Mayor Chang pointed out that Lalashan combines rich biodiversity, vibrant Atayal culture, and pristine night skies, showing that Taiwan possesses deep natural and cultural roots alongside its high-tech strength. Earning the Urban Night Sky Place designation requires meeting strict criteria: candidate sites must be located within 50 kilometers of a population center of 50,000 or more, remain open to the public free of charge, and ensure that at least two-thirds of all outdoor lighting meets dark-sky lighting standards. To qualify, the city government conducted a full audit of local light sources, actively upgraded lighting infrastructure, and enacted the Taoyuan City Light Pollution Control Guidelines, establishing a robust framework for night-sky protection and light pollution management.

Mayor Chang described achieving this international recognition as both a major milestone in light pollution prevention and a new launchpad for environmental sustainability. Beyond assisting local bed-and-breakfasts and business operators with lighting upgrades, the city will continue refining relevant regulations and designating light-sensitive zones, starting with Lalashan and gradually expanding citywide to protect the region’s night skies. Mayor Chang warmly invited visitors from Taiwan and around the world to experience Lalashan firsthand. During the day, guests can walk among giant ancient trees, hear stories of Indigenous heritage, and taste local specialties. At night, they can look up at the vast starry sky and fully experience the area’s natural and cultural beauty.

Centered on the theme “TAOYUAN in FLOW,” the expo explores the dynamic, fluid concepts shaping the city—a vision warmly embraced by the international design community. High-profile overseas delegations arrived throughout the opening week, including representatives from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and the Seoul Design Foundation in South Korea, the International Design Center NAGOYA in Japan, Design Innovation Okinawa (DIO), and a Japanese commercial district strategy advisory group led by Satoshi Yamamoto, Representative Director of Earth MD. All designated the Taiwan Design Expo as an essential stop on their Taiwan itineraries, studying how Taoyuan creatively translates local heritage and industrial vitality through design. Many overseas experts expressed admiration for Taoyuan’s achievements in integrating design into public governance and industrial innovation.

Distinguished leaders in international architecture and technology also joined the festivities. Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Riken Yamamoto—architect of the Taoyuan Museum of Fine Arts—and Hiroaki Kitano, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Sony Group Corporation, made dedicated visits to key cultural venues in Taoyuan. The guests commended the diversity and inclusiveness of the exhibitions, reserving special praise for the nighttime projection mapping display on the museum’s façade. Seamlessly integrating architectural aesthetics, digital technology, and the city’s nightscape, the show was celebrated as a striking evening dialogue between design and urban space, successfully forging stronger ties between “TAOYUAN in FLOW” and leading global networks.

This marks the second visit to Taoyuan by the Mendel University delegation. Following last year’s exchange on smart city initiatives, this year’s focus turned to the integration of the city’s free school lunch policy with food and agricultural education. Since taking office, Mayor Chang San-Cheng has continuously enhanced the city’s educational environment through initiatives including free school lunches, daily fresh milk provision, and free textbooks for elementary and junior high school students starting this semester. Designed around the motto of ensuring students “eat well, get enough calcium, and learn well,” these policies not only ease the financial burden on parents but also promote Taoyuan’s rich local agricultural produce, allowing children to attend school and enjoy healthy meals with peace of mind.

The exchange focused on Taoyuan’s free school lunch policy for elementary and junior high school students—launched in the spring semester of the 2022–2023 academic year, making Taoyuan the first among Taiwan’s six special municipalities to implement such a policy—and the process of bringing local specialty produce into school cafeterias. Both sides discussed the policy’s operational framework and implementation challenges, with Dr. Zdráhal expressing keen interest in bringing these practical insights back to Brno.

Mayor Chang noted that Taoyuan was one of the earliest cities worldwide to develop a printed circuit board (PCB) industry. In the past, PCB manufacturing carried a heavier environmental footprint, prompting some companies to move operations overseas. However, technological advances have substantially reduced the environmental impact of high-end IC substrate plants, allowing pollutants to be treated directly within individual facilities or industrial parks—a marked shift from the industry's past. Driven by recent demand from the AI sector, substrate manufacturers have been returning to Taiwan or expanding domestic capacity, an opportunity Taoyuan intends to capture.

Mayor Chang explained that land acquisition for the Aerotropolis is largely complete, with most affected households already relocated. If progress remains smooth, the final phase of relocations and demolitions is expected to conclude by mid-2027. Given the high electricity demand of advanced substrate manufacturing, the city government will provide dedicated support for companies applying to Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) for 161 kV extra-high-voltage power. Nearby substations will meet short-term supply needs, while the city coordinates with Taipower to expedite long-term infrastructure projects, including the Puxin and Guolin substations. To secure a stable supply of water, the city will also integrate multiple sources, including reclaimed water.

Mayor Chang stated that land within the high-end IC substrate zone will generally be offered through the establishment of superficies rights. This structure aims to ease upfront capital pressure on land acquisition, allowing manufacturers to channel more resources into advanced R&D, equipment upgrades, facility construction, and capacity expansion.

Mayor Chang also noted that the Executive Yuan had convened its task force for advancing the Taoyuan Aerotropolis core plan. The Water Resources Agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs will serve as the lead contact to establish an interministerial coordination mechanism, aligning supplies of tap water, reclaimed water, and desalinated seawater with factory construction schedules. The agency will also accelerate feasibility evaluations for the Bali Sewage Treatment Plant reclaimed water project and the operational timeline for seawater desalination, demonstrating the central government’s support for high-end IC substrate manufacturers setting up in the Aerotropolis.

Mayor Chang emphasized that, amid fierce global competition, both the Longtan Science Park and the Aerotropolis high-end IC substrate zone will adopt a phased approach to construction and land handover. Each completed section will be handed over on a priority basis so manufacturers can build facilities promptly and capitalize on AI industry growth. In October, the city government plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA), Unimicron Technology Corporation, Kinsus Interconnect Technology Corp., and other industry partners to progressively deliver on the Aerotropolis industrial development blueprint.

Mayor Chang highlighted that during a trip to the United States three years ago, he personally visited Plug and Play, a leading global innovation accelerator. That visit paved the way for Plug and Play’s establishment at the Hutoushan Innovation Hub, creating an ongoing channel for global startup resources to flow into Taoyuan. Given Taoyuan’s robust manufacturing foundation and complete AI server supply chain, the city government aims to combine Plug and Play’s global network with domestic VC and corporate resources. This synergy will dramatically streamline the matchmaking process across capital, technology, and market opportunities.

Mayor Chang noted that the expo features two main exhibition hubs, Qingpu and Zhongli, which showcase the distinct contrast between Taoyuan’s modern and historic urban spaces. Qingpu highlights contemporary cityscape aesthetics and creative innovation, while Zhongli demonstrates design-driven urban revitalization through the transformation of its historic downtown core. Various city government departments have also curated specialized pavilions to present multifaceted dimensions of Taoyuan’s development.

