TAIWAN Information Sheet

© International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2019

Credentialing Verification Authorities: • The Ministry of Examination R.O.C. (考選部) • The Ministry of Health and Welfare

Communication: Mandarin (Traditional Chinese), English

Ongoing Nutrition Activities in

1. National Dietetic Association

http://www.dietitians.org.tw/aboutus/view/30

Related organizations

Nutrition Society of Taiwan

2. National Nutrition Programmes/Projects • Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) • Community Nutrition Promotion Center to promote elderly nutrition

3. Organizations working on Health & Nutrition a. National Organizations (Government) Ministry of Health and Welfare - The National Health Research Health Pormotion Administration and Institutes (NHRI) Food and Drug Administration

Taipei School Lunch Meal Taiwanese Society of Lipids & Atherosclerosis

Taiwanese Association of Diabetes Educators b. International Organisations Taiwan Society for Parental and Enteral Nutrition International Confederation of Dietetic Associations

c. Educational Institutes (Nutrition Education & Research)

Taipei Medical University

Chinese Culture University Fu Jen Catholic University Chiang Gung University of Science and Technology

Asia University Providence Univesity

Hungkuang Univesity Chung Shan Medical Univesity

China Medical University Chang Jung Christian University Chung Hwa University of Medical Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Technology Science

Fooyin University I-Shou University

Meiho University d. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's)

Nutrition Foundation of Taiwan, NFT

4. Assessment of Training Quality of National Dietitians, their Professional Role and Prestige

Senior Professional and Technical Examinations Regulations for Dietitians Eligibility to sit in the exam: • Taiwan R.O.C. nationality (foreign nationals are currently eligible) • Bachelor degree from public or private junior colleges or higher levels, or have completed foreign degrees from junior colleges or higher level recognized by Ministry of Education in areas of nutrition sciences, nutrition and food sciences, nutrition and health, food and nutrition sciences & nutraceutical biotechnology, medical nutrition, food and nutrition and health sciences, health biotechnology, nutrition and health sciences, clinical nutrition, nutritional science and education • completed and passed their internship training and acquired graduate certificates

Subjects of Examination include the following: 1. Physiology and biochemistry. 2. Nutrition. 3. Therapeutic nutrition. 4. Quantity food production design and management. 5. Public health nutrition. 6. Food safety and sanitation. Question format for the above examination subjects shall all be a combination of both essay questions and multiple choice questions.

Exemption from the exam: • Taiwan R.O.C. nationality • passed the Civil Service Level Three Senior Examination or any categories of special examinations for public dietician categories of equivalent level

5. Brief Description of National Healthcare System and Private Practice

Taiwanese government adopted the national health insurance (NHI) system, which consolidated various local insurance schemes into a single national system. Taiwanese citizens pay premiums to the Bureau of NHI and copayments to public or private providers, i.e. hospitals, physicians, where they receive comprehensive healthcare, eventually medical claims made by the service providers are paid by Bureau of NHI. Medical services or medications not covered by NIH system are still available at the cost of the patients. The said system is mandatary to all citizens in Taiwan. https://coa.immigration.gov.tw/coa-frontend/four-in-one/entry/# 6. Employment Opportunities Profile Hospitals, lunch program foodservices, and nutrition health center hire only licensed dietitian while the commercial settings may vary. The starting salaries vary from NTD 20K (excluding bonus) to 60K.

7. Obtaining Work Permits Work permit: Employment Gold Card (就業金卡), which includes a work permit, residence visa, alien residency permit and re-entry permit. Valid for one to three years; can be reapplied before the expiration date. Work-seeking visa for professionals: earned USD 1,648+ in the most recent 6 months of work or have graduated from top 500 universities in the world, proof of USD 3,400 to cover basic living expenses for up to 6 months, proof of health and full hospitalization insurance for the entire duration of stay in Taiwan, a certificate of good conduct, and a plan to seek employment. Limited to 2000 each year.

8. Local Food Customs and Culture

Taiwanese cuisine is a reflection of its long history and influences of diverse cultures, i.e. Fujian, Hakka, Western, etc. Certain foods are more well-known than the others, such like Bien Dang (meal box), Xiao Long Bao, Boba milk tea, beef soup noodles, spicy hotpot that runs 24/7, street food; however, Taiwan does not have national flavor as distinguishable as sushi from Japan, or kimchi from Korea. Perhaps, stinky tofu would make the list.

According to Commisceo Global “Taiwanese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their home, especially when entertaining foreigners.” It is a great honor if guests are invited to hosts’ homes after relationships are established. It is considered rude if guest leaves any leftovers. Age seniority plays an important role on the dining table, it is usually the elder or guests to order food. And, the youngest (of the host) will serve tea to the rest of the table while waiting to get food the last. In addition, extra pairs of chopsticks will be used as communal chopsticks when dining with people other than close friends or family members. Last but not least, never stick chopsticks upright in a rice bowl, for it resembles a way to greet the deceased and will bring bad luck as superstition.

Other than food culture, it is part of Taiwanese culture to seek medical help even for minor ailments, and frequent medication, including western, Chinese, or home remedies, for all sorts of illnesses.

9. CE Opportunities

CPE opportunities are provided through IAAND professional development activities such as IAAND conferences and webinars, through the Academy distance learning programs, the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Academy Foundation resources.

10. IAAND Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities to assist IAAND with your time are probably endless. Learn as much as you can about IAAND and where your skills and interest would be of most benefit both to you and to IAAND. You could: § Assist IAAND in spreading awareness about nutrition and dietetics globally and advocating for nutrition issues in your local communities. § Support IAAND’s growth by recruiting new members and assisting fund- raising team. § Be a member on the IAAND leadership team § Assist in organizing conferences § Submit articles to the IAAND newsletter § Be a Kids Eat Right International volunteer.

For further information please contact the Country Rep for Taiwan: [email protected]

Written by: Winnie Lin (2019)