On the morning of September 25, 2024, the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Chung Yuan Christian University hosted an engaging lecture at the Liang-Chia Performing Arts Hall, featuring Ambassador Chang Chi-ping, former Taiwanese Ambassador to Malaysia. Ambassador Chang shared his extensive diplomatic experience, attracting a total of 155 faculty members and students, creating a lively atmosphere. The audience gained valuable insights and practical knowledge, sparking interest in international affairs and career development.
The lecture, titled “Insights into Diplomatic Work,” saw Ambassador Chang draw on his years of diplomatic experience, offering an in-depth analysis of the profession from various perspectives. Topics covered included preparation for Taiwan’s Foreign Service Exam, language training, international relations, and cultural exchange. He also shared practical experiences of representing Taiwan on the global stage, providing attendees with a glimpse into the daily challenges and responsibilities of a diplomat.
Ambassador Chang Chi-ping has held several prominent positions, including Director-General of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador to both Saint Lucia and Malaysia. He holds a master’s degree from the Graduate Institute of International Affairs at National Chengchi University, has studied international relations and English at Pitman College in London, and was a research fellow at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.
During the lecture, Ambassador Chang Chi-ping encouraged students to strengthen their speaking abilities, highlighting that Taiwanese students tend to be weaker in listening and speaking. He advised them to engage in conversations with native speakers to receive feedback and practice repeatedly, which would improve their communication skills. He also shared his experiences attending classes at Harvard, emphasizing that foreign students are generally more willing to express their opinions in class. He encouraged students to shift their mindset, actively participate in class discussions and activities to broaden their horizons and create more opportunities for interaction.
Ambassador Chang provided a detailed explanation of the duties of a diplomat, from exam preparation to executing diplomatic tasks, covering topics such as hosting foreign guests, etiquette during official visits, and important considerations when traveling abroad. He shared insights into how to arrange seating at welcome events, choose appropriate attire, and interact with foreign dignitaries, along with key points to remember during official visits. Additionally, using the complex evolution of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Saint Lucia as an example, he discussed how to handle media challenges. Drawing from his diplomatic experiences in Malaysia, he highlighted Taiwan’s unique position and challenges on the international stage, concluding the lecture with a forward-looking perspective and valuable advice for students.
During the Q&A session following the lecture, Ambassador Chang Chi-ping offered practical advice and guidance on attitude for students aspiring to pursue careers in diplomacy. Students who attended the event expressed that it provided them with a deeper understanding of diplomatic work. In addition to broadening their international perspectives, the lecture also motivated them to further enhance their foreign language skills, which they found highly beneficial.
The Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Chung Yuan Christian University highlighted that the department offers comprehensive training in English, a second foreign language, as well as professional skills such as interpretation and translation. These align closely with the foreign language proficiency and on-the-spot interpretation skills required for Taiwan’s Foreign Service Examination and the diplomatic profession, as mentioned by Ambassador Chang. Chung Yuan students not only hold aspirations but also have tangible options to develop a diplomatic career. Furthermore, the department provides courses and training in international mobility, exchange programs with sister schools, internships, and business management, enabling students to explore diverse career paths and pursue their interests and aptitudes with confidence.
