New Taipei has grown to become a hub for the development of AI and other technologies. Now, the most talented vocational students in the city will have an opportunity to engage with companies and researchers in Silicon Valley in the U.S. Officials hope the program will lead to a new breed of international talents.

The Taiwan-U.S. Cities Collaboration program was unveiled Friday by Taiwanese and AIT officials. During a video conference, the program was signed into effect by officials from New Taipei and the U.S. city of Cupertino. The two cities will cooperate on technology and training international talent.

Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei mayor
This will allow New Taipei to work with the Silicon Valley''s Cupertino, to learn from each other, and to cooperate on industry. These talented technical and vocational school students can visit the U.S. to engage in academic exchanges.

New Taipei has in recent years been actively focused on new technologies and cloud computing, and is now a hub for AI development. New Taipei''s Education Bureau has initiated a training program to provide additional courses for 127 selected students. The 30 best-performing students in the group will have the opportunity to go abroad on exchange with expenses paid.

Chang Ming-wen
New Taipei Education Bureau director
We plan to select 30 outstanding students two years from now, who will be chosen to become international talents. Before heading to university, these vocational school kids will visit the U.S. for internships and exchanges.

Chen Hsiao-yun
Vocational student
In the past when I was studying English I would watch short videos every day, which I would spend about an hour or two on. Now I may spend more time on it, and perhaps even in my everyday communications I will switch to using English.

Schools will shortlist outstanding students who will not only prepare themselves for higher education, but will also focus on improving their English language skills, all with an eye on being chosen to go abroad on exchange.