AGP Executive Report

LGBTQ+ Education Watch: A new survey of over 1,700 LGBTQ+ middle and high school students in Taiwan finds more students feel safer than in 2020, but harassment and bullying haven’t really moved—verbal abuse is still common, and transgender students report the highest fear, with limited access to all-gender toilets. Gender & School Policy: Taiwan’s legislature codifies menstrual product provision in schools, aiming to make earlier efforts legally enforceable and strengthen oversight. Cross-Strait Cultural Politics: Taiwan accuses China of silencing political dissent after Hong Kong pro-democracy activists are convicted under national security laws, with calls for their release. Immigration & Identity: A China-born Catholic priest who became a U.S. citizen has been naturalized as a Taiwanese citizen after clearing paperwork tied to his birthplace. Arts & Performance: “Taiwan Season: Under Mask” at the Edinburgh Fringe spotlights identity through masked dance, while “Born Sexy Yesterday” uses a sci-fi “supreme being” premise to challenge rigid roles for women. Tech-Driven Lifestyle: Taiwan plans an “AI dividend” cash payment for every citizen next year, framed as a way to share gains from the AI and semiconductor boom. Music Community Building: FORMOSOUND debuts in the Pacific Northwest on Aug. 29, bringing Taiwanese artists and an all-ages, free lineup to support LGBTQ+ and AAPI community ties.

AI Dividend & Semiconductors: Taiwan is set to hand every resident NT$10,000 next year as an “AI dividend,” with the plan tied to the island’s booming chip and high-performance computing economy. Education & Health Policy: Taiwan codified free menstrual products in schools, strengthening the School Health Act with legal oversight, while also pushing broader menstrual equity measures. Cross-Strait Rights Pressure: Taiwan accused China of silencing political dissent, as Hong Kong’s national security crackdown continues to draw international condemnation. Immigration & Identity: A China-born Catholic priest serving in Taiwan for two decades became a Taiwanese citizen after clearing red tape over household registration cancellation. Language & Classroom Reality: A debate over “Bilingual 2030” highlights that English-medium instruction is not the same as teaching English—and that classroom practice needs more than policy slogans. Indigenous Cultural Debate: The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy faced criticism over Indigenous cultural appropriation, including an AI “ambassador” depicted with Paiwan symbols without consultation. Labor Rights: Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor will investigate allegations of forced labor and wage theft by a labor agency supplying Indonesian technicians to renewable energy projects. Culture in Motion: FORMOSOUND debuts in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Taiwanese music and community-building to Seattle-area audiences.

AI Dividend & Tech Economy: Taiwan plans to give every citizen NT$10,000 (about US$314) in 2027, framing it as an “AI dividend” from the semiconductor and AI boom—now awaiting legislative approval. Education & Gender Equity: Taiwan’s Legislature amended the School Health Act to require schools to stock free menstrual products and strengthen menstrual health education, while also tightening rules on emerging tobacco products. Energy Poverty in Indigenous Areas: A National Taiwan University study finds energy poverty hits 52.2% of disadvantaged indigenous households in designated areas, with higher arrears and seasonal cost spikes. Culture & Community: FORMOSOUND debuts in Redmond, Washington on Aug. 29, bringing Taiwanese music and a safe, inclusive space for Taiwanese, AAPI, and LGBTQ+ communities. Martial Arts Heritage: The NTD International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Competition in New York spotlighted “wude” (martial virtue) as much as medals. Cross-Strait & International Ties: Taiwan’s pushback over the Gwangju Biennale “Taiwan Pavilion” name dispute continues amid broader cultural-political pressure. Human Rights Spotlight: A Hong Kong court convicted Tiananmen vigil organizers Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, drawing global condemnation.

Menstrual Equity in Schools: Taiwan’s Legislature amended the School Health Act to require schools to help stock free menstrual products and deliver menstrual health education, aiming to cut period poverty and improve gender-equal support. Local Culture & Travel: Hsinchu City brings its “Hsinchu Way” food, culture, and experiences to Singapore’s NATAS travel fair to grow international tourism interest. Children’s Literature for Sustainability: A three-day Asian children’s literature convention opens in Tainan, linking books and reading to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Cross-Strait City Diplomacy: Representatives from major Taiwanese cities announce a cross-party alliance to strengthen local governance and “city diplomacy” abroad. Hong Kong Rights Case: Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council calls for the immediate release of two Hong Kong pro-democracy activists convicted under the national security law for organizing Tiananmen vigil events. Taiwan in the Spotlight Abroad: A Taiwan culinary promotion tour highlights shared Chinese-community food culture in Seoul, with Taiwanese chefs teaching dishes and techniques. Health & Lifestyle Lens: An as-told-to essay spotlights how a 93-year-old father’s simple, movement-first habits shape long-term well-being.