Highlighting the city’s demographic growth, Mayor Chang pointed out that Taoyuan’s population has expanded by roughly 80,000 residents over the past four years. The city boasts Taiwan’s largest Hakka and new immigrant populations, as well as the second-largest Indigenous population after Hualien County, reflecting its remarkably inclusive character. The city government hopes the expo will help newer residents connect more deeply with Taoyuan. Through key mechanisms, such as the Urban Creative Design Center, urban aesthetics task forces, and aesthetic reviews for public infrastructure, the administration aims to embed design into daily urban life and municipal administration.

The 18-day event will run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 11 across Qingpu and Zhongli, featuring 16 thematic exhibitions and five satellite sites. The program includes international forums, design markets, outdoor light shows, curated tours, digital stamp rallies, and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Over two years in the making, the expo brings together more than 700 designers, 1,630 corporate brands, 41 academic institutions, and over 210 students, along with nearly 50 international creators from 16 countries. For more information, visit the official website (www.designexpo.org.tw) or social media channels (www.facebook.com/Taiwandesignexpo).

Mayor Chang noted that the first stop was Bangkok, Thailand, where the primary focus was exploring the latest international trends in smart agriculture and the plant industry. The visit also served as preparation for the upcoming “Asian Botanical Expo,” scheduled to debut in Taoyuan in July 2026. Jointly organized by the Department of Youth Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, the delegation included eight young Taiwanese farmers. The itinerary featured visits to government, industry, and academic institutions, including Thailand’s Department of Agricultural Extension, the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chulalongkorn University, successfully expanding international horizons and industry networks for Taoyuan’s next-generation farmers.

 During the Thailand leg, the delegation observed the operational dynamics of “Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show & Sale” and engaged in in-depth discussions on smart agriculture, youth farmer cultivation, and value-added agricultural marketing. Thai officials expressed strong interest in Taoyuan’s recent breakthroughs in youth farmer guidance, brand marketing, and smart agriculture, proactively proposing the establishment of a regular exchange mechanism. Given Thailand’s vast land and optimal agricultural conditions, paired with Taoyuan’s expertise in tech integration and value-added marketing, both sides see high complementarity and significant potential for future cooperation.

For the second leg of the tour, the delegation traveled to Singapore to attend the “World Cities Summit,” which focused this year on affordable housing and sustainable urban development. As a pioneer of affordable housing initiatives in Taiwan, Taoyuan was invited to share its development strategies for the Taoyuan Aerotropolis, alongside its achievements in water supply resilience, reclaimed water utilization, and affordable housing. The Aerotropolis project integrates a reclaimed water plant and water recycling systems, while actualizing affordable housing concepts through its relocation housing program. These initiatives drew considerable attention from participating global cities, several of which proactively requested further policy details.

Following the summit, the Taoyuan team met with Singaporean government officials to discuss housing governance, gaining deeper insights into the city-state’s public housing (HDB) system and management frameworks. The two sides exchanged viewpoints on housing equity, residential security, and policy execution. Singaporean officials expressed a keen interest in Taoyuan’s affordable housing approach and look forward to ongoing updates on its implementation.

The final leg of the trip took the delegation to Johor, Malaysia, to inspect the Iskandar Malaysia economic zone. Capitalizing on Singapore’s financial strength and Malaysia’s land resources, the zone has emerged as a high-potential hub for artificial intelligence and technology industries. Following talks with the zone’s management authority, both parties agreed to deepen cooperation in industrial investment, talent cultivation, and smart manufacturing. Driven by advance coordination by Taoyuan’s Department of Economic Development and Department of Land Administration, the visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Moving forward, Taoyuan plans to invite senior officials from the Iskandar region to visit the city to facilitate concrete industry matchmaking and substantive collaboration.

Mayor Chang emphasized that while the three-nation itinerary was intensive, it yielded fruitful results. The city government will continue to seize international exchange opportunities to learn from global urban governance and industrial trends. By aligning these insights with Taoyuan’s localized needs, the administration aims to secure more substantive partnerships, ultimately elevating Taoyuan’s international visibility and urban competitiveness.

According to Mayor Chang, rail transit in Japan does far more than just move people—it serves as a powerful engine that links urban functions and fuels city development. He pointed out that besides moving commuters, Tokyo Monorail has successfully branded itself as the "Tokyo Panorama Line," showcasing the scenic Tokyo Bay waterfront and local urban character. This approach aligns perfectly with Taoyuan’s goal of blending transportation with tourism.

While Tokyo Monorail brings over 60 years of deep operational experience to the table, Taoyuan Metro is a younger system currently at a critical turning point. With the Taoyuan Metro Green Line scheduled to begin operations by the end of this year and several other routes in the planning stages, the city is rapidly expanding its network and operational scale. Mayor Chang stated that this MOU offers Taoyuan a vital learning opportunity and will significantly boost Taoyuan Metro’s efforts to upgrade its operations management and passenger services.

Mayor Chang noted that the TILC is located at the heart of the Taoyuan Aerotropolis, Taiwan’s largest-ever land development project. Following over a decade of collaboration between the City Government and Taoyuan International Airport Corp. (TIAC), the project is now yielding significant results. With the TILC operational and the subsequent arrival of airline headquarters and logistics parks, a powerful industrial cluster effect is emerging. This momentum will further revitalize regional industrial capacity and enhance urban amenities, establishing the Taoyuan Aerotropolis as a landmark for international trade and commerce.

Mayor Chang noted that Taoyuan enjoys a unique combination of advantages as Taiwan’s international gateway, a major logistics center, and a high‑tech industrial cluster. These strengths place the city at the heart of AI and advanced manufacturing supply chains. From semiconductors to AI servers and other high-value-added products, manufacturing, assembly, and air freight export can all be completed efficiently within Taoyuan. As the central government advances the Silicon Valley Initiative, the city government will continue to provide full support for FedEx’s expansion needs, further strengthening Taiwan’s position in the global supply chain.

Representing the city at the award ceremony in Raleigh, the capital city of the U.S. state of North Carolina, Deputy Secretary-General Chin Chih‑Yu stated that the Smart 20 Awards are not merely a global competition for innovative technologies, but also a benchmark for evaluating whether cities possess true governance foresight. In a highly competitive selection process, Taoyuan outperformed internationally recognized technology cities such as Las Vegas and Coral Gables, positioning itself as a key reference city for global smart governance best practices. Deputy Secretary‑General Chin further emphasized that the true value of a smart city lies not in showcasing technology, but in accurately identifying challenges and applying intelligent solutions to real problems. As Taiwan’s gateway city and industrial hub, Taoyuan’s successful governance model not only highlights Taiwan’s capabilities on the global stage but also demonstrates how local innovation can evolve into an international smart city benchmark. Through consistent achievements and cross‑sector collaboration, Taoyuan continues to prove that its smart governance model is not only effective but also scalable, sustainable, and capable of shaping the future of cities worldwide.

