Foxconn, the largest global producer of electronic components headquartered in Taipei and a key supplier of Apple iPhones, has committed to aiding four Indian universities in training students in Mandarin. Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), Foxconn India will collaborate with these universities to offer Mandarin language instruction facilitated by Taiwanese educators and educational resources. This partnership is intended to cultivate proficient professionals for the future.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was inked with the assistance of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC), India, and involved Shiv Nadar University, VEL TECH, Assam Don Bosco University, and Karpagam Academy of Higher Education. Each of these four universities hosts Taiwan Education Centers (TECs) established by TECC on their campuses. These TECs are equipped with Taiwanese instructors who offer language courses and scholarships.
Foxconn's Project Kohinoor will invest Rs 30 lakh to promote Mandarin language education through tripartite cooperation between industry, government and academia. Foxconn will sponsor relevant subsidies for TECs' teachers during their teaching period in India. The Group will give priority consideration to qualified job seekers who have completed the courses under the project and passed certain levels (band) of the TOCFL (Test of Chinese as Foreign Language).
Mrs. Rangarajan Mahalakshmi Kishore, Chairperson and Managing Trustee of Vel Tech, Prof. S. Salivahanan, Vice Chancellor of Vel Tech, Fr. Dr. Jose Palely, Vice Chancellor of Assam Don Bosco University, Prof. B. Venkatachalapathi, Vice Chancellor of Karpagam Academy of Higher Education in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Atul Mishra, Head of the Department of International Relations and Governance Studies at Shiv Nadar University, along with numerous faculty members, participated in the virtual signing ceremony. They expressed that this collaboration will enable students and faculty to enhance their Mandarin language proficiency, thereby enhancing their prospects for lucrative job opportunities.
Foxconn recently unveiled plans to invest US$1.6 billion in India, aiming to diversify its operations away from China. The company has been actively seeking to build a skilled workforce for its upcoming projects in India. Liu Young-way, Foxconn's CEO, was recently honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. Ambassador Baushuan Ger, Taiwan's Representative to India, emphasized the importance of Indian students learning Mandarin (simplified Chinese) and gaining insights into Taiwanese culture to improve their career prospects with the increasing number of Taiwanese companies entering India. Proficiency in Mandarin would be advantageous for those seeking opportunities with Taiwanese firms.