Education & STEM Workforce: A $3 million NSF Robert Noyce grant is backing a rural-and–American Indian educator fellowship in Montana, funding master’s study for STEM teachers like Christopher Quinlivan and supporting 26 fellows to strengthen classroom science. Cross-Strait Cultural Politics: At a Wuhan seminar, mainland scholars argued that a “sound” Chinese national identity is key to cross-Strait ties, while warning Taiwan’s DPP is distorting identity through “Taiwan independence” narratives. Youth Exchange & Soft Diplomacy: The Saint Kitts and Nevis embassy ran “SKN LOVE–SISA” student camps in Taiwan, pairing history, music, and sustainable-island themes with people-to-people links. Pop Culture & Toys: A Beyblade resurgence is spreading across Hong Kong and Taiwan as “kidults” fuel toy sales, with local battle culture popping up in public spaces. Arts & Identity in the Biennale: Taiwan participants at the Gwangju Biennale accuse organizers of censoring the pavilion title (“Taiwan Pavilion” vs “NTMoFA Pavilion”), while the biennale calls it an administrative convention. Media & Health Literacy: A clinician warns that AI chatbots can deliver confident, specific healthcare misinformation—like wrong recovery timelines and outdated procedure instructions—so patients need careful guidance. Taiwan in Global Tourism: Malaysia’s MATTA Fair names Taiwan an “International Favourite Destination,” citing rising arrivals and deepening travel ties. Film History on Screen: “The Day the War Ended” highlights Taiwanese experiences of WWII under Japanese rule, using interviews to preserve memories and connect them to today.

Gwangju Biennale Row: Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture says it will “firmly participate” under the name “Taiwan Pavilion,” after the biennale’s organizers removed the agreed label and the dispute escalated into a wider diplomacy fight. Cross-Strait Screen Cooperation: A Beijing forum drew 170+ industry figures to discuss closer Taiwan–mainland film and TV ties, with participants pointing to shared cultural themes and new mainland support for family-and-everyday-life stories. Global Mobility Friction: Taiwan’s MOFA says Uganda returned passports to four Taiwanese nationals after earlier withholding at Entebbe, with officials citing “one China” rules for entry stamps. Culture & Heritage in Taipei: Taiwan’s former air force command HQ has been repurposed as a cultural base, with the “Skyward 2026” multimedia initiative set to bring arts programming to the site. Education & Exchange: Students in Taiwan joined summer camps hosted by St. Kitts and Nevis’ embassy, learning island-state culture and sustainable development through music, crafts, and debates. Health Research Note: A Taiwan-based cohort study reports paternal valproate exposure wasn’t linked to autism or ADHD in offspring, offering reassurance for some families. Tech & Industry Spotlight: Micron unveiled “Micron Research Labs” in Boise with a planned $10B investment, while Taiwan’s manufacturing news highlights precision bicycle and EV-motor supply chains.

Cross-Strait Politics & Security: Taiwan’s international enrolment hit a record 140,420 in 2025/26 (+17%), with Vietnam driving much of the growth as Taiwan pushes toward a 320,000 international-student goal by 2030. Public Health & Family Life: A new study in Neurology reports that fathers’ valproate use before conception is not linked to autism or ADHD risk in children, nor to birth defects—adding nuance to long-running concerns about the drug. Education & Governance: Communications experts urged lawmakers to speed up reviews of nominees for Taiwan’s National Communications Commission, warning the leadership vacuum is already slowing approvals and license renewals. Culture & Identity: Tainan has registered the first mother-daughter Siraya cases under Taiwan’s new Indigenous recognition system, marking a milestone for identity and community history. Lifestyle & Inclusion: HSBC Taiwan became the first firm in Taiwan to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, rolling out Sunflower wristbands across all branches to support customers with non-visible disabilities. Media & Society: A new survey finds 28.9% of never-married Taiwanese have also never been in a relationship, with many reporting they’re not currently dating. Diplomacy & Influence: Taiwan’s OCAC says China has compromised overseas Taiwanese diaspora groups, including through infiltration and pressure tactics. Arts & Entertainment: The Taiwanese drama “Fired Up!” is set to rekindle overseas interest, bringing Mandopop star Eric Chou and a restaurant-centered story to Filipino audiences.

