Cross-Bonding Night: Strengthening Community for ASEAN and Indian Students in Taiwan
CrossBond was honored to host Cross-Bonding Night on 13 September, an event dedicated to fostering a supportive community for student leaders from ASEAN countries and India residing in Taiwan. This gathering brought together presidents and executives from student associations representing Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, and India, with the goal of establishing a network of cultural understanding, mutual support, and professional exchange. Cross-Bonding Night provided a valuable platform for these young leaders to share insights, reflect on their experiences, and build enduring connections that will support their personal and academic growth in Taiwan.
A Platform for Community and Cultural Exchange
The concept for Cross-Bonding Night emerged from a desire within CrossBond to create an informal yet impactful space for student association leaders, foreign startup collaborators, and established partners to connect on a deeper level. Departing from the usual formal event structure, this gathering emphasized meaningful dialogue and shared experiences. The evening included communal dining, engaging activities, and open storytelling sessions, where participants were encouraged to discuss both the opportunities and challenges of studying and living abroad. The event underscored CrossBond’s commitment to fostering a community where international students feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Key Participating Organizations
Representatives from prominent organizations were in attendance, including:
1. Academia Sinica:
Academia Sinica is dedicated to advancing science, humanities, and social sciences through high-impact research and collaboration.
2. Association of Filipino Scholars in Taiwan (AFST):
AFST represents Filipino scholars studying across Taiwan, aiming to support their academic and personal growth.
3. Borq Technologies Inc.
Borq Technologies Inc. specializes in developing cutting-edge software and IoT solutions for a global market, fostering advancements in sectors like telecom, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.
4.Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia di Taiwan/ Indonesian Student Association in Taiwan (PPI Taiwan)
PPI Taiwan unites Indonesian students across Taiwan, offering a network of support and resources to assist students in adapting to their studies and life abroad.
5. Malaysian Students’ Association in Taiwan (MSAIT)
MSAIT supports Malaysian students throughout Taiwan by providing social, academic, and cultural resources
6.NTUST Myanmar Students’ Association (NTUST MSA).
NTUST MSA serves as a dedicated support network for Myanmar students at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, focusing on academic guidance, social bonding, and cultural exchange.
7.Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia di Taiwan (PERPITA)
PERPITA is an Indonesian student association in Taiwan, dedicated to fostering unity and cultural representation.
8.Vietnam Student Association in Taiwan (VIN Taiwan):
VIN Taiwan connects Vietnamese students in Taiwan, providing a robust network for academic support and cultural exchange.
9.Vietnamese Students’ Association at NTUST (VSA NTUST):
VSA NTUST represents Vietnamese students at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, offering tailored support for academic success and cultural adjustment.
10.Young Indonesian Professionals Association (YIPA Taiwan)
YIPA Taiwan serves Indonesian young professionals by providing networking opportunities, professional resources, and a community that encourages career development within Taiwan’s diverse workforce.
11.Vietnamese Student Association (VSA Taiwan)
A national association for Vietnamese students in Taiwan, VSA Taiwan fosters academic and personal support, organizes cultural events, and serves as a welcoming community for Vietnamese students adapting to life in Taiwan.
12.Indonesian Influencers Based in Taiwan
Cerine, an Indonesian TikTok Influencers with 20.7K followers and over 1.8 million likes, represents the Indonesian community on social media, sharing their experiences and promoting cross-cultural awareness.
The diversity of participants added to the richness of discussions, with each organization bringing unique perspectives on how best to support international students in Taiwan.
Building a “Home Away from Home”
