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Taiwan to introduce English-only in school English classes
Education Minister Cheng Ying-Yao announced plans for English-only instruction in Taiwan’s elementary and middle school English classes. The policy aims to enhance language skills, but concerns arise over its impact on teachers and students.
2024/11/15 10:52
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Taiwan students protest over menstrual product policy delay
The National Students’ Union of Taiwan protested at the Ministry of Education, accusing it of failing to implement a policy for free menstrual products. The Ministry pledged NT$200 million annually, but many universities report not receiving funds.
2024/10/21 11:11
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Premier Cho admits hasty milk policy implementation
Premier Cho Jung-tai acknowledges the rushed milk policy for schools, urging better planning. With contracts ending in 2024, new measures aim for safe, feasible delivery by 2025.
2024/10/15 23:00
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Taiwan high schools to offer mental health leave this year
Discover Taiwan’s new initiative allowing students three days of mental health leave per semester, starting this academic year, amid concerns from the National Federation of Teachers Unions about potential school disruptions.
2024/08/27 16:22
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Olympic athletes join Taiwan’s sports policy advisory group
Discover how Taiwan is enhancing its sports development and athlete welfare by involving national athletes like Kuo Hsing-Chun and Lee Yang in advisory roles. Learn about the new initiatives for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
2024/08/15 17:04
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Taiwan sets record defense budget for 2025
Discover the details of Taiwan’s record-setting 2025 budget, including a historic defense budget of NT$647 billion, as President Lai emphasizes strengthening self-defense and democratic partnerships for peace and prosperity. Learn about the budget’s focus on social welfare, education, and economic development, alongside initiatives for long-term care, child care, net zero goals, anti-fraud measures, and housing solutions.
2024/08/07 15:27
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Taiwan boosts child care with 200 new classes by 2026
Taiwan’s new national child care policy is making strides in affordable care, specialized classes for 2-year-olds, and flexible parental leave, as reported by the Ministry of Education.
2024/07/18 15:29
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Taiwan to provide local milk in schools starting September
Starting in September, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Education announced that children aged three to 12 in kindergartens and elementary schools will receive domestically produced milk, with soy milk available for those with lactose intolerance. The initiative aims for a twice-weekly supply and includes plans for remote schools to receive long-life milk if necessary.
2024/07/17 21:00
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Taiwan’s 108 curriculum to see tech updates
Discover how Taiwan’s 108 curriculum aims to stay progressive with minor adjustments in technology and AI, without major overhauls, ensuring education remains current and enhances bilingual policies.
2024/07/17 20:03
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Taiwan begins mental health days for high school students
Discover how Taiwan’s Ministry of Education is prioritizing student well-being by introducing "mental and physical adjustment leave" in high schools, aiming to support mental health.
2024/07/03 10:01
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Minister of Culture plans to lower age for Culture Points
Discover how Taiwan’s Minister of Culture, Lee Yuan, plans to transform youth education by lowering the Culture Points age to 13, aiming to foster early cultural engagement.
2024/05/22 11:25
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Advancing mental health care: Taiwan’s new policy directions
President-elect Lai Ching-te’s mental health proposals have gained recognition from the medical community in Taiwan. The Taiwan Health Movement Alliance praises Lai’s initiatives, such as the "Mental Health Plan for Young People" and "Mental Health Leave," emphasizing the importance of mental health support and early intervention. Experts recommend adopting treatment guidelines from Europe and America, focusing on psychological interventions over medication. They also suggest establishing child and adolescent psychiatry centers and promoting integrated treatment models. Lai’s advocacy for physical and mental health, along with stress management education, is seen as crucial for building a healthy Taiwan.
2024/04/01 18:25
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Taiwan boosts childcare support: new subsidies announced
Vice President Lai Ching-te unveils plans to expand "National child care policy for ages 0-6" to ease family burdens. Increased subsidies for childcare costs and focus on early childhood education highlighted to address declining birth rates and support families with children.
2024/03/26 13:52
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Taiwan’s MOE ends independent university admissions in 2024
Stay informed about Taiwan’s Ministry of Education’s recent revision of the ’Regulations for the Individual Recruitment of Universities’ impacting university admissions. Learn about the changes affecting private high schools and exceptions for religious, artistic, and athletic sectors. Discover how this update will impact institutions like CTBC Business School, Kainan University, and Huafan University.
2024/03/06 18:19
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Taiwan President dissuages Premier, Cabinet resignation
Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen and his cabinet have tendered their resignations, which were approved during a cabinet meeting. The resignations await confirmation by the president for a new government to take charge on May 20. The premier is expected to step down before the first legislative assembly after the current legislators’ term expires. The executive branch will continue to push its policy agenda during this transitional period, aiming to work with the new legislative body to promote policies beneficial to the nation and its citizens. Chen Chien-jen launched significant policies during his term, including cash handouts, education subsidies, and safety measures for a sustainable automobile society. He also emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to defense capabilities and democracy through the successful submarine launch and the resumption of one-year military service.
2024/01/18 16:05
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Ko criticizes DPP’s bilingual policy lacking concrete plan
Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticized his opponent Lai Ching-te’s "Bilingual 2030" policy, arguing that it lacks a comprehensive plan and causes panic among educators and parents. Ko identified three major issues in Taiwan’s education system: limited social mobility for underprivileged children, a gap between school curriculum and society’s needs, and a lack of alignment with international practices. He also highlighted the disparity in educational opportunities between higher socio-economic families and disadvantaged ones. Ko criticized the existing bilingual education policy for lacking a concrete path to realization.
