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More than 50 students and staff from diverse academic backgrounds, including Modern Languages, International Relations, and Economics, gathered at Younger Hall for an employability event titled “Language as a Tool, Diplomacy as a System: Rethinking Career Pathways for Modern Language Graduates.” The session brought together students interested in exploring how language skills can be leveraged beyond traditional career paths.

The keynote speaker, Director General Chih-Hua Ding of the Taipei Representative Office, delivered an in-depth talk on Taiwan’s current diplomatic landscape. He outlined the structural challenges Taiwan faces in the international arena, emphasizing the role of soft power, strategic partnerships, and linguistic competence in navigating complex geopolitical constraints. He also shared his personal career experience in diplomacy, offering a grounded view of how foreign service careers are built over time through discipline, adaptability, and long-term commitment.

The session quickly evolved into an interactive dialogue. Students actively engaged with questions that cut to the core of career strategy: What competencies are truly valued in diplomatic roles? How should students position themselves early on? In response, Ding emphasized that language is not a standalone asset but a force multiplier, when integrated with analytical capabilities and international awareness, they become a decisive competitive advantage.

The event concluded with remarks from Yawen Lai, the language instructor of the Department of Chinese, who challenged students to rethink their relationship with language. Rather than viewing it as a subject to master, she framed it as a strategic asset - your superpower - that can unlock opportunities across industries and borders. She encouraged students to pursue their goals beyond boundaries.

Many thanks to the Director General for leading such an insightful discussion and for sharing his experiences and insights. Thanks as well to Yawen Lai who organised this event which was part of a broader programme of careers events for languages students coordinated by the School's Employability Officer, Dr Karol Valderrama-Burgos.