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Ministry of Education Launches Taiwanese Taigi Language Proficiency Testing Overseas
Taiwanese Taigi—also known as Taigi, Taiwanese, Taiwanese Hokkien, Taiwanese Southern Min, Hoklo, and Holo—is the official name of one of the heritage languages of Taiwan, a language that’s spoken or understood by more than half of the population of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education held the Taiwanese Taigi Language Proficiency Test overseas for the first time on December 6, 2025 in the Greater Washington D.C. region, as part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to promote its rich linguistic and cultural diversity internationally. The test was organized by the Ministry and National Taiwan Normal University, and implemented by the Washington D.C. Taiwanese School, with coordination assistance from the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. It was held at the Universities at Shady Grove in Maryland at 9 a.m. local time. Twenty-five people, primarily teachers and students from the Washington D.C. Taiwanese School, registered to sit for the computer-based Version A test, which encompassed the Foundation and Basic levels. This was the first time that this certification test has been held outside Taiwan but all the test procedures, including the system checks, room setup, and invigilation, were conducted using the standardized protocols used in Taiwan. The testing proceeded very smoothly, with all the equipment working well, and an enthusiastic response from the test takers. The successful candidates will receive an official certificate issued by the Ministry, which will be sent to the Washington D.C. Taiwanese School for onward delivery. The introduction of the Taiwanese Taigi Language Proficiency Test to the United States represents a significant step in supporting heritage language learning and multicultural education in overseas communities, and strengthening cultural connections with the younger generation. The Ministry is working to enable more people interested in Taiwan’s languages and culture to engage with, learn, and use Taiwanese Taigi Language. Feedback and the results from this first test held outside Taiwan will serve as a valuable reference for the Ministry when assessing the feasibility of expanding Taiwanese Taigi language proficiency certification testing to additional overseas locations in the future.

Ministry of Education Launches Taiwanese Taigi Language Proficiency Testing Overseas

2026-02-10
Taiwanese Taigi—also known as Taigi, Taiwanese, Taiwanese Hokkien, Taiwanese Southern Min, Hoklo, and Holo—is the official name of one of the heritage languages of Taiwan, a language that’s spoken or understood by more than half of the population of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education held the Taiwanese Taigi Language Proficiency Test overseas for the first time on December 6, 2025 in the Greater Washington D.C. region, as part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to promote its rich linguistic and cultural diversity internationally. The test was organized by the Ministry and National Taiwan Normal University, and implemented by the Washington D.C. Taiwanese School, with coordination assistance from the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. It was held at the Universities at Shady Grove in Maryland at 9 a.m. local time. Twenty-five people, primarily teachers and students from the Washington D.C. Taiwanese School, registered to sit for the computer-based Version A test, which encompassed the Foundation and Basic levels. This was the first time that this certification test has been held outside Taiwan but all the test procedures, including the system checks, room setup, and invigilation, were conducted using the standardized protocols used in Taiwan. The testing proceeded very smoothly, with all the equipment working well, and an enthusiastic response from the test takers. The successful candidates will receive an official certificate issued by the Ministry, which will be sent to the Washington D.C. Taiwanese School for onward delivery. The introduction of the Taiwanese Taigi Language Proficiency Test to the United States represents a significant step in supporting heritage language learning and multicultural education in overseas communities, and strengthening cultural connections with the younger generation. The Ministry is working to enable more people interested in Taiwan’s languages and culture to engage with, learn, and use Taiwanese Taigi Language. Feedback and the results from this first test held outside Taiwan will serve as a valuable reference for the Ministry when assessing the feasibility of expanding Taiwanese Taigi language proficiency certification testing to additional overseas locations in the future.
Taiwanese Volunteers on the New Pathfinder Volunteer Program Bring “Taiwan Wind” to Poland
The Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative was launched by the Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration (YDA) at the beginning of 2025. It has a budget of NTD $10 billion over four years to support young people aged 15 to 30 to broaden their horizons abroad and pursue opportunities on the international stage. Taiwan and Poland are two societies shaped by resilience and shared democratic values with growing ties between them. This is reflected in Taiwan’s YDA and Poland’s Centre for Youth Cooperation and Mobility signing a cooperation agreement to promote educational and cultural exchanges grounded in mutual understanding. The YDA recently expanded its Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative with a new international volunteer project in Gdynia in northern Poland, providing the Taiwanese participants with further opportunities to engage in cultural exchanges. Three Taiwanese volunteers—Lisa Tseng, Yvonne Liu, and Yvette Yang—took part in a European Solidarity Corps project in Gdynia, from November 9 to December 12, 2025. They were welcomed to Poland by Jeff Liu 劉永健, Taiwan's Representative in Poland, and Suzen Tseng, the Director of the Education Division at the Taipei Representative Office in Poland. In Gdynia, the volunteers all worked with the St. Nicolaus Bishop Association, supporting educators working with children and young people. The volunteers collaborated closely with other European volunteers throughout the program, gaining meaningful experience in international service and cultural diplomacy, and showcasing Taiwan’s spirit of openness. One of the highlights for Lisa, Yvonne, and Yvette was their holding lively Taiwan Workshops in local schools that created a vibrant “Taiwan wind” in the community. They introduced Taiwan’s culture and history and played traditional night-market games such as Asian dart kick with the Polish students. They also shared some authentic Taiwanese bubble tea. YDA continues to be committed to empowering young people to engage globally, promote mutual understanding, and contribute to Taiwan’s international presence through volunteering.