Mayor Chang further emphasized that the Department of Environmental Protection has actively introduced innovative approaches to integrate sustainability into urban governance and everyday civic life. These initiatives have enabled Taoyuan to remain at the forefront of environmental protection and sustainable development. Looking ahead, the city government will continue to support environmental governance initiatives and aims to showcase Taoyuan’s progress toward becoming a “Net Zero City” on more international platforms.

The three award-winning initiatives reflect Taoyuan’s comprehensive approach to environmental solutions across multiple sectors. The “AI Environmental Pollution Recognition System”, which received the Gold Award, integrates image recognition technology with sensor-based big data to enable real-time detection and early warning of pollution incidents, significantly strengthening environmental enforcement capabilities. The “Low-Carbon Event Registration and Review Mechanism” earned the Silver Award for pioneering a quantitative carbon-reduction management framework for events, guiding large-scale city activities toward net-zero goals. Meanwhile, the “Longtan Large Tourist Pond Water Quality Improvement and Aquatic Environment Enhancement Project” received the Bronze Award for successfully transforming the water environment through nature-based engineering methods and ecological restoration technologies.

Mayor Chang also highlighted recent progress in Taoyuan’s ties with cities in Miyagi. In August 2025, Taoyuan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Natori City and Iwanuma City to strengthen cooperation in tourism and industrial development. He further noted that just last month, Taoyuan hosted the Asia Professional Baseball Exchange Series, featuring Taiwan’s Rakuten Monkeys, Japan’s Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Korea’s KT Wiz. The event delivered thrilling matchups for fans and marked a new chapter in professional baseball exchanges among Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.

As a gesture of friendship and goodwill, Mayor Chang presented the Miyagi delegation with a set of specially selected commemorative gifts, including a Taoyuan City Government executive vest, a Tao & Yuango x Rakuten Monkeys plush cheering doll, and a “Taoyuan Blessing Tea” gift set—all carefully chosen to reflect the city’s warm welcome and growing friendship with Miyagi.

Mayor Chang highlighted that Taoyuan International Airport serves as Taiwan’s primary aviation hub, handling both international passenger and cargo traffic. He emphasized that the airport also plays a critical role in driving regional economic growth and industrial upgrading. The city is currently pushing forward the Taoyuan Aerotropolis Project, which seeks to integrate land use, industrial clusters, and transportation networks around the airport. The goal is to build a world-class model for aviation and urban development. Mayor Chang expressed optimism that Taoyuan’s cityscape will be transformed within the next five to ten years.

He further noted that both Taoyuan and Haarlemmermeer are home to major international airports, making them natural partners for knowledge exchange. He believes the two cities have much to learn from each other in areas such as airport operations, smart mobility solutions, and urban planning. In response to Mayor Schuurmans-Wijdeven’s inquiry about disaster governance, Mayor Chang stressed the importance of having pre-designed response protocols in place. He explained that Taoyuan follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) to handle emergencies, activating an appropriate-level emergency operations center depending on the severity of the disaster. This ensures coordinated action across districts and facilitates real-time crisis management.

Mayor Chang highlighted that the Taoyuan Metro Green Line is expected to open its northern section by the end of 2026, with full-line service scheduled for 2030. The Green Line will also be extended from Bade to connect with Zhongli. Alongside the Brown Line, railway undergrounding, and national freeway expansion, these projects are steadily improving Taoyuan’s transportation network and significantly boosting commuting efficiency.

He added that the “15-minute city” model serves as a core principle for regional development planning. Several related projects are currently in progress, including the Zhonglu Station Land Readjustment Zone, Bade Municipal Hospital, Pingzhen Senior High School Readjustment Zone, and the Taoyuan Aerotropolis Project. Once railway undergrounding is complete, the released surface area will be converted into extensive green corridors—key to expanding human-centered public spaces. Around mass transit stations, the city will apply the concept of “public facilities at every station”, introducing a mix of large, medium, and small-scale amenities. In addition, social housing and affordable housing will be provided to fulfill the vision of “a home at every station,” ensuring that those who rely on public transportation can live affordably, conveniently, and well.

 During the forum, Mayor Chang held an in-depth exchange with Prof. Carlos Moreno of Panthéon-Sorbonne University, known as the pioneer of the 15-minute city concept. Mayor Chang explained that because Taoyuan has long accommodated large numbers of commuters to Taipei and New Taipei City, and given the diverse development patterns of its districts, achieving a citywide 15-minute lifestyle remains a considerable challenge. To address this, the city will focus on creating multi-centered living zones through improvements in employment, education, and healthcare—including generating more local job opportunities, accelerating the rollout of childcare and educational facilities, improving school and commuting routes, and expanding healthcare access through municipal hospital branches.

Mayor Chang concluded by emphasizing that the city has already invested over NT$10 billion in infrastructure in recent years and will continue to allocate resources moving forward. By advancing urban planning in a step-by-step manner and working closely with residents through diverse engagement channels, the Taoyuan City Government aims to steadily bring the “15-minute city” vision to life.

Mayor Chang also emphasized that the value of internships goes beyond gaining experience. They serve to encourage young people to observe how businesses operate, think creatively, and even integrate AI tools to develop practical solutions. He expressed his pleasure in presenting awards to the 26 outstanding students of the AI Youth Creativity Challenge, commending their ability to generate innovative ideas during their internships that could lead to real improvements in business operations. He also expressed hope that Seibu Group would see firsthand the excellence and ambition of Taoyuan’s younger generation through this partnership.

Mayor Chang emphasized that the city has long prioritized youth development. What began as a summer youth safety program has expanded into a year-round, cross-agency collaboration. By using big data analysis and risk prediction models, the city identifies key indicators and detects at-risk youth early. This allows social workers and officials to step in before problems arise. He noted that Taoyuan was among the first cities to develop a predictive approach to juvenile support. The city has shifted its strategy from reacting after problems occur to preventing them before they happen. This people-centered model is now seen as a leading example of child and youth protection in the international smart city community.

Mayor Chang added that since Taoyuan launched its smart city initiatives, many departments have received growing international recognition for their innovative projects. He encouraged the city team to continue pushing forward so Taoyuan can remain a leader in both smart governance and social innovation.

Mayor Chang recalled his first visit to Belize last year. He said he was deeply impressed by the local culture. After returning to Taiwan, he helped arrange a student exchange program that sent Taoyuan high school students to Belize. According to their presentations, the trip was a powerful and memorable experience. He hopes that university students will also engage more with classmates from different countries. He encouraged them to take advantage of life on campus to explore new ideas, build friendships, and deepen their understanding of the world. He also urged students to think beyond one country or political viewpoint. He encouraged them to stay informed about international affairs and develop a global mindset.

