PR-2309
March 22, 2023
“TechCamp Kaohsiung: Empowering Southern Taiwan’s Indigenous Entrepreneurs” Culminates with Business Networking Event
On March 22, AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk and National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) Vice President Kuo Chi-wen co-hosted the networking reception for “TechCamp Kaohsiung: Empowering Southern Taiwan’s Indigenous Entrepreneurs” at the InterContinental Hotel in Kaohsiung – a successful culmination to the yearlong collaborative initiative.
TechCamp Kaohsiung draws on Taiwan’s private sector tech expertise to empower indigenous entrepreneurs in southern Taiwan, with a special focus on female and young small business owners. TechCamp’s three main elements have included: 1) a three-Day Tech Tools Training Workshop mentoring a cohort of 50 entrepreneurs; 2) a Small Grants Competition with small business mentoring; and a culminating Networking Event. TechCamp Kaohsiung is a partnership between AIT Kaohsiung, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, NSYSU’s Office of Global Industry-Academe Collaboration and Advancement (Innovation Intellectual Property Division), and Handzon. Globally, TechCamps in over 40 locations have trained more than 2,100 participants to date.
At the opening ceremony, AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk joined NSYSU Vice President Kuo Chih wen, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai in providing opening remarks. Guests heard from some of TechCamp Kaohsiung’s entrepreneurs and toured special displays showcasing their businesses.
Director Oudkirk noted: “In this 21st century, our people – our human resources – and the ability to unleash each person’s full potential is a key pillar of strength that underpins our democracy.” The United States and Taiwan share many core values as open, inclusive societies striving to promote economic opportunity for all.
