Medal, as outlined in the 'Regulations for Awarding Professional Medals by Overseas Community Affairs Council.' Even though Prof. Lan has left his role as Advisor of OCAC and is now serving as the President of Fu Jen Catholic University, Minister Hsu looks forward to his future endeavors in nurturing more talents in Taiwan. In his new position, she expects him to keep promoting exchanges between Taiwan and Australia and making new contributions.
Prof. Lan expresses gratitude for the Council's acknowledgment of his efforts in promoting collaboration between Taiwan and Australia in higher education. Despite being abroad for many years, he emphasizes his strong ties to Taiwan, building connections not only with family and friends but also within the education sector. Through initiatives at Western Sydney University and various universities in Taiwan, he has worked to strengthen the Taiwan-Australia relationship.
Prof. Lan shares his ongoing concerns about Taiwan, including declining birth rates, geopolitical challenges, the New Southbound Policy, and the 2030 Bilingual Policy, issues he has been following even before the pandemic. Returning to Taiwan, he plans to use his 30 years of experience in international higher education to contribute in new ways. He is committed to giving back to his homeland by actively supporting overseas Taiwan students and collaborating closely with OCAC, aiming to nurture a new generation of outstanding students.
Dr. Hsin-Hsing Wu, a Commissioner at the Examination Yuan, also graced at the award ceremony. He shared insights into his acquaintance with Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan back in 2009, highlighting Prof. Lan's remarkable ability to turn words into action. Dr. Wu admired not only Prof. Lan's strong execution skills but also his talent in bringing ideas together. During Dr. Wu's time as Minister of OAOC, he visited Sydney and observed Prof. Lan's commitment to overseas community affairs. Noticing that Prof. Lan didn't hold an honorary position as a Honorary Consultant of OCAC, Dr. Wu appointed him as an Adviser of OCAC to contribute to community affairs initiatives. Now, as Prof. Lan steps down from this role, Dr. Wu encourages him to bring his wealth of knowledge and expertise to Fu Jen Catholic University, continuing to shine bright and lead both the university and Taiwan's higher education to new heights while maintaining the ongoing exchange between Taiwan and Australia in the educational sector.
In a recent interview with our publication, Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan shared his experience of being deeply influenced by the autonomy given to students in Australian higher education. This philosophy became a catalyst for his involvement in the Australian education sector. His school management concept, 'GRACE,' emphasizes how it's crucial for schools to team up with businesses, government, and society. Prof. Lan believes that education, being a long-term endeavor, requires early planning, and he sees Taiwan's current initiatives in industry-academia collaboration and talent retention as a positive beginning. When it comes to reaching out to the public, Prof. Lan suggests that overseas compatriots and students should join local groups related to their interests. By leveraging their roles in the community, they can enhance their own visibility and shine a positive light on Taiwan.
