Representing Italy and Thailand respectively, Emanuele Grasso and Nattapon Aunhabundit, Class of 2024 graduates of NTNU’s Institute of International Human Resources Development, received the Academic Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance chosen from among the recipients of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Program.

Jointly conferred by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the MOE, the Academic Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance is awarded annually to recognize recipients for their exceptional achievements in academics and community service. This year, 18 outstanding students were selected, with two award recipients invited to share their experiences studying in Taiwan.

The award ceremony was held during a farewell event hosted by the MOE on May 10 for the 2024 Taiwan Scholarship and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship graduates. Over 800 scholarship recipients from 74 countries completed their studies. Representatives from embassies in Taiwan and teachers from various institutions gathered to celebrate and offer their sincere blessings to the graduates embarking on new journeys.

Nattapon Aunhabundit also received the NTNU’s Outstanding Student Award this year. Dean Chih-Chien Steven Lai of the College of International Studies and Social Sciences commended her exceptional performance, noting she was among the few international students to win the award.

Chosen as a student representative speaker at the event, Emanuele Grasso shared his experiences at NTNU and in Taiwan, recounting memories of eating stinky tofu, swimming in Sun Moon Lake, and traveling across Taiwan. He was particularly struck by the natural beauty of Taiwan and the warmth and friendliness of its people. Grasso humorously recalled being surpassed by elderly Taiwanese women while climbing mountains, an experience that left a lasting impression.

During his time in Taiwan, Grasso also participated in the Talent Circulation Alliance Program of the Ministry of Digital Affairs and interned at a Taiwanese company. He competed in a student internship story competition at NTNU, sharing his experiences as an intern at a Taiwanese company. Grasso expressed gratitude for the scholarship support, which enriched his study abroad experience and led to his decision to stay and work in Taiwan after graduation.

Nattapon Aunhabundit said the Taiwan Scholarship enabled her to focus on her studies, apply classroom knowledge and skills, and collaborate with classmates on research projects. She hopes to use her professional knowledge gained in Taiwan to contribute to her home country and the world.

In congratulatory speeches to the graduates, Deputy Minister of Education Ming-Yu Lin and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung-kwang Tien highlighted Taiwan's recent policies encouraging international students to stay and work in Taiwan after graduation, contributing their knowledge to Taiwanese society. They also noted that those who return to their home countries can share their study abroad experiences and help promote Taiwan. Graduates were also encouraged to register in the SIT (Study in Taiwan) talent database to maintain connections with relevant institutions in Taiwan.