Governor Gretchen Whitmer led a Michigan delegation to Taiwan, meeting with local leaders and university alumni to discuss new opportunities for trade, technology, and workforce development between Michigan and Taiwan.
Michigan is looking to expand its role in global technology and manufacturing by building new partnerships in Asia. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently led a delegation to Taiwan, where she met with President Lai Ching-te and alumni from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. The group discussed future cooperation in trade, technology, talent development, and industrial investment. According to the governor's office, this was Whitmer's third visit to Taiwan in three years, part of an ongoing effort to attract investment, create jobs, and deepen economic ties between Michigan and Taiwan (Michigan.gov).
The delegation included state officials, local leaders, and business partners, reflecting both political and investment goals. The City of Farmington and Farmington Hills, both in Oakland County, have taken part in regional economic development projects that fit with Michigan's broader push for international partnerships. These efforts are often coordinated with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and supported by local school districts like Farmington Public Schools, which prioritize STEM education and global engagement.
Advanced manufacturing and AI
Michigan's established strengths in automotive and advanced manufacturing were presented as a good match for Taiwan's expertise in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing. President Lai Ching-te said Michigan and Taiwan complement each other in these areas and called for closer cooperation to strengthen supply chains, a point echoed by both sides (Office of the President, Taiwan). Talks during the visit focused on how both regions could benefit from closer ties, with an emphasis on developing global talent and bringing new technologies into existing industries.
Professor Tammy Jih-Hsuan Lin, who leads the Master's Program in Global Communication and Innovation Technology at National Chengchi University, joined a small-group discussion with Michigan State University alumni, including James Wu of Foxconn and Yen-Ping Tsai, a chief operating officer in the tech sector. Professor Lin pointed out that progress in technology depends not just on hardware and industry, but also on cross-cultural communication and international talent. The GCIT program at National Chengchi University aims to prepare professionals with global perspectives, digital communication skills, and technological literacy-priorities that came up during the visit.
Academic and industry collaboration
The event brought together alumni from Michigan's top universities who now work in Taiwan's academic and industrial sectors. This network is seen as a bridge for future collaboration, opening new possibilities for academic exchange, talent development, and joint projects between Michigan and Taiwan. The focus on global communication and innovation technology fits with Michigan's efforts to stay competitive as the economy changes. The Farmington Public Schools board has also stressed the importance of international partnerships and STEM pathways in recent meetings, supporting the state's vision for a globally engaged workforce.
Michigan's push for international partnerships comes as the state faces more competition for automotive and technology investment, as reported earlier. By working directly with leaders and alumni in Taiwan, state officials hope to secure Michigan's place in the next generation of manufacturing and technology. The ongoing collaboration builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Michigan and Taiwan, which set up a framework for economic cooperation and academic exchange, and is supported by active investment and educational ties.
National Chengchi University's GCIT program's involvement in the event highlights the importance of connecting higher education with industry needs. The program's focus on interdisciplinary training and global engagement reflects a wider trend among universities preparing students for careers that cross national and sector boundaries. Local school districts, including Farmington Public Schools, continue to update their curricula to reflect these global trends, as shown in recent board agendas and public hearing notices available through the Farmington Public Schools portal.
International exchanges like this are becoming more important for states like Michigan that rely on advanced manufacturing and technology. By building relationships with global partners and using alumni networks, Michigan aims to attract investment, encourage innovation, and develop the workforce needed for future growth. The City of Farmington and Oakland County administration continue to follow these developments, keeping local communities informed and involved as the state's economy evolves.
