The RMI Embassy in Taiwan recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a sister museum partnership between the Alele Museum and Public Library and the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology of New Taipei City.
The MOU was signed during the opening ceremony of the 2026 New Taipei City Austronesian Cultural Festival, one of Taiwan’s premier celebrations of Austronesian heritage and cultural diversity. The ceremony brought together representatives from Taiwan’s Indigenous communities and Austronesian partners from across the region, featuring vibrant cultural performances by Taiwan Indigenous groups, Marshallese students studying in Taiwan, Tuvaluan students, and performers from Indonesia and Malaysia. The festival highlighted the enduring cultural connections that unite Austronesian peoples across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
On behalf of Brenda Alik-Heine, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs and Chairperson of the Alele Museum and Public Library Board, RMI Ambassador to Taiwan Anjanette M. Kattil signed the MOU. On behalf of the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, the agreement was signed by New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, underscoring New Taipei City’s commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and preserving the shared Austronesian heritage between Taiwan and the Pacific.
The sister museum agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in museum development, cultural preservation, research, exhibitions, educational programming, professional exchanges, and the promotion of the shared Austronesian heritage that links the peoples of the Marshall Islands and Taiwan.
“The Marshall Islands is proud to join New Taipei City in celebrating our shared Austronesian heritage,” said Kattil. “This sister museum partnership reflects the enduring friendship between our two nations and our shared commitment to preserving the traditions, histories, and stories that define our peoples. Through this collaboration, we will deepen cultural understanding, promote educational exchange, and ensure that future generations continue to appreciate the rich legacy we share across the Austronesian world.”