By Belize Live News Staff: The University of Belize is set to host a new regional academy backed by Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says the Taiwan Caribbean Academy will be headquartered at UB, putting Belize at the centre of a new education and development initiative for the region.
The academy was formalized on Tuesday through a letter of intent signed between UB and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund. The signing was witnessed by Lin and Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the academy will focus on three key areas: technical and vocational education, sustainable tourism, and economic cooperation among Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the region.
It will not be built alone. Several Taiwanese higher education institutions will help shape it, including Meiho University, National Chung Hsing University and Kun Shan University. These schools will take part in curriculum development and faculty planning.
For Belize, the academy could open new opportunities for students seeking practical, job ready training. Its focus on sustainable tourism also aligns closely with one of the country’s most important industries.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry has not yet said when the academy will officially open.
The academy was one of two agreements signed during Lin’s visit. The second, on diplomatic staff training cooperation, aims to strengthen the capacity and professional development of Belize’s foreign service.
During his time in Belize, Lin also met with Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam and Prime Minister John Briceño.
His visit included a business delegation of more than 30 representatives from industries such as green energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, health care, tourism and trade. Lin departs for Guatemala today to continue his regional tour.
