TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pingtung County (屏東縣), a southern agricultural region of Taiwan, unveiled an ambitious international collaboration with Dutch design specialists on Thursday (June 26). County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) formalized the partnership through an official signing ceremony that establishes a framework to develop the Discovery Center of Pingtung (屏東探索館) into a comprehensive facility blending scientific education with interactive experiences and local cultural elements.
The innovative educational facility will be housed within repurposed warehouse structures at the historic Pingtung 1936 Tobacco Culture Base (屏菸1936文化基地), a former tobacco processing complex that has been transformed into a cultural venue. The project, which broke ground in July 2023, represents a substantial investment of approximately NT$660 million (about US$22.6 million) and will encompass roughly 1.2 hectares of space, with authorities projecting a 2027 completion date. Jollify Creative, Ltd. (鑫囍創業公司), a Taiwanese design coordination firm, will oversee the international collaboration, coordinating with specialized Dutch companies Designwolf, YIPP, and Bruns, which will contribute their expertise in exhibition design and production elements.
During the announcement, County Magistrate Chou highlighted the Netherlands-based team's significant expertise in developing science education facilities and their proven track record in creating multidisciplinary exhibitions that perfectly complement Pingtung's educational objectives for hands-on discovery learning. Chou articulated her vision that the center would serve as a gateway to global scientific knowledge for local youth.
Daniel Wong (黃偉豪), who serves as general manager of Jollify, explained that while scientific education forms the core mission, the facility's design will thoughtfully integrate elements of Pingtung's distinctive cultural heritage. Representatives from the Cultural Affairs Department (文化處), the county agency responsible for cultural initiatives, emphasized that the ambitious project, backed by both Taiwanese and international collaborators, will bring cutting-edge exhibition methodologies and innovative technological approaches to the region, creating an immersive exploratory experience for visitors of all ages. ◼