Mayor Chang stated that the Taoyuan City Government is actively advancing plans for the Taoyuan Dome, which will be developed through a BOT model in the Zhongli Sports Park. The city expects to launch investor recruitment procedures in 2026. The dome is envisioned as a future landmark for Taoyuan, featuring not only a professional sports stadium, but also integration with the Green Line of the Taoyuan Metro. Supporting infrastructure such as transportation links and parking facilities will be planned in parallel to create a high-quality, well-connected sports venue.

Later that day, Mayor Chang welcomed the team on the plaza outside Taoyuan City Hall and accepted the championship trophy from team representative Kohei Makino. He congratulated the Rakuten Monkeys on capturing the 2025 Taiwan Series title. As fans joined in a rousing sing-along of the team anthem, “Rakuten Warriors,” the Rakuten Monkeys flag was raised over City Hall—a tribute to the champions and a celebration shared by the entire city.

Mayor Chang noted that since Taoyuan expanded its low-dose lung cancer screening program, the city has screened over 20,000 individuals annually, with a total of 60,000 to 70,000 screenings completed to date. This scale of urban-based screening is rare both nationally and globally. To better understand local risk distribution, the city commissioned Professor Chen Hsiu-Hsi and his team at National Taiwan University to conduct in-depth data analysis. Their work provides valuable insights for public health policy and international research. With the mobile CT unit now operational, the city will expand services to remote districts such as Guanyin, Longtan, and Fuxing, allowing residents to receive lung scans without traveling long distances. This helps close gaps in healthcare accessibility and marks a new milestone in Taoyuan’s commitment to health equity.

Mayor Chang further explained that the city is offering free low-dose chest CT (LDCT) lung screenings for residents aged 50 and older, generating strong public interest. Mr. Kuo, the first person to complete a scan, shared that his father was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in June 2025, which made him realize the importance of early detection. After hearing about the free screening through radio and the city’s mobile app, he immediately signed up. He thanked the city and its team for offering such a valuable medical service that allows more residents to benefit.

Mayor Chang noted that under “Environmental Symbiosis,” the city is advancing net-zero emissions, green infrastructure, smart monitoring, and gas emergency response mechanisms to build a safe, livable, and sustainable environment. For “Technology Sharing,” the agenda covers smart governance, smart transportation, digital education, and convenient public services, including applications such as the Smart Citizen Card. “Economic Co-prosperity” emphasizes smart manufacturing and low-carbon production. The city has established a Smart Industry Academy, is promoting urban regeneration and brand revitalization to renew older districts, and prioritizes occupational safety and employment support so that public works proceed under safe conditions.

Mayor Chang further explained that “Urban-Rural Integration” focuses on balanced development in transportation and public works, including railway undergrounding, metro extensions, and road improvements. It also links community placemaking, healthcare, educational equity, and cultural co-creation to narrow the urban–rural gap. “Harmony Among Ethnic Groups” highlights Taoyuan’s multicultural character, embracing Hakka, Hoklo (Minnan), Indigenous peoples, and new residents. The city advances maternal and child care, age-friendly initiatives, Indigenous cultural programs, services for new residents, and youth participation, putting an inclusive and equitable city ethos into practice.

Through the VLR’s rolling review, the Taoyuan City Government has increased the number of policy initiatives from 292 to 336. This edition highlights 73 newly added or enhanced initiatives in recent years, strengthening alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The set of sustainability indicators has expanded from 59 to 91, and policy progress and outcomes are presented in a visualized form. With 2030 targets in place, the city signals its commitment to continuous improvement. The Voluntary Local Review (VLR) marks a major milestone in Taoyuan’s sustainable development, and the city will continue working with residents to build a Taoyuan that is prosperous across generations and inclusive and sustainable.

The “Taoyuan Travel” app is a smart tourism platform developed by the city government. It integrates multiple live camera feeds so that residents and visitors can check real-time conditions at any time. The “Taoyuan Travel” YouTube channel has accumulated over 50 million views and more than 100,000 subscribers, making it the first government agency channel in Taiwan to receive the Silver Creator Award. Last year (2024), snowfall in Upper Baling attracted many people to watch online. This year (2025), the city plans to add a live stream from Xucuogang Wetland for birdwatching and ecological viewing, showcasing more of Taoyuan’s diverse natural scenery.

The channel also keeps pace with tourism trends by regularly releasing promotional videos and feature content for major events such as the Taiwan Lantern Festival, the Longgang Rice Noodle Festival, and the Pearl Coast Music Festival. Highlights include rare footage of a Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (Dreamlifter) landing at Taoyuan International Airport, giving viewers a chance to revisit remarkable moments. Looking ahead, the city government will continue to deepen the channel’s content, integrating smart-city development with innovative technologies to produce a broader range of high-quality tourism videos. The goal is to help more people discover Taoyuan, fall in love with the city, and experience its appeal in person.

The origins of this agreement trace back to February, when Natori Mayor Shiro Yamada visited Taoyuan to attend the 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival. During that visit, Mayor Yamada warmly invited Mayor Chang to Japan and suggested formalizing the relationship with an MOU—an idea that has now come to fruition. Mayor Chang emphasized that this agreement lays a solid foundation for further deepening trilateral cooperation in tourism and economic exchange.

Following the signing ceremony, Mayor Chang joined a roundtable discussion with local leaders from across Miyagi Prefecture. Thirteen mayors and deputy mayors participated, including Shigeru Sugawara, Mayor of Kesennuma and Chair of the Miyagi Mayors Association. These meetings, along with previous engagements with Kagawa Governor Toyohito Ikeda and Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai, underscore the significance local officials place on Mayor Chang’s visit and highlight the fruitful exchanges between regions.

Mayor Chang also addressed safety concerns surrounding factory and warehouse fires. He noted that Taoyuan has comprehensively reviewed its fire safety practices and amended the Taoyuan City Fire Prevention Self-Governance Ordinance. In addition, the city has actively called on the central government to revise the Factory Management and Guidance Act and the Fire Services Act to improve oversight of hazardous materials in industrial and storage facilities. These measures could also help reduce safety risks in similar facilities across Keelung and Greater Taipei.

“Speaking with one voice may be heard, but when four cities speak together, the message is much stronger,” Mayor Chang remarked. “When we speak as one, both the central government and other municipalities are more likely to listen and take local concerns seriously.” He stressed the importance of continued unity and mutual learning in tackling shared regional challenges. By pooling local efforts, the four cities aim to secure more central resources and build a more convenient, safe, and sustainable metropolitan region.

Mayor Chang highlighted that the AI-based signal control system has already been implemented at 91 intersections across Zhongli, Neili, and the Dazhu Interchange area. Through real-time adjustments, the system effectively eases traffic congestion. The city government plans to expand its application to additional intersections across Taoyuan, further improving traffic flow and realizing the vision of a smarter city.

