On Tuesday 13 June, representative Oliver Liao from the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa visited the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus for a tour of the DST HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence. This centre is co-hosted by the NWU and the Council for Scientific and Instustrial Research (CSIR).

Oliver, who was appointed as Taiwan’s representative in South Africa in October 2022 after serving in various governmental capacities abroad, also had a meeting with Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU. This exploratory discussion focused on identifying areas of cooperation pertaining to research and innovation as well as student mobility through exchange programmes.

This forms part of the NWU’s aim to help achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals which promotes the establishment and strengthening of partnerships to create sustainable development.

“It is always important to seek opportunities that enhances the NWU’s international footprint as we continue to position ourselves as a globally relevant university. The NWU is our students’ gateway to the world, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we allow for them to be able to pursue as many avenues as possible,” said Prof Tyobeka.

Representative Oliver Liao and Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, share a handshake and a laugh after the fruitful exchange of ideas.