Southeast Asia Meets Taiwan: A Recap of CakeResume’s Event for Career Advancement

In recent years, Tawan has experienced a shortage of skilled professionals within its industrial and service sectors, compounded by an escalating dearth of expertise in the STEM field. Recognizing this challenge alongside its shrinking workforce, the Taiwanese government announced in September last year its intention to attract approximately 400,000 foreign workers over the next few decades. To achieve this goal, improving the retention rate of immigrant workers, especially those with vocational and university qualifications, is crucial.

In alignment with these strategic contours, CakeResume, a thriving global talent platform, orchestrated a Talent Connect event at its headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, on August 9, 2023. The event aims to encourage Southeast Asian students to pursue their careers in Taiwan. With this initiative, CakeResume is taking proactive steps to support the growth and development of talented individuals and help them establish their careers in a new and exciting environment.

Taiwan — A Land of Opportunity and Diversity

Coming from different backgrounds, all of the panelists shared one thing in common: traveling to Taiwan with an open mind, driven by curiosity rather than expectations, only to fall in love with the land and build successful careers here. 

Daniel Ha, a Project Manager at Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office, shredded light on the shifting employment landscape catalyzed by the Southbound policy. "Taiwan is now seeking foreign talents, especially those from Southeast Asia," he shared. Indeed, the Taiwanese government launched the New Southbound policy to enhance the economic and cultural relationship with ASEAN countries since 2026, some selected South Asian nations, Australia and New Zealand. This policy led to an increase in international student enrollment, with over 50,000 students coming to Taiwan in 2018.

Yet, Daniel's own tale of connection to Taiwan began unexpectedly. Daniel's first arrival in Taiwan was to visit family and friends. Little did he know that Taiwan would script a different story for him. Within a few weeks of arrival, he was offered a position he had previously interviewed for before returning to Taiwan. He then started his new job at one of the best co-working spaces in Taipei.

"I wouldn't have done anything differently," Daniel shared his philosophy when asked to reflect on his journey, "Because sometimes, life can be full of surprises and changes; how you adapt and enjoy the process matters."

Anna Tran, a Sales Country Manager at VIVOTEK Taiwan, originally hailing from Vietnam, agreed that "Life is full of surprises." Coming to Taiwan after her marriage, she then moved to Taiwan to study, work, and live until now, "I love Taiwan, so nothing needs to be different, but I have to do more to have a better life for my family and help other compatriots and new immigrants in this lovely place."

The other side of the coin

While Taiwan offers numerous global hiring opportunities, Southeast Asian talent often struggles to secure employment here. Anna identified cultural differences and language barriers are the key factor. "At VIVOTEK, almost everyone can speak English, but if you're a foreigner who can speak Chinese, it's a huge advantage," she shared.

Additionally, globalization has intensified the job market competition, particularly for Southeast Asians. Local job seekers with multilingual proficiency and foreign applicants are also vying for the same positions, adding to the already cutthroat competition. Anna stressed the importance of acquiring the Chinese language, positioning it as a gateway to broader vistas of opportunities.

Navigating Challenges: Insights for Success

"Finding employment is a challenge worldwide, not limited to Taiwan." Satria Perkasa, a Digital Consultant at Deloitte, reassured the event participants. According to a report by the National Association of Manufacturing and Deloitte, the United States is projected to have a shortage of up to 3.5 million workers by 2025, and it's just within the STEM field.

He also emphasized the importance of finding an inner compass. This compass, he expounded, helped him to see the purpose in life and career. "Ask introspective questions like "What are my strengths and weaknesses? What do I want to accomplish in Life?" can help you understand yourself. Once you have a clear picture of your aspirations, plan accordingly and take action. Avoid getting bogged down in excessive planning."

Furthermore, Anna encouraged attendees to equip themselves with requisite skills and knowledge, leveraging available resources like university career centers, internships, and job search portals. The speakers collectively urged Southeast Asian talent to capitalize on available resources and channels to achieve their career goals.

Sharing from the team, Jenna Liu, a marketing specialist from CakeResume, also revealed some key tips for Southeast Asian students to find and secure a job:

• Via a convincing cover letter
• Via a strong resume
• Via an impressive interview

Download the cheat sheet here!

Empowering Southeast Asian Talents: A Transformative Future

The event resonated remarkably, drawing in more than 70 engaged participants who were eager to glean from its insights. Through this gathering, attendees were equipped with invaluable insights into the strategy of securing a career in Taiwan as foreign students. As Taiwan continually extends its support to individuals from Southeast Asia seeking opportunities within its borders, it becomes evident that current students residing in Taiwan will be well-positioned to embark on their own career journeys here.

CakeResume stands as a dynamic platform for fostering career advancement for international talents. Serving as a hub for up-and-coming talents to connect, learn, and share experiences, CakeResume is committed to strengthening its position in the APAC market while advocating for the professional growth of Southeast Asian talent.

Moreover, CakeResume will continue to host Talent Connect events across diverse industries, providing essential career advice and networking opportunity. Stay tuned for updates!

Special thanks to our panelists: Satria Perkasa, Daniel Ha, and Anna Tran for their insightful contributions.

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