Taiwanese Volunteers on the New Pathfinder Volunteer Program Bring “Taiwan Wind” to Poland

2026-02-10
The Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative was launched by the Ministry of Education’s Youth Development Administration (YDA) at the beginning of 2025. It has a budget of NTD $10 billion over four years to support young people aged 15 to 30 to broaden their horizons abroad and pursue opportunities on the international stage. Taiwan and Poland are two societies shaped by resilience and shared democratic values with growing ties between them. This is reflected in Taiwan’s YDA and Poland’s Centre for Youth Cooperation and Mobility signing a cooperation agreement to promote educational and cultural exchanges grounded in mutual understanding. The YDA recently expanded its Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative with a new international volunteer project in Gdynia in northern Poland, providing the Taiwanese participants with further opportunities to engage in cultural exchanges. Three Taiwanese volunteers—Lisa Tseng, Yvonne Liu, and Yvette Yang—took part in a European Solidarity Corps project in Gdynia, from November 9 to December 12, 2025. They were welcomed to Poland by Jeff Liu 劉永健, Taiwan's Representative in Poland, and Suzen Tseng, the Director of the Education Division at the Taipei Representative Office in Poland. In Gdynia, the volunteers all worked with the St. Nicolaus Bishop Association, supporting educators working with children and young people. The volunteers collaborated closely with other European volunteers throughout the program, gaining meaningful experience in international service and cultural diplomacy, and showcasing Taiwan’s spirit of openness. One of the highlights for Lisa, Yvonne, and Yvette was their holding lively Taiwan Workshops in local schools that created a vibrant “Taiwan wind” in the community. They introduced Taiwan’s culture and history and played traditional night-market games such as Asian dart kick with the Polish students. They also shared some authentic Taiwanese bubble tea. YDA continues to be committed to empowering young people to engage globally, promote mutual understanding, and contribute to Taiwan’s international presence through volunteering.
New England Mandarin Educators Gather for Professional Development Featuring Use of AI for Teaching
The Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston hosted a Teachers’ Day Banquet and Empowerment for Mandarin Teaching on October 8, 2025, at the UMass Club. It was designed to strengthen the professional networks of local Mandarin teachers, support exchanges of effective teaching practices, and express appreciation for their longstanding dedication to promoting the teaching of Mandarin and promoting Taiwanese culture throughout the United States. It was attended by two distinguished scholars from Taiwan and almost forty Mandarin educators from across the New England region. The keynote presentations were given by the two scholars: Professor Hong Jia-Fei 洪嘉馡, Associate Dean of the College of International Studies and Social Sciences and Chair of the Department of Chinese as a Second Language at National Taiwan Normal University, and Assistant Professor Chang Yu-Hsin 張于忻, Director of the ASEAN and Overseas Chinese Affairs Research Center at the University of Taipei. Professor Hong spoke about bringing a wide range of approaches to curriculum design, and how AI and digital technologies can be integrated into teaching Mandarin, sharing her practical innovative ideas. Mandarin educators play a vital role in cultural exchange and language education across the region. This event celebrated their passion and commitment, and the keynote presentations on innovative approaches to Mandarin curriculum design inspired the participants and fostered more collaboration and networking.

New England Mandarin Educators Gather for Professional Development Featuring Use of AI for Teaching

