In a development that bodes well for the youth of the state, Arentsungla Kichu from Mokokchung and an alumna of Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) has become the first Naga student to be hired by Foxconn, Taiwan-owned world’s largest electronics manufacturer.
In January 2024, Foxconn, whose CEO had received Padma Bhushan this year, signed a Mandarin-language education project Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with four tertiary institutions in Indiato deepen industry-academia-government ties, increase employment prospects for Indian students, and respond to talent demand required for the company’s development in India.
The MoU was signed with ADBU, Shiv Nadar University, VEL TECH, and Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, with the support of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC).
Under the project, Foxconn sponsored relevant subsidies for Mandarin teaching and learning, besides giving priority consideration for employment opportunities to Mandarin learners of the four institutions.
Kichu has become the first Mandarin learner hired by Foxconn under this project. She started her Mandarin learning in 2020 as soon as the Mandarin programme was launched at ADBU with the arrival of Mandarin lecturer Kuei-Mi LI from Taiwan.
In 2022, Kichu was awarded the Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and spent six months studying Mandarin in Taiwan, having firsthand exposure to Taiwan’s language, culture, and lifestyle and was amazed by the experience.
With the recommendation of LI, Kichu received prompt interview invitation from Foxconn and, after multiple rounds of interviews and tests, she finally received the offer letter and would start her professional life with the company soon.
Stating that she was very thrilled to be working with Foxconn, she disclosed that she intended to make a significant impact in the years to come. She hoped that working for one of the world’s top companies like Foxconn would help her expand her knowledge and skill set, which would be very beneficial for her future professional endeavours.
“The value of learning Mandarin and all of its advantages are evident. My ability to speak Mandarin has come in handy during the company’s interviews. I wouldn’t have received this job opportunity if it weren’t for the language. Mandarin proficiency can lead to a variety of career prospects,” she maintained.