Taiwan Studies Initiative
Building deeper connections through Taiwan studies. Bringing together research, teaching and community to deepen understanding of Taiwan while strengthening academic, cultural and professional connections.
Strengthening research and partnerships
As ties between Taiwan and the Phoenix metropolitan area continue to grow, Arizona State University is uniquely positioned to advance research, education and collaboration centered on Taiwan.
Housed in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Taiwan Studies Initiative serves as a hub for faculty, students and community partners engaged in Taiwan-related scholarship. Through interdisciplinary research, educational programming and public events, the initiative helps foster meaningful cultural understanding while supporting long-term partnerships between Taiwan, Arizona and the broader global community.
Initiative focus areas
The Taiwan Studies Initiative builds on ASU's strengths in interdisciplinary scholarship and global engagement. By connecting faculty across colleges and creating opportunities for collaboration, the initiative serves as a central resource for Taiwan-related research, education and community partnerships.
Research and scholarship
Supporting interdisciplinary research on Taiwan across the humanities, social sciences and STEM while creating opportunities for faculty collaboration.
Education and curriculum
Developing courses and educational resources that build "Taiwan literacy" through history, culture, language, politics and society.
Community engagement
Hosting lectures, workshops, conferences and public programming that connect ASU with Taiwan and the Arizona community.
Global partnerships
Strengthening academic, cultural and professional relationships between Taiwan and Arizona while supporting future collaborations across industries and disciplines.
Why ASU?
- Interdisciplinary expertise spanning the humanities, social sciences and STEM
- A growing hub for research and collaboration related to Taiwan
- Global reach through in-person and online learning opportunities
- Strong connections between Arizona and Taiwan that support research, education and community engagement
Building meaningful global connections
The Taiwan Studies Initiative recognizes that successful international partnerships are built on cultural understanding. Through research, education and public programming, the initiative helps students, faculty and community partners develop the knowledge needed to build stronger academic, professional and cross-cultural relationships between Arizona and Taiwan.
Student opportunities
Students will have opportunities to engage with Taiwan through research funding, new coursework, public events and interdisciplinary programming.
Future opportunities may include:
- Taiwan-focused undergraduate and graduate research
- Funding to support student research
- Courses exploring Taiwanese history, culture, politics and society
- Public lectures and workshops
- Immersive and online learning experiences
- Potential Discovery Seminars for incoming student
Leading the initiative
William Hedberg
Director, The Asia Center
Associate professor, School of International Letters and Cultures