Unpacking Asian Identity in Taiwan

Taiwanese university students, focusing on the impact of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy (NSP). The study uses data from the Asian Student Survey (ASS) to analyze how these students perceive neighboring Asian countries, particularly those targeted by the NSP. The findings reveal that Taiwanese students view Asia as a dynamic and diverse region but tend to prefer Western countries or developed Asian nations like Japan for education and career opportunities. The research also shows that while the NSP has enhanced Taiwan’s image in some Southeast Asian countries, it has had a limited impact on altering Taiwanese students’ perceptions of these nations.The study highlights the strategic significance of the NSP in fostering regional integration and mutual understanding, emphasizing the importance of people-centered exchanges in shaping regional identities. Despite the policy’s achievements, the article suggests that further efforts are needed to connect Taiwanese society more deeply with the broader Asian region to fully realize the potential of regional cooperation and identity formation

Asian studies · East Asia · Empirical research · Perception · Survey data collection · Unpacking · Higher Education Governance and Development · Hong Kong and Taiwan Politics · International Student and Expatriate Challenges