Trade Representative Foo shares insights into Singapore’s history and multicultural society with teachers and students.

The New Taipei City Government Secretariat continues to foster international educational exchanges at local schools via its Ambassadors on Campus program. On October 30, Foo Teow Lee, Singapore’s Trade Representative in Taipei, took the stage at Qingshan Elementary and Junior High School in Xizhi District. Addressing an audience of 200 teachers and students, she shared insights into Singapore’s multicultural society and education system, encouraging students to broaden their horizons and explore opportunities on the global stage.
 
Trade Representative Foo introduced students to Singapore’s multicultural society and global competitiveness, weaving an engaging account of the country’s history, culture, and distinctive urban character. Delving into Singapore’s renowned education system, she explained how its bilingual policy works in practice and urged Taiwanese students to step outside their comfort zones and explore the world. Trade Representative Foo invited them to consider short-term exchange programs or further studies in Singapore to experience firsthand its global learning environment and vibrant culture. Students’ curiosity about other cultures and eagerness to learn were on full display at the lively Q&A session, as they inquired about Singaporean culture, school life, and bilingual studies.
 

Principal Chen of New Taipei Municipal Qingshan Elementary and Junior High School presents a gift to Trade Representative Foo.

Principal Yan-Ling Chen of Qingshan Elementary and Junior High School emphasized the school’s dedication to cultivating a diverse, bilingual learning environment while nurturing students’ global awareness and spirit of inquiry. Commending Singapore as a worldwide model for educational innovation, multilingual learning environments, and competitiveness in higher education, she expressed how honored the school was to welcome Trade Representative Foo to share her insights. Principal Chen said the inspiring talk introduced students interested in studying abroad to a range of international education opportunities and encouraged them to explore the world with confidence. It sparked a greater interest in foreign languages and cultural diversity. Seventh-grader Ching-Yu Wu shared that the talk deepened her understanding of Singapore, noting her admiration for how the city-state overcame its modest geographic footprint and lack of natural resources to become a developed nation. She also expressed a keen interest in Singapore’s history and cuisine, and was eager to taste authentic Hainanese chicken rice someday.
 
The New Taipei City Government Secretariat remarked that its Ambassadors on Campus program seeks to transcend geographical boundaries by bringing firsthand diplomatic experience directly into local classrooms, helping students to broaden their international horizons and develop a global mindset. The next event in the series will feature Tamara Vér, Head of Mission of the Hungarian Trade Office in Taipei, who will speak at Banqiao Junior High School. The program will continue to open doors to countries around the world for students across New Taipei City.


Trade Representative Foo interacts with teachers and students at Qingshan Elementary and Junior High School.