On April 23, the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo (Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, UAEH) in Mexico entered into a sister school partnership with Tamkang University, becoming our second sister school in Mexico since our initial agreement with the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico in 1992. Vice President for International Affairs, Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen, personally traveled to Mexico to represent Tamkang University in signing the agreement and to accept the International Honorary Visiting Professor certificate bestowed by the university.

Dr. Hsiao-Chuan Chen, recommended by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Mexico, accepted the invitation from UAEH to participate in the 13th International Image Festival (Festival Internacional de Imagen, FINI) held from April 18 to 26. During the “Master Lecture” attended by over 400 students and faculty, she delivered a speech on “The Essence of Taiwanese Literature.” Following the lecture, in a grand ceremony, Dr. Chen received the International Honorary Visiting Professor certificate from Dr. Octavio Castillo Acosta, President of UAEH, and was adorned with the university's prestigious sash, conferred with the title of “Honorary International Professor.” After the certificate presentation ceremony, following the university's tradition, Dr. Chen signed the prestigious professor's registry and left a quote in Spanish, which translated to Chinese means: “By joining the family of the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, it's like a drop of water falling into the vast ocean, ensuring not to lose one's essence.” She then read this quote aloud to the audience, receiving enthusiastic applause from the attendees.

During this visit, Dr. Chen also gave a lecture titled "Taiwan: Prelude to East Asia" at the College of Social Sciences and Humanities as part of the 13th International Image Festival, showcasing our cultural soft power. UAEH provided high-level reception arrangements, including interviews with the university's student-run radio station and SUMA TV, which broadcasts externally and within the State of Hidalgo. Additionally, visits to the library and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities were organized. One of Tamkang University's Spanish Department alums, Director General Armando Cheng from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Mexico, also facilitated cultural exchanges at this event.

Dr. Chen expressed that in the context of the 13th International Image Festival focusing on "Taiwan" as its theme, she felt the curiosity of UAEH faculty and students towards Taiwan, a country known for its developed information technology industry and being a major global producer of semiconductor materials. They also showed keen interest in recent earthquake updates. With the signing of the sister school agreement, the exchange of students between the two universities is seen as advantageous news. As someone studying in Mexico herself, she encouraged students to consider Mexico a study abroad option, stating, "Now is the perfect time to study in Latin America.”

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