2023/12/26 17:02
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Taiwan’s NYMCU joins forces with ACC for climate club
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYMCU) has partnered with the American Climate Club (ACC) to establish the American Taiwan Climate Club. This collaboration aims to contribute to the global net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop international carbon standards and propose a white paper on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. NYMCU is committed to raising global citizens with sustainability awareness and plans to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into its academics and research. The partnership also has the potential to pave the way for Taiwan’s engagement in international carbon trading and promote green economic growth. The American Climate Club, registered in Texas, collaborates with government agencies, carbon reduction technology firms, carbon quality monitoring, carbon asset services, and climate and carbon finance funds. The newly formed American Taiwan Climate Club will focus on climate education, international cooperation, carbon project investment, carbon advisory services, and policy research to strengthen climate protection efforts.
2023/12/12 19:47
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German universities launch NT$68M Taiwan studies project
Discover the groundbreaking "Taiwan as a Pioneer" (TAP) project, a four-year research initiative by Trier University, Bochum University, and Tuebingen University, aimed at elevating Taiwan studies in Europe. Supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the project has already made significant progress, including workshops, fieldwork in Green Island, and funding for scholars’ trips to Taiwan. With a budget of approximately NT$68 million, TAP seeks to enhance the profile of Taiwan research, while a handbook on Taiwan research methodologies is set to be published by 2025, marking a milestone in European academia.
2023/12/12 11:36
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Education head backs bilingual policy despite union concerns
Taipei’s Education Minister, Pan Wen-chung, responded to concerns raised by the National Federation of Teachers Unions (NFTU) about the 2030 Bilingual Nation policy. Pan emphasized the importance of English proficiency as a crucial competitive skill for students. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach in teaching methods and strategies to ensure that students’ foundational academic abilities are not neglected. The NFTU expressed apprehension that excessive emphasis on English in the bilingual policy could undermine national competitiveness and called for a thorough reassessment of language policies post-election. Pan highlighted the importance of English and digital literacy as vital competencies for students and stressed the necessity of the bilingual policy for English language education. He mentioned that the implementation of the policy allows schools to join gradually and includes plans for teacher training enhancements and the inclusion of foreign instructors. Pan also mentioned that Mandarin courses would be available alongside university courses conducted entirely in English to give students the freedom of choice. He noted that some locales have been overly emphasizing English expertise during teacher recruitment and that the Ministry of Education will issue reminders for a more balanced evaluation. Rolling revisions will be made based on the progress of the bilingual initiative.
2023/12/07 21:17
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DPP’s Hsiao counters Ko’s critique on education subsidies
DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim refutes criticisms made by TPP candidate Ko Wen-je regarding the government’s handling of challenges faced by youths. Hsiao emphasizes the DPP’s efforts in tackling issues such as educational expenses, employment, and housing costs. She argues that these problems are not unique to Taiwan and require multifaceted solutions. Hsiao highlights that the current subsidy programs are a result of Taiwan’s robust national fiscal system and the outstanding international performance of domestic industries. She further asserts the need to distribute wealth effectively through policy measures and affirms the government’s commitment to alleviating financial pressures on young people.
2023/12/05 21:57
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MOE proposes monthly subsidy for on-campus students
The Ministry of Education in Taiwan has proposed a monthly subsidy of NT$1,200 to NT$1,500 for students living on campus, starting in February 2024. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 260,000 students residing in public and private universities. The Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan examined the ministry’s budget for 2024, with some legislators suggesting the extension of the rent subsidy program to include on-campus students. The central government had previously expanded the rent subsidy policy for off-campus students in July, offering a monthly subsidy of NT$2,400 to NT$3,600. Additionally, legislators are interested in discussing a special program for college students with the Ministry of the Interior. The Department of Higher Education has confirmed its intention to provide a defined monthly subsidy to on-campus resident students, initially planning to offer NT$1,200 to NT$1,500 per month.
2023/11/06 20:39
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KMT unveils overhauling policies at ’Blue Fighters’ meeting
KMT unveils eight policy proposals at ’BLUE FIGHTERS’ briefing. Key points include nuclear plant extensions, Cabinet system support, military salary hikes, and education reform. Will Han Kuo-yu unite the opposition for the 2024 election challenge? Get the latest on Taiwan’s political landscape.
2023/10/11 19:28
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Ko Wen-je wants 13-year compulsory education policy
Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party has proposed a comprehensive 13-year education policy that includes expanding compulsory education to children as young as 5 and increasing the kindergarten budget by NT$15 billion annually.
2023/09/28 19:34
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Bilingual 2030 initiative hindered by shortage of teachers
Taiwan grapples with a shortage of bilingual teachers as schools aim to achieve bilingualism by 2030. While Taipei progresses, Tainan faces challenges in hiring educators. The debate continues amid concerns about curriculum neglect.
2023/08/17 10:52
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Taiwan’s bilingual policy under scrutiny
Taiwan has set an ambitious goal to become a bilingual nation by 2030. However, experts and local groups are questioning its feasibility and raising concerns about potential drawbacks.
2023/06/08 18:37