TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je on Tuesday (Dec. 26) criticized his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opponent, Lai Ching-te, for his "Bilingual 2030" policy.
During the second round of the presidential policy forum earlier that day, Ko argued that while the policy includes teacher training and education materials, it lacks a comprehensive plan, causing panic among grassroots educators and parents.
He believes that Taiwan's education system faces three major issues: First, it cannot promote social mobility as underprivileged children are not given improved opportunities under the current promotion system.
Second, Ko pointed out the gap between what students learn at school and society's actual needs, with Taiwan currently experiencing a simultaneous labor shortage and low wages.
Third, Ko said the inability of Taiwan's education system to align with international practices undermines its international competitiveness, and despite 30 years of education reform emphasizing diversity, the system remains in chaos.
He further noted that children from higher socio-economic families are six times more likely to attend the National Taiwan University than those from disadvantaged ones under the current education system.
Ko questioned why Taiwan's education no longer provided opportunities for disadvantaged children to better their situations. He criticized the existing bilingual education policy for merely stating its vision, without a concrete path to realization.
