Overview:
Taiwan’s New Ambassador Eyes Palau as the Next Tech and Tourism Hotspot
Freshly arrived in Palau, Ambassador Andy Kang-i Chen is bringing Taiwan’s high-tech investment and tourism ambitions to the islands. From reefs to culture, he plans to turn Palau into a model partner for the Allies Prosperity Project—while celebrating the shared island heritage that makes the two nations feel like home.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — Taiwan’s freshly minted ambassador to Palau, Andy Kang-i Chen, arrived with a playbook straight from Taipei: turbocharge tourism, lure high-tech investors and cement an island bond that’s equal parts strategy and shared seafaring soul.
“In line with Taiwan’s commitment to values-based diplomacy, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and integrated diplomacy, my goal during my tenure in Palau is to further deepen our strong bilateral partnership,” Chen said. “Building upon the solid foundation already in place, I hope to advance practical cooperation that delivers mutual benefits, while working closely with the Palauan government and stakeholders across society to strengthen our enduring friendship.”
Chen, a diplomatic veteran on his seventh posting after stints in Jordan, the U.S., Philippines, Brunei, Canada and Oman, zeroed in on tourism and investment as prime targets. Taiwan and Palau already team up on infrastructure, public health, education, justice, tourism, finance, agriculture and fisheries, he noted—but he’s ready to double down. “Taiwan–Palau cooperation spans a wide range of sectors,” Chen said.
“In addition to advancing the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and integrated diplomacy, the Embassy and Taiwan’s technical mission actively support cooperation in infrastructure, public health, education, justice, tourism, finance, and agriculture and fisheries. Building on this foundation, I intend to place greater emphasis on tourism development and investment promotion.” The pitch? Turn Palau into a magnet for Taiwan’s semiconductor giants and tech trailblazers.
Last year alone, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung led two Allies Prosperity Trade and Economic Delegations here, Chen said, signaling Taipei’s all-in economic push. “With Taiwan’s semiconductor and high-tech industries achieving remarkable success in recent years, many Taiwanese enterprises are exploring overseas opportunities,” he added. “I hope to build on this momentum by positioning Palau as a model partner under the Allies Prosperity Project and encouraging greater Taiwanese investment to support Palau’s economic development.”
What draws this globe-trotting envoy to Palau’s turquoise shores? Shared island DNA—and Austronesian roots that make it feel like home. “Taiwan and Palau are both island nations, and we share many common challenges in areas such as governance, social resilience, and sustainable development,” Chen said. “This shared context gives me a strong sense of closeness to Palau. Moreover, Taiwan and Palau are connected through Austronesian cultural heritage, with deep similarities in traditions, maritime values, and community bonds. This cultural affinity makes Palau feel very much like home.”
He’s eager to absorb Palau’s lessons in thriving with scant resources. “During my tenure, I look forward to learning more about how Palau advances sustainability and social cohesion with limited resources, and to strengthening our partnership through mutual understanding and shared experience.”
On a personal front, Chen—who moonlighted as a university tour guide—wants to spotlight Palau beyond its reefs. His priorities align with Palau’s needs: investment, tourism and infrastructure. “As mentioned earlier, my priorities will focus on areas where Palau has strong needs and where Taiwan can offer meaningful contributions, particularly in investment promotion, tourism development, and infrastructure,” he said. “On a personal note, I worked as a part-time tour guide during my university years, which sparked my long-standing interest in tourism. While Palau is renowned for its world-class marine environment, I also hope to work with the Palauan government to highlight the people, stories, and cultural richness found on land, and to share Palau’s diverse tourist possibilities with more people in Taiwan.”