TAIPEI - Half of Taiwan youth aged between 18 to 22 said they are willing to find jobs in the Chinese mainland, according to a survey published on Saturday.

The survey, conducted by the United Daily News, found that the island's young people have more willingness to work in the mainland than the older generations.

According to the survey, 46 percent of the 23 to 29-year-olds said they will consider job opportunities in the mainland, compared with 32 percent among the 50-plus age group.

Meanwhile, 53 percent of respondents think investment from the mainland will benefit Taiwan's development, and adults aged below 40 are more positive toward opening up the island's market, results showed.

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou cited the survey on Saturday during a meeting with the ruling KMT's young members, saying he was happy to see that youngsters are more open-minded and more willing to take challenges than his generation.