Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Following its establishment in June 2024, the Department for Youth, Taipei City Government promptly launched the "International Internship Program," demonstrating its commitment to promoting international youth exchange and talent development. The Department first collaborated with Harvard University, becoming Taiwan's first government agency to establish an internship partnership with the institution. During the 2025.02 visit to Tokyo, the Department signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the "Internship Program" with Waseda University, co-presided by Department Commissioner Wei Yin and Dean of Center for International Education Maji Rhee. This marks Waseda University's first internship cooperation agreement with a Chinese-speaking administrative agency, symbolizing a new milestone in bilateral cooperation and establishing a solid foundation for future diverse international collaboration programs.

In his speech, Commissioner Yin mentioned borrowing a crimson tie—Waseda University's representative color—from a Waseda alumnus for this occasion. The tie symbolized more than just an accessory; it represented the deep cooperative relationship between the Department for Youth, the Taipei City Government, and Waseda University. From initial networking and visits by Waseda University international students to the Department's visit, both parties gradually built mutual trust, ultimately leading to today's formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. He also noted the high interest and strong support from many Taiwanese Waseda University alumni, highlighting the significance of this collaboration.

Commissioner Yin further emphasized that while the Department actively seeks cooperation opportunities with top international institutions, Waseda University, one of Japan's premier higher education institutions, possesses extensive experience cultivating global talent. After multiple discussions, both parties agreed to create a comprehensive international internship platform for youth through the memorandum signing. Following the MOU signing, Waseda University will immediately initiate the intern selection process, inviting outstanding Waseda students to participate in summer internships at the Department, applying their academic knowledge to practical work.

Director Maji Rhee expressed hope that Waseda University students would collaborate with Taiwanese university students through field research to provide innovative perspectives and solutions for Taipei's urban development. This would align with Waseda University's core philosophy of nurturing global talent. The Department has specially designed an internship matching mechanism enabling international interns to work alongside local students, deeply exploring municipal issues through field research and investigations and jointly creating innovative possibilities for urban life in Taipei.

The Department announced that the 2025 International Student Internship Program will expand to welcome students from world-leading institutions, including Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to collaborate with Taipei students, injecting innovative momentum into Taipei's urban development. This cooperation with Waseda University marks an important milestone in the Taiwan-Japan youth talent exchange. It lays a solid foundation for deepening future cooperation, jointly creating more diverse and enriching international learning and internship opportunities while actively cultivating outstanding youth talent with global perspectives.

During this Tokyo visit, the Department prioritized Waseda University as its first stop, demonstrating the importance of signing the cooperation memorandum. Subsequently, Commissioner Yin will participate in the 2025 Tokyo Global Forum on Children, representing the Taipei City Government to share governance experiences targeting children and youth groups. Additionally, the Department's delegation will visit Nagoya City to meet with Nagoya City's Children and Youth Bureau and Sports and Citizens Bureau and engage with local youth-related civil organizations to explore more possibilities for cooperation between Taipei and Nagoya on youth issues.