Mayor Chang noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands in 1998, both sides have maintained solid and profound ties. Cooperation between Taoyuan City and Aur Atoll began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2018. Mayor Chang expressed gratitude to Ambassador Kattil for facilitating continuous communication between both sides, leading to the decision to establish a sister city relationship. He also highlighted Aur Atoll’s rich marine tourism resources and renowned weaving crafts, noting that Taoyuan similarly boasts numerous Indigenous and Hakka artists specializing in creative weaving crafts. Mayor Chang looks forward to promoting exchanges between the two cities in the future.

During the event, Mayor Chang also demonstrated and explored the application of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) in forest conservation. He noted that the city government intends to utilize this technology for monitoring tree growth, replacing traditional manual measurements of tree girth, thereby enhancing Taoyuan’s greening efficiency.

Promoting smart agricultural machinery technology has been a key policy of the city government. LiDAR can survey trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) exceeding 5 centimeters, providing detailed data on forest distribution, density, and tree height. This technology can also be applied to monitor crop growth, improve agricultural productivity, and assist in strategic greening layouts, enhancing green space utilization and strengthening the urban ecosystem. Additionally, it can be applied in various fields, including carbon sequestration assessments, species zoning and classification analysis, ancient tree monitoring, and slope analysis using tree displacement data.

In terms of transportation infrastructure, Mayor Chang emphasized that traffic improvement requires a pragmatic and continuous process. The city government has been gradually enhancing the quality of transportation services through diverse strategies, such as implementing smart traffic signals, adjusting signal timings, and establishing unobstructed sight lines at left-turn lanes. These efforts have led to Taoyuan being shortlisted for the 2025 Smart 20 Awards, organized by Smart Cities Connect.

Mayor Chang pointed out that due to the investment in diverse transportation strategies and the collaborative efforts of various departments, popular tourist spots in Taoyuan, such as Daxi Old Street, Yongan Fishing Harbor, and Shimen Reservoir, maintained stable road service levels during the recently concluded 228 Peace Memorial Day long weekend, despite the influx of heavy traffic. Mayor Chang also encouraged all units to continue optimizing traffic management measures during the upcoming Ching Ming Festival long weekend and urged citizens to consider early or off-peak tomb-sweeping to further alleviate traffic pressure.

Mayor Chang noted that Taoyuan is a diverse and family-friendly city where many young families choose to settle. While visiting the “City Spotlight” zone, he observed how it embodies Taoyuan’s spirit of cultural convergence. Meanwhile, the “Bright Horizons Theater,” located at the intersection of Linghang North Road Section 1 and Huanxi 1st Street, features a circus-themed “Bouncy Circus.” Using large-scale special lighting installations, this immersive and whimsical attraction is designed for families to enjoy together. Mayor Chang praised the dynamic and unique characteristics of each lantern zone and expressed confidence that the spectacular light performances of this year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival will captivate visitors and make their experience unforgettable. 

For more details on the Taiwan Lantern Festival, please visit the official website: https://2025taiwanlanternfestival.org/En/.

Mayor Chang highlighted that Taoyuan, Taiwan’s largest industrial city with an annual output value exceeding NT$4 trillion and over 12,000 companies, is not only the world’s top producer of printed circuit boards (PCBs), accounting for nearly 40% of global output, but also plays a pivotal role in AI server production.

He noted that the city government is actively promoting industrial upgrade initiatives, offering companies assessment and consulting services in smart manufacturing, and planning to establish a Smart Industry Academy to nurture talent in this area—an endeavor that aligns well with the congress theme. Additionally, Taoyuan has been approved to join the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) and is the only city in Taiwan to receive an “A” rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). This year (2024), Taoyuan has also received multiple international awards in smart city innovation.

The congress opening ceremony featured a series of cultural performances, showcasing the diversity and artistic richness of Taiwan, offering attendees a refreshing experience. During the congress, a range of activities is available, including leadership training, corporate innovation forums, and sustainability discussions, aimed at providing young generations with opportunities for innovation and development. Furthermore, the event includes corporate visits and exclusive exhibitions, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s local culture and business opportunities, thereby promoting international exchange and collaboration.

Mayor Chang emphasized that the two cities share many similarities in agricultural development, particularly in rice production and the promotion of rice-based culinary culture. Both cities take pride in their high-quality rice and are committed to innovating rice cuisine. He believes this will lead to further collaboration opportunities, driving agricultural growth on both sides. He also announced that Taoyuan’s Department of Agriculture will participate in the 27th “Rice Taste Appraisal Competition: International Contest in Tsukuba Mirai” next year, enhancing agricultural exchange between the two cities. Additionally, Mayor Chang invited Tsukuba Mirai to lead a delegation to Taoyuan in 2025 for the Taiwan Lantern Festival, where they can experience the beauty of Taiwan’s traditional Lantern Festival and the artistic light displays.

Organized by the renowned U.S. research and advisory firm Gartner, the Gartner Eye on Innovation Awards for Government did not differentiate between levels of government this year (2024); local, state, and federal submissions were all evaluated together. The judging panel comprised senior digital and information officials from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Israel, and Abu Dhabi. Winning an award signifies high recognition from the global smart city community.

Gartner will feature Taoyuan City Government’s two digital innovation projects—the “AI Environmental Pollution Recognition System” and the “AI-Enabled, Multi-Faceted Safety Protection for Pedestrians”—as case studies on its official website. This will allow government departments worldwide to learn from the results and experiences of “Smart Taoyuan.”

Now in its eighth year, the Taoyuan International Trade Meeting featured 145 suppliers from industries such as smart transportation, sustainable energy, information and communications technology, smart healthcare, and food processing. The event facilitated 266 matchmaking sessions with international buyers. Key local companies like Delta Electronics, Fortune Electric, and BenQ Materials also participated. The meeting included seminars on “Global Low-Carbon Economic Trends and Practical Analysis” and a “U.S. Market Briefing,” as well as an industry exhibition featuring 20 Taoyuan-based companies. These activities not only help businesses capitalize on the abundant opportunities presented by the emerging low-carbon economy and the U.S. market but also allow them to showcase their latest products, attracting enthusiastic interest from numerous domestic and international firms.

Mayor Chang also mentioned that Taoyuan’s Department of Education organizes international summer camps every year, and that there could be opportunities for cooperation in the future. Whether by inviting students to Taoyuan for English or Spanish exchanges, or even by holding the camps directly in Orange Walk, such initiatives would broaden students’ global perspectives. He also noted that Orange Walk is home to Lamanai, the largest Mayan ruin in Belize and a key site for ancient civilization tourism. The town’s strong emphasis on ecological preservation and the protection of native languages are models that Taoyuan could emulate.

Mayor Chang expressed that after this visit, he has gained a deeper understanding of Belize and will make greater efforts to promote collaboration between Taiwan(R.O.C) and Belize, as well as between Taoyuan and its sister city, Orange Walk. He emphasized that Taoyuan, known for its diverse population, is an ideal partner for Orange Walk.

