China was the top destination for Taiwanese citizens working abroad in 2016, followed by Southeast Asian nations

Taiwan News
Date: 2018/07/29
By: Sophia Yang, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) –  A recent Legislative Yuan report shows a 10 percent increase in talent outflow from 2009 to 2016, sending a disquieting signal to Taiwan government officials.

Approximately 728,000 Taiwanese citizens worked overseas in 2016, the majority of which held bachelor degrees or higher, while only 30,928 foreign professionals worked in Taiwan that same year.

Among those working abroad in 2016, China was the largest destination for outflow talent, accounting for 55.9 percent of total Taiwanese abroad, though that figure has been declining in recent years. Southeast Asian nations ranked second, housing 15.2 percent of Taiwanese professionals abroad.

The report said that the talent outflow could jeopardize Taiwan’s economic competitiveness because the majority of them are highly skilled professionals and their absence could mean less people dedicated to helping companies innovate and create any competitive edge for local industries.     [FULL  STORY]