The 2018 Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress , is held by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF). The Yushan Forum serves as a platform for Asian regional dialogue and features the achievements of governmental and non-governmental cooperation between Taiwan and its neighboring partner countries. Based on the unique experiences and common visions of Taiwan for regional prosperity, and as illustrated by its 2018 theme, the Forum aims to foster social connectivity for Asia’s next generation based on innovation and progress, alongside promoting multifaceted regional linkages and strengthening partnerships. 

The inaugural Yushan Forum, with the theme “Fostering Social and Economic Connectivity with Southeast and South Asia,” was launched in 2017. More than 800 participants from over 20 countries attended 2017’s forum. It was composed of six sessions: economy and trade, human resources, technological innovation, NGO engagement, think tank collaboration, and youth dialogue. 

This year, Yushan Forum contains eight sessions: Nourishing the Future, Facilitating Public Health Collaboration, Activating Regional Agriculture, Reinforcing Industrial Innovation, Connecting Asian Societies, Linking up the Policy Communities, Engaging Asian Young Leaders, and Sharing Cultural Richness.

Located in Taiwan, Yushan—also known as “Mount Jade” or “Tongku Saveq” in the language of the local indigenous Bunun people—is the highest summit in East Asia. It is also a symbol of Taiwanese aspirations for excellence, and warm friendship towards people from neighboring nations.

The logo and event background banner design of Yushan Forum also highlights this symbolism, which combines Taiwan’s land and maritime geographical features with its human landscapes, while also presenting Taiwan’s “New Southbound” vision. The three thick and five thin gold lines in the main design represent the three potentialladen fields and five flagship projects of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which we hope will embrace the world alongside Taiwan's cultural waves.