The International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) released Episode 6 of its original interview series Team Taiwan: Venturing the World on August 1, featuring a conversation between Deputy Secretary-General Peifen Hsieh and Yeh Chang-Ching, former leader of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Eswatini and recipient of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Friendship Medal of Diplomacy.

Yeh, who retired earlier this year after 34 years of overseas service, shared personal stories and reflections from his career, during which he served in Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, Saint Vincent, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Eswatini. In June, he was awarded the prestigious Friendship Medal of Diplomacy by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung in recognition of his lifelong contributions to Taiwan’s international cooperation efforts.

Looking back, Yeh described his entry into the foreign aid field as an unexpected turning point. Faced with financial pressure after a stock market setback, he gave up scholarships for doctoral study in the U.S. and chose instead to join Taiwan’s overseas development work. That decision led to over three decades of service across five partner countries.

During the interview, Yeh recounted his two tours in Eswatini, where he helped lead diverse initiatives ranging from potato seed propagation and vocational training to women’s empowerment. Thanks to support from the Taiwan Technical Mission, Eswatini was able to transition from reliance on potato imports to domestic self-sufficiency. A vocational training program that once faced closure became a nationally recognized success story, earning praise from top political leaders, including the Prime Minister and several cabinet ministers.

“Suddenly I became really important,” Yeh said with a laugh, as he recalled the rush of requests from members of parliament eager to bring training programs to their own constituencies. Host Peifen Hsieh replied playfully, “You should have run for Congress!”

Yeh also reflected on the lesser-known challenges of leading a technical mission. He described the role as one of constant responsibility—driving through storms to get sick team members to the hospital, delivering meals during quarantine, hauling water during droughts, and even cooking beef noodle soup to lift spirits. These everyday efforts, he said, were exhausting but fulfilling, and part of what made his role as “team caretaker” so meaningful. Over the years, Yeh also mentored several younger colleagues who went on to become mission leaders themselves.

Yeh credited former President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to Eswatini as a catalyst for expanding opportunities for young people to serve abroad. After learning of the manpower shortage at Taiwan’s technical missions, President Tsai supported the creation of the TaiwanICDF Overseas Technical Assistance Internship Program. This initiative opened the door for both male and female students to gain international field experience and complement Taiwan’s alternative military service pathway. When President Tsai returned to Eswatini later, she was personally thanked by the program’s first group of interns.

In closing, Yeh emphasized that foreign aid work is far more than “dollar diplomacy.” Rather, it is rooted in real, ground-level impact and community engagement. He spoke of Eswatini farmers who, with Taiwan’s support, were able to grow rice, sell it to build homes, and invite him to their housewarming parties. One woman even named her daughter “Taiwan” in gratitude.

“These are the moments that money can’t buy,” Yeh said. “They are the true rewards of a life spent in international cooperation.”

Team Taiwan: Venturing the World is a new series launched by TaiwanICDF in June 2025. It highlights the lives and contributions of Taiwan’s overseas cooperation professionals, while showcasing how Taiwan’s integrated diplomatic efforts continue to make a meaningful impact around the world.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LluI6L03Mt8

Listen on Podcast: https://open.firstory.me/story/cmds8oc5500b701u92unz777a/platforms

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• Update: 2025/08/12
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