2026-02-10
The Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Boston hosted a Teachers’ Day Banquet and Empowerment for Mandarin Teaching on October 8, 2025, at the UMass Club. It was designed to strengthen the professional networks of local Mandarin teachers, support exchanges of effective teaching practices, and express appreciation for their longstanding dedication to promoting the teaching of Mandarin and promoting Taiwanese culture throughout the United States. It was attended by two distinguished scholars from Taiwan and almost forty Mandarin educators from across the New England region. The keynote presentations were given by the two scholars: Professor Hong Jia-Fei 洪嘉馡, Associate Dean of the College of International Studies and Social Sciences and Chair of the Department of Chinese as a Second Language at National Taiwan Normal University, and Assistant Professor Chang Yu-Hsin 張于忻, Director of the ASEAN and Overseas Chinese Affairs Research Center at the University of Taipei. Professor Hong spoke about bringing a wide range of approaches to curriculum design, and how AI and digital technologies can be integrated into teaching Mandarin, sharing her practical innovative ideas. Mandarin educators play a vital role in cultural exchange and language education across the region. This event celebrated their passion and commitment, and the keynote presentations on innovative approaches to Mandarin curriculum design inspired the participants and fostered more collaboration and networking.
2026 TiBE Opens at Taipei World Trade Center
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) kicked off the 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition (TiBE), themed “Reading is Amazing (閱讀泰精彩),” on Feb. 3 at the Taipei World Trade Center. During the ceremony, President Lai Ching-te spoke about the importance of reading and referenced the MOC’s Culture Points program, which encourages young people to purchase books. He also mentioned initiatives aimed at increasing children’s access to reading resources through efforts by the ministry and cultural organizations. Minister of Culture Li Yuan said that Thailand, the guest of honor for this year’s exhibition, has a history of cultural exchange with Taiwan in areas including literature, comics, film, and music. He also described TiBE as a platform for showcasing Taiwanese publications internationally while introducing overseas works to local readers. Representative Boonsatheanwong said the Thailand Pavilion presents a selection of publications that highlight Thailand’s cultural perspectives and creative output through various themes and narratives. The 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition will run through Feb. 8 at the Taipei World Trade Center. For more information, visit TiBE’s official website.

2026 TiBE Opens at Taipei World Trade Center

2026-02-04
The Ministry of Culture (MOC) kicked off the 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition (TiBE), themed “Reading is Amazing (閱讀泰精彩),” on Feb. 3 at the Taipei World Trade Center. During the ceremony, President Lai Ching-te spoke about the importance of reading and referenced the MOC’s Culture Points program, which encourages young people to purchase books. He also mentioned initiatives aimed at increasing children’s access to reading resources through efforts by the ministry and cultural organizations. Minister of Culture Li Yuan said that Thailand, the guest of honor for this year’s exhibition, has a history of cultural exchange with Taiwan in areas including literature, comics, film, and music. He also described TiBE as a platform for showcasing Taiwanese publications internationally while introducing overseas works to local readers. Representative Boonsatheanwong said the Thailand Pavilion presents a selection of publications that highlight Thailand’s cultural perspectives and creative output through various themes and narratives. The 2026 Taipei International Book Exhibition will run through Feb. 8 at the Taipei World Trade Center. For more information, visit TiBE’s official website.
NMTL and Monomyth Present Book from 10th Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) and publishing house Monomyth (英雄旅程股份有限公司) jointly held a book launch on Feb. 1 to present Time: A Journey Towards the Light (時：旅程未竟，光景猶存), a collection featuring winning works from the 10th Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants (移民工文學獎). NMTL Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) said that the award, now in its tenth year, has contributed to the development of migrant literature in Taiwan. Under the theme “Time,” the collection reflects how the authors depict their interactions with Taiwanese society through personal experiences and reflection. The event included readings and sharing by award recipients Chen Ming-he (陳明合, Trần Minh Hợp) and Liu Chuan (劉川, เขมณัช สีหวัลลภ). Chen’s work, Silt (淤泥), portrays a second-generation Taiwanese-Vietnamese individual whose relationship with his mother and hometown becomes distant due to language barriers. The story follows his efforts to reconnect with his mother tongue, family and cultural roots. Liu’s Showered already? (洗澡了嗎) is based on his experiences working in Taiwan and describes challenges related to workplace pressure and discrimination. The narrative focuses on his decision to leave his work environment and return to his hometown to seek a different future. Liu said he plans to continue writing in the hope of making Taiwan a more inslusive society. ­

NMTL and Monomyth Present Book from 10th Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants

2026-02-04
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature (NMTL) and publishing house Monomyth (英雄旅程股份有限公司) jointly held a book launch on Feb. 1 to present Time: A Journey Towards the Light (時：旅程未竟，光景猶存), a collection featuring winning works from the 10th Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants (移民工文學獎). NMTL Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) said that the award, now in its tenth year, has contributed to the development of migrant literature in Taiwan. Under the theme “Time,” the collection reflects how the authors depict their interactions with Taiwanese society through personal experiences and reflection. The event included readings and sharing by award recipients Chen Ming-he (陳明合, Trần Minh Hợp) and Liu Chuan (劉川, เขมณัช สีหวัลลภ). Chen’s work, Silt (淤泥), portrays a second-generation Taiwanese-Vietnamese individual whose relationship with his mother and hometown becomes distant due to language barriers. The story follows his efforts to reconnect with his mother tongue, family and cultural roots. Liu’s Showered already? (洗澡了嗎) is based on his experiences working in Taiwan and describes challenges related to workplace pressure and discrimination. The narrative focuses on his decision to leave his work environment and return to his hometown to seek a different future. Liu said he plans to continue writing in the hope of making Taiwan a more inslusive society. ­