TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Executive Yuan (行政院) has unveiled a new initiative on Thursday (Dec. 26), the "Youth Overseas Dream Fulfillment Program" (青年海外圓夢計畫), aimed at empowering young individuals to pursue international opportunities. Deputy Minister of Education Yeh Ping-cheng (葉丙成) announced that the program's guidelines will be released on Jan. 23. The plan includes two primary pathways: youth-led proposals with expert incubation and government-facilitated overseas opportunities.
The Legislative Yuan's (立法院) Education and Culture Committee reviewed the Ministry of Education's budget today. Legislator Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲) proposed that the program's funding be allocated annually, with a total budget of NT$10 billion. The ministry has earmarked NT$1 billion for 2025. However, Wan questioned the lack of detailed content and potential overlap with existing volunteer and travel programs.
Deputy Minister Yeh emphasized that the program is a key policy of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德). The ministry plans to hold focus group discussions to gather feedback from youth and parents before the Jan. 23 announcement. Yeh explained that one pathway allows youth to submit proposals with government-arranged mentors, while the other involves government-assisted overseas opportunities, with over 500 slots already secured.
Yeh clarified that the program's funds primarily cover airfare and essential living expenses, distinguishing it from existing programs like the smaller-scale overseas volunteer initiative and domestic travel experiences. The program's focus remains on providing substantial international exposure rather than leisure.
