Youth Hundred Billion Dream Fund Program's French Exchange, President Hopes for Taiwan's First Astronaut

Taipei, July 9 (CNA) The French Office in Taipei has participated in promoting the "Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program," holding a results sharing session today. Franck Paris, Director of the French Office in Taipei, stated that 116 young people have already traveled to France for exchanges, and he believes more will go in the future. President Lai Ching-te encouraged the youth, saying that dreams make people great, and he is pleased that Taiwan may have its first astronaut.

The French Office in Taipei held a results sharing and exchange evening for the "Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program" France segment today. President Lai Ching-te attended, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and officials from the Ministry of Education and the Ocean Affairs Council. Five young people who had previously participated in exchanges in France shared their experiences in fields such as public affairs, space, semiconductors, sports, and culture.

In his speech, Franck Paris said that since the promotion of the "Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program," 116 young people have traveled to France for exchanges, spanning talents in science, industry, space, and sports. He added that perhaps after this year, the first astronaut from Taiwan will speak French.

President Lai said in his speech that as a promoter of the "Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program," he is very happy to see the smiles on the faces of the young participants. He thanked Franck Paris for his support and efforts over the years, noting that relations between Taiwan and France continue to deepen, and Paris has proactively provided many opportunities for the "Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program."

President Lai pointed out that people are great because of their dreams. He is pleased that Taiwan may have its first astronaut, and as he observes Taiwan's industrial development, young people are already involved in these fields. Taiwan's technology is valued worldwide, but technology is the wings that take people around the world, while culture is the face that lets people know who Taiwan is. Therefore, he is also committed to promoting the cultural and creative industries.

President Lai and Franck Paris were referring to Tsai Chiao-yi, who is part of the "Star Path Program Space Professional Voyage" and will travel to Toulouse, France, for an exchange from August to September 2025. Sharing her experience, she said that the "Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program" made her believe that the dream of "becoming an astronaut" can be realized, allowing her to have a country as a stage and go international. She hopes to become a bridge between Taiwan and the international community in aerospace in the future and believes that Taiwan will have its own astronaut one day.

Currently, during the World Cup period, Yang Tzu-ching, a sports professional from the "Urban Sports and Olympic Legacy Program," specially presented President Lai with a football jersey. It not only had President Lai's English name printed on it but also the number 116 on the back, representing the 116 participants of the "Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Program" who have traveled to France for exchanges. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150709

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