Swazi Observer

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HIS MAJESTY CALLS FOR A GRADUATES CV DATABASE

By KING’S OFFICE CORRESPONDENTS | 2024-05-24

THE Eswatini Embassy in Taiwan is to develop a skills database of university graduates, an initiative that is likely to be replicated in other embassies.

This follows a directive by His Majesty King Mswati III issued yesterday during a courtesy call by Emaswati students where they
introduced themselves and their line of study and work in Taiwan.

The students had asked the king to urge government to prepare a list of available job opportunities in companies that require their skills as well as upcoming or ongoing projects that they could participate in by getting access to funding. The students also requested the King to urge the government to pool the country’s engineers to form a group of innovators, new technology implementers and solution finders, given the level of expertise they had acquired.

“Having listened to your submissions, there is a need to capture your curriculum vitaes (CVs) and create a database from which we can refer when the country requires the different level of expertise you are acquiring here,” he said. The king urged the embassy to gather all of their CVs, stressing the importance of using the advanced training for the country's benefit such as in the ongoing projects.

“As you may be aware, Eswatini and Taiwan are in the process of building a biotechnology park. We expect you to make use of the skills that you have acquired at this facility. We must work towards emulating the success of the biotechnology parks in Taiwan, some of which have been able to generate about USD200 billion annually.

We may not reach this target early on, but we can start somewhere in the region of USD10 billion,” he said.

Agreements
His Majesty added that as part of the bilateral cooperative agreements, the country had also partnered with Taiwan to build a strategic oil reserve whose designs are at an advanced stage.

"In the spirit of Nkwe, we hope to begin the project in the next two months," he said. "We, therefore, look forward to making use of the many engineers trained here."
Around 1 000 students are enrolled in various universities, andmore than 2 000 teachers are teaching English in various schools to assist Taiwan in achieving its Bilingual 2030 policy aimed at boosting language proficiency and international mobility to improve the competitiveness of that country’s next generation for better job prospects.

Not all Emaswati students were present, as Eswatini Ambassador to Taiwan, Promise Msibi, reported that some were at work, some in class, while others were preparing for graduation ceremonies scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday). The king also called on students who were struggling with tuition after failing to obtain scholarships to send their names to the embassy. "You have also mentioned the challenges associated with the lack of scholarships.

"Take this matter to the embassy so that there is a database of these students needing such support. This will enable government to look into this issue,” he said.

KING PRAISES PRESIDENT
FOR ‘NKWE AGREEMENTS’

THE new Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te,has received praise from His Majesty the King Mswati III for doing the unprecedented by signing cooperative agreements just a day after taking the oath of office.

The king was speaking during a courtesy call by Emaswati students studying in Taiwan, held at the Grand Hyatt hotel yesterday afternoon. Jeremy Liang, the Taiwan Ambassador toEswatini,was also present.

His Majesty described the signing of the agreements 24 hours after the inauguration as not only a strong commitment to the relations between the two countries but also an alignment to Eswatini’s ‘Nkwe declaration’ that requires a quick turnaround time on service delivery.

President Ching-te was sworn in on Monday. The following morning, the president and His Majesty witnessed the signing of three cooperation agreements between the two countries in areas of bilateral relations, central bank governance and business digitalisation.

“It has been a pleasure to see you (students) today as part of our travels to witness the inauguration of the new president and vice president of Taiwan. “We were also here to strengthen relations between the two countries.

“What was key to note was that after the swearing-in ceremony, without hesitation, the president adopted the Nkwe philosophy to sign agreements with Eswatini to enhance joint cooperation between the two countries just a day after his inauguration.

“This is a rare occurrence, and we commend him for his dedication. We have no doubt that these cooperation agreements will assist in addressing the issues you raised here today,” he said. The students also informed the king that Taiwan had provided them with excellent hospitality. “We are pleased to learn that among you there are students while others are employed.

You are also imparting knowledge about our culture, as I seem any of you well dressed in traditional attire. “It is also good to see you here in large numbers and even though others could not make it here, your presence is representative.

Most importantly, we appreciate hearing
that you are very happy with the good hospitality extended to you all,” he commended. He urged the students to continue to be a shining example of Emaswati and their culture, wherever they go and in whatever they do.