Mayor Chang was deeply impressed by Belize’s commitment to environmental protection and its beautiful landscapes, noting that the Belizean people’s awareness of sustainable development is something Taiwan can learn from.

During the talks, the two leaders discussed issues such as climate change and agricultural development. Prime Minister Briceño highlighted Belize’s efforts in environmental conservation and its desire to learn from Taiwan’s technological expertise to help farmers address natural disasters and improve agricultural processing.

Mayor Chang also noted the friendliness and hospitality of the Belizean people and reaffirmed the strong bond between the two governments. He pledged that Taiwan would continue to assist Belize and Orange Walk through its technological strengths. He also extended an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit Taoyuan and expressed his hopes to visit Belize again in the future to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Mayor Chang emphasized the importance of cybersecurity infrastructure for both businesses and government agencies, noting that the Quantum Economic Development Consortium provides an ideal platform for collaboration. He is hopeful that this visit will serve as a bridge to foster deeper cooperation between SRI and Taoyuan’s academic institutions, providing a global stage for Taiwan’s top talent to contribute to technological innovation.

After the visit to SRI, Mayor Chang and his delegation toured Tesla’s Fremont Factory, the company’s very first manufacturing plant. Originally a General Motors factory, it later became a joint venture between GM and Toyota before officially becoming Tesla’s vehicle assembly plant in 2010. Today, the facility produces over a million electric vehicles annually.

During the tour, Mayor Chang observed Tesla’s automated production line and learned about the vehicle assembly process, which utilizes numerous robotic arms to increase precision, accelerate production, and minimize potential human errors. He remarked that the wave of digital transformation presents significant challenges to traditional industries. By visiting Tesla, he hopes to draw on their expertise in smart manufacturing and modular production as a reference for upgrading and transforming Taoyuan’s industrial sector.

Following the Alameda County visit, Mayor Chang and his delegation met with Port of Oakland officials, where they were personally welcomed by Executive Director Danny Wan. Director Wan provided an overview of the port’s operations, including the key role played by Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine Corporation, port import and export activities, and the port’s hydrogen station facilities.

Director Wan also mentioned that Taiwan is the third-largest partner of the Port of Oakland, following Japan and South Korea. Taiwan’s primary exports are agricultural products, and Wan expressed hope that this exchange could lead to the establishment of direct shipping routes between Taoyuan and Oakland, further enhancing cooperation.

Deputy Mayor Wang proposed a summer student exchange program aimed at fostering bilateral learning opportunities. He suggested that students from both cities could benefit from exchange programs or homestay experiences during the summer, enhancing their language skills and understanding of social systems and cultural practices. He also mentioned the potential for online language exchange courses to deepen mutual learning.

Wang also noted Brno’s advanced electric train system, pointing out that Taoyuan is currently undertaking a railway undergrounding project, with plans for green boulevards inspired by Brno’s urban development model. He highlighted the similarities between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, such as the use of the same three colors in their national flags and shared features like airports and prestigious universities. These commonalities present opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation.

Mayor Vaňková fondly recalled her visit to Taiwan last year, emphasizing the strong partnership and cooperation agreements between Brno and Taoyuan. She expressed enthusiasm for further collaboration in various fields. Mayor Vaňková mentioned that Brno is also considering undergrounding its railway and aims to integrate the central train station with bus and high-speed rail lines into a unified system. Given Taoyuan’s ongoing railway undergrounding efforts, she looks forward to a future visit to Taoyuan to exchange experiences and insights.

The park is operated by a contracted vendor under the OT (Operating Transfer) model and features facilities such as conference rooms, multifunctional classrooms, exhibition spaces, and 48 units for showcasing and nurturing businesses. The main types of businesses include indigenous-themed dining, food products, and artisanal crafts. Beyond being a retail space, the park plays a vital role in industry incubation, support, and promotion. Just like its name, "KIRI," which means "back basket" in the Atayal language, the park symbolizes the daily lives and bounty of indigenous peoples. Moving forward, it aims to collaborate with the government, academia, and the public to foster the development and realization of indigenous economic industries.

The city government is currently developing three major projects: the “Disaster Prevention Urban Renewal Project,” the “Public-led Urban Renewal Project Application from the Private Sector,” and the “Urban Renewal Facilitator Project.” The “Disaster Prevention Urban Renewal Project” focuses on dangerous buildings, such as those with high chloride ion content, insufficient seismic resistance, and those marked for demolition due to earthquake damage. This initiative will involve adjusting urban planning parameters and setting local regulations for high-chloride concrete structures, establishing standards, penalties, and procedures for decommissioning and demolition. The plan will be announced and implemented in August.

The “Public-led Urban Renewal Project Application from the Private Sector” allows private entities, after integrating a certain proportion of properties, to apply to the city government, which will act as the implementing agency. This process includes an initial project evaluation, allocation simulation, and investor solicitation, with the goal of building public confidence through comprehensive government support. The “Urban Renewal Facilitator Project” aims to train professionals, known as urban renewal facilitators, who will work within communities to promote urban renewal from a top-down approach, expanding the city’s capacity for renewal.

In addition, the city government will adopt Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategies for the renewal of old train stations in Taoyuan, Zhongli, and Neili. This approach is expected to maximize urban renewal benefits in older districts and accelerate the transformation of Taoyuan City.

Su highlighted the many innovations in net-zero initiatives that Taoyuan has implemented over the past year. Under the leadership of Mayor Chang Shan-Cheng, who regularly holds net-zero meetings, the city has actively planned short- and mid-term goals focusing on industrial carbon reduction, urban building carbon reduction, and green transportation. The city has also integrated low-carbon guidelines into various major events, demonstrating its commitment to participating in and addressing the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Su further explained that Taoyuan’s industrial and commercial output has reached NT$4.8 trillion, the highest in the country. As the leader in industrial and commercial development trends, Taoyuan faces significant challenges in net-zero transformation. In response to climate change and to achieve the 2050 net-zero target, the city government has identified three core areas: “Industry Transformation Assistance,” “Green Transportation Realization,” and “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.” By using scientific models for assessment, Taoyuan has transparently disclosed carbon emission management risks and opportunities, showcasing a complete and transparent path to net-zero, successfully earning recognition in the CDP Cities’ evaluation.

Su emphasized Taoyuan’s efforts in “Industry Transformation Assistance,” where industries are guided to shift from high-carbon fuels to clean fuels. In 2023, Taoyuan successfully joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, gradually eliminating coal demand and proposing alternatives such as natural gas or electricity. In “Green Transportation Realization,” Taoyuan continues to develop rail transport systems and promote the electrification of transport means. The city has notably improved public transportation usage by introducing the “Happy Mileage 30km” and promoting the T-PASS monthly commuter ticket to boost public transportation growth. Additionally, clear goals have been set for transport electrification, such as fully electrifying city buses by 2030 and ensuring 100% electrification of official vehicles in government agencies and schools.

In the field of “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency,” Taoyuan is in line with national energy stability policies, continuously developing renewable energy and supporting energy storage subsidies to stabilize green energy supply and demand. Taoyuan maintains the highest photovoltaic installation capacity in northern Taiwan. In addition, the city assists industries with greenhouse gas inventories, energy-saving improvements, and the introduction of smart energy management systems through green factories and industrial guidance groups, helping industries gradually achieve net-zero transformation.

AIT Deputy Director Jeremy Cornforth stated that hip-hop culture is a significant cultural link between Taiwan and the United States. He thanked the five artist mentors from the Next Level program for their dedicated guidance, allowing all performers to shine on stage. He also expressed gratitude to the Taoyuan City Government for collaborating to complete this exchange program and jointly promote the inheritance and development of hip-hop culture.

Junious Brickhouse, the director of the Next Level program, noted that this year (2024) marks the 10th tour year of Next Level, and Taiwan is the 56th country on the tour. Establishing connections with local communities is the program’s primary goal. The equipment used in this program will later be transferred to the Taoyuan Art Facilities Management Center for use, with the hope that the Taoyuan City Government will continue to promote hip-hop culture and foster cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the United States.

Mayor Chang mentioned that the Taoyuan City Government hosts a series of indigenous events from May to November each year. Among these, the “Harvest Festival” is an important folk ceremony celebrating the harvest of the indigenous people. The city assists the indigenous communities in all 12 districts of Taoyuan in organizing their Harvest Festival activities. In addition, for the 11 major indigenous groups, the City Government coordinates efforts across the entire community to conduct “Annual Rituals” events. These activities showcase the cumulative life experiences of the tribal members and ensure the traditional cultures of each indigenous group are passed down through generations.

Mayor Chang mentioned many opportunities for exchange and cooperation between the city government and the JCI, especially in the technology industry and youth entrepreneurship policies. He hopes that through this World Congress, Taoyuan’s characteristics can be showcased to the world, and further cooperation can be established with the JCI to enhance Taoyuan’s international visibility.

The 2024 JCI will be held at the Messe Taoyuan from October 29 to November 2, with the theme “Technological Innovation for a Prosperous and Sustainable Future.” The event will include exhibitions, conferences, keynote speeches, workshops, debates, business negotiation meetings, and other activities. It is expected that youth from 120 countries will participate, promoting the city’s international image and industries.

Mayor Chang pointed out that France has a highly developed automotive industry, particularly in advanced electric vehicles, and a strong emphasis on environmental protection. ProLogium choosing France as its beachhead to Europe is seen as the best choice in terms of both industry and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This decision marks a new chapter in technological cooperation between Taiwan and France. He hopes that after today’s plant opening, ProLogium will expand from Taoyuan to the international stage, further extending its reach to the European Union and the world.

The first “THack Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition” with the theme “Technology Can Evolve the Future” not only collaborated with two multinational enterprises, AMD and HTC, to mentor the finalist teams but also created opportunities for cooperation between local Taiwanese start-up teams and multinational enterprises. It attracted active participation from start-up teams through innovative formats and substantial rewards. The event also integrated with the Taoyuan Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, themed “Broaden Perspectives, Expand the Future—Utilize Tools to Enter New Overseas Markets.” The forum invited international-level speakers and panelists, including Edgar Chiu, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SparkLabs Taiwan, a startup accelerator, Anna Yen, CEO of Athemaster, a leading brand in data services, and Philippe Tzou, Commercial Representative of Wallonia and Brussels in the Belgian Office Taipei.

Mayor Chang emphasized that the term of a mayor is limited, and responsible leaders must build a good stage with a long-term vision of 10 to 20 years, attracting excellent talents to contribute to Taoyuan. Over the past year, the city government has been laying the groundwork, hoping to engage more outstanding talents in municipal governance and to ensure the long-term development and impact of policies. He expressed that the governance blueprint he proposed will be so compelling that future administrations, regardless of who is in charge, will be reluctant to abandon it.

 Mayor Chang expressed his deep gratitude for the support of the citizens, referring to recent polls by various media outlets showing over 70% satisfaction with the Taoyuan City Government team. He mentioned that the city government has worked hard over the past year, hoping to gain the recognition of the citizens. The high satisfaction scores, he believes, indicate that the citizens are indeed feeling the impact of their efforts. Mayor Chang also emphasized that good policies should aim for long-term development and impact, not just superficial attractiveness.

Mayor Chang pointed out that a decade ago, Taoyuan’s population was 2.04 million. In the past ten years, it has increased by 270,000. Every day, 2.7 million people commute within the city, and 500,000 people commute between districts. Taoyuan has the highest number of factories among the six special municipalities in Taiwan, with 12,000 factories. In the past decade, the number of motor vehicles has grown by 340,000, the fastest rate among the six special municipalities. In addition, Taoyuan has the highest crude birth rate of 7.71‰ among these special municipalities. These impressive fundamentals mean that Taoyuan is a city poised for growth, but it also faces the growing pains that come with such rapid development.

Mayor Chang explained that Taoyuan’s public transportation system currently only includes the Airport MRT Line, and the city lacks dense public bus routes and expressways built by the city government. Additionally, there is a need to enhance the intelligence and diversification of industries. These are the challenges Taoyuan faces in its quest to become an international city. Therefore, the city government is focusing on six key areas in its administration, aiming to transform Taoyuan into a distinctive city.

Mayor Chang discussed that in addition to improving transportation, one of the six key policy focus areas includes “Asian Silicon Valley” as a future development goal for Taoyuan, emphasizing the need for greater industry diversification. He also mentioned the necessity to continuously strengthen infrastructure such as the city’s hospitals and sewage systems; promote green industries; integrate smart technology into governance, public welfare, and education; and highlight Taoyuan’s natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage in tourism. Under these six main themes, the goal is to ensure a comfortable living environment for citizens and to nurture the most competitive next generation.

Regarding Taoyuan’s future vision, Mayor Chang mentioned that in the “Easy Commuting”, public transportation is an important foundation for Taoyuan’s future. The city government plans to enhance the human-centered transportation network with green vehicles and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), including the ongoing construction of the Metro Green Line and the undergrounding of the Taoyuan Railway. In addition, efforts are being made to obtain approval from the Executive Yuan for several other metro lines, with plans to continue expanding the metro network. Taoyuan also needs inter-regional transportation links. The city government has planned to construct five new expressways, including the City Center Expressway, XinMeiLong, Huan Cheng West Road, TaoBei, and BanLong, along with several major roads, in hopes of developing a more comprehensive regional transportation network in Taoyuan.

Mayor Chang shared that in his first year in office, the city government implemented the Left-Turn Traffic Flow Improvement Plan, using a low budget, intelligence, and creativity to alleviate traffic congestion. This initiative resulted in an average reduction in traffic delay time by one-sixth, with a reduction of about 9 seconds at 10 major intersections. In 2023, Taoyuan also completed the design of 100 left-turn intersections, of which over 80% have already been improved. Other achievements in traffic improvement include the TPASS commuter monthly pass, the opening of the A22 Laojie River metro station, the first 60 minutes of free YouBike, the launch of YouBike 2.0, and the introduction of YouBike 2.0E electric-assist bicycles scheduled for February next year.

In the “Good Job Opportunities”, Mayor Chang pointed out that Taoyuan’s industry is overly dependent on traditional manufacturing, with insufficient levels of smart and diversified development. The city government, following the Executive Yuan’s six core strategic industries, plans to promote various sectors in different areas of Taoyuan, including international logistics, aviation, circular economy, green energy, smart electric vehicles, space satellites, the Asian Silicon Valley, semiconductors, and national defense. The city is also creating a high-quality environment for young entrepreneurs, hoping to enable entrepreneurial teams to excel in areas such as the Metaverse. Efforts are also being made to support the employment of new residents, industry-academic collaboration, and the testing of 3D safety nets on construction sites. In addition, the city government recently announced a groundbreaking “train-to-employment” program for bus drivers, the first of its kind in the country. Next year, a Smart Manufacturing Service Center will be established in 2024. From innovative recruitment strategies to industry transformation, comprehensive plans are in place to lay a solid foundation for a high-quality work environment in Taoyuan.

In the “Excellent Education”, Mayor Chang discussed the development of school campuses, including both hardware and software. On the hardware, many schools are currently facing challenges with overall capacity limits. The city government is continuously striving to promote the expansion of existing schools or the establishment of new ones. Additionally, the Taoyuan Children’s Art Center (QingPu) is scheduled to open soon. The city is also continually improving the construction of school walkways, and a smart technology library is expected to start construction in QingPu next year.

On the software, the city government launched summer camps focusing on science education, ethics, aesthetics, bilingual and language education in this summer, aiming to supplement areas not fully covered by the curriculum. Next year, there are plans to promote after-school science education in remote areas using methods such as distance learning. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the next generation through a combination of both hardware and software improvements. Additionally, the city has introduced policies such as free nutritious lunches for elementary and junior high school students, year-round employment for substitute teachers, and educational grants for five-year-old children.

In the “Quality Living”, Mayor Chang noted that the underground railway corridor will be transformed into an approximately 16-kilometer-long urban greenway, which is expected to become a highlight and drive urban transformation. The city government also plans to develop the coastline into the “Pearl Coast Corridor”. The forests in Taoyuan are also quite beautiful, and the city will open the Dalongmen Corridor and a Forest Experience Corridor. While developing and organizing tourism resources, there may be challenges related to land use, especially in areas like Xinwu and Guanyin. The city government plans to gradually relax the usage regulations to align them with the future vision for tourism, and will continue to seek support from the central government for the establishment of the Beiheng (Northern Cross-Island Highway) National Scenic Area.

Mayor Chang summarized that in the first year of his term, the city government team has completed over 150 major and minor policies, laying a high-quality foundation for the future, and receiving widespread feedback. These include the upcoming unveiling of the Department of Women and Children Development and the expansion of the lung cancer screening program. Next year, at least 179 policies will be launched, and he believes that the citizens also identify deeply with them. Mayor Chang emphasized that to become an international city, future efforts must include spatial transformation, improving the transportation network, diversifying industrial structures, keeping up with international trends toward net-zero carbon emissions, and developing Taoyuan’s tourism ecological green corridor. Taoyuan is ready for this progress.

Mayor Chang also said that in the future, the city government will place a special emphasis on human-centered transportation, including the installation of school walkways, pedestrian crossings, and bicycle lanes. In terms of large-scale construction, efforts will be made to promote projects such as underground sewage systems, municipal parks, and city hospitals. Moreover, digital development is the foundation that supports the creation of a smart city. The city government plans to capitalize on tourism resources and embrace cultural diversity, making Taoyuan an important hub for international connections. By enhancing the city’s internal connectivity, Taoyuan aims to become a globally connected city of technological intelligence and happiness.

Deputy Mayor Wang elaborated that Taoyuan’s “Expanded Lung Cancer Screening Program” is tailored for residents aged 40 and above who belong to high-risk groups due to factors such as smoking, exposure to cooking oil fumes, air pollution, occupational hazards, relevant medical history, or family medical history. The program offers low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Over 21,000 people have applied, with 17,000 completing the screening. Among those screened, 63 individuals were diagnosed with lung cancer, with 82% (52 cases) detected at stages 1 and 2, demonstrating the significance of LDCT as a vital screening tool for early-stage lung cancer. This early detection facilitates prompt intervention and treatment, ultimately reducing mortality rates.

Deputy Mayor Wang also mentioned the city’s subsidy for 17 hospitals to simultaneously adopt AI-assisted reading systems, expediting physicians’ image interpretation. He suggested that central authorities can further plan data integration, information system establishment, and data security maintenance after resolving regulatory and personal privacy issues at the local government level. He hopes for a collaborative model between central and local governments to invest public resources in health prevention, enabling experts and scholars to conduct more comprehensive research.

Deputy Mayor Wang also shared that two Vietnamese migrant workers, who met and fell in love while working in Taoyuan, were celebrating their marriage that day, and he was honored to be a witness for the new couple. The launch ceremony for the inaugural issue of Taoyuan City’s New Immigrant Special Publication was also held. The first issue featured three representative figures symbolizing Vietnam, Mainland China, and Indonesia.

Highlighting the city government’s dedication to the rights and development of new immigrants, Deputy Mayor Wang mentioned that since January 1, 2024, the newly established Department of Women and Children will incorporate the New Immigrants Affairs Section. This integration aims to ensure better cultural integration, educational opportunities, workplace guidance, and activities for new immigrants. This effort intends to create an environment where all new immigrant friends can deeply integrate into Taoyuan’s society, enabling them to receive better care and a more conducive environment for work and family life.

Mayor Chang mentioned that Taoyuan joined the “Powering Past Coal Alliance” and officially announced its membership at the United Nations COP28 held in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in Taoyuan’s environmental governance. In March this year, the city government also introduced the roadmap for Taoyuan’s path towards achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050. He expressed the desire to work collaboratively with various sectors to continually enhance Taoyuan’s air quality, creating a livable environment with good mountains, good water, and good air for the next generation.

Regarding the rise of lung cancer as a major illness among Taiwanese, Mayor Chang highlighted the city’s efforts in expanding lung cancer screening programs. Apart from encouraging screenings for occupational exposure due to air pollution, priority for screening has been given to temple workers. He hoped that by facilitating early detection of lung cancer, residents would not only experience improved air quality but also lead better lives in Taoyuan.