Inclusive Finance: HSBC Taiwan becomes the first firm in Taiwan to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, rolling out Sunflower wristbands at all 26 branches from Aug. 18 to help customers with non-visible disabilities get support without having to explain personal details. Art & Identity Clash: Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture rejects the Gwangju Biennale Foundation’s claim about how the “Taiwan Pavilion” was approved, as the dispute over renaming the pavilion to “NTMoFA Pavilion” sparks fresh accusations of political censorship. Indigenous Recognition: Tainan registers a mother and daughter as the first officially recognized Siraya people under national law, marking a major milestone after the Siraya were recognized as Taiwan’s 17th Indigenous group on July 30. Culture Abroad: Kaohsiung’s Taiwan Chorus performs in Dublin as part of “Taiwan Culture in Europe,” bringing more than 10 Taiwanese songs and reinforcing cultural ties with Ireland. Lifestyle & Travel: IHG expands in Taiwan with five new hotel signings, including the first HUALUXE brand in the country, aiming to match travelers’ tastes for heritage, tea culture, and hot-spring getaways. Tech & Education: Taiwan selects “A Foggy Tale” as its Best International Feature Oscar entry, set during the White Terror and focused on everyday life under political repression.

Taiwan in the spotlight abroad: TAIWANfest returns to downtown Vancouver Sept. 5–7 with “Islands in the Wind,” spotlighting connections between Taiwan, Canada and Scotland, and programming that highlights LGBTQ+ visibility through music and literature. Music industry cross-border push: Taipei Music Expo 2026 (Aug. 27–30) will blend a Taiwan music market with JAM JAM ASIA, featuring 80+ acts from 14 markets, plus a TMEX Forum headlined by the creative team behind Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters.” Culture & film: Taiwan’s Oscar submission is set—“A Foggy Tale” (大濛) was chosen to represent Taiwan at next year’s Academy Awards, with the Ministry of Culture praising its portrayal of the 1950s White Terror era. Local heritage in focus: Alishan’s Tree Spirit Pagoda marks Ghost Month with rituals honoring the spirits of 100,000 trees felled during Japanese colonial logging. Tech + everyday life: President Lai announced a universal NT$10,000 (about US$314) “AI dividend” cash handout for 2027, tied to Taiwan’s AI- and semiconductor-driven growth. Integrative health study: A University Hospitals study links who is more likely to use Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine during IVF, pointing to chronic pain and recurrent pregnancy loss as key factors. Diplomacy and travel friction: Uganda’s denial of entry to Taiwanese travelers continues to draw international pushback, with Taiwan’s MOFA thanking IPAC and partners for speaking out. Workplace readiness for AI agents: An explainer from Taipei’s AI WAVE SHOW argues Taiwan is shifting from AI tools to AI “digital employees,” raising new questions about how people supervise and divide work. Education and language: Glenwood Elementary’s Mandarin program faces community concerns as it welcomes new teachers, including staff supporting K–5 adaptive needs.

Taiwan in Film & Awards: Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture selected Chen Yu-hsun’s A Foggy Tale (大濛) as the island’s Oscars submission, praising its vivid characters and White Terror-era perspective on ordinary people. Cultural Heritage & Memory: Alishan’s “Tree Spirit Pagoda” marks the spirits of 100,000 trees felled during Japanese colonial logging, with Ghost Month rituals evolving from Shinto to Taoist practice. Art & Identity: Taiwanese-American filmmaker Shu Lea Cheang’s LOVER LOVE opens at Leslie-Lohman Museum, using interactive, multi-screen animation to center transgender and gender-nonconforming dreams and experiences. Politics & Daily Life: Taiwan Premier Cho refused to countersign two opposition-backed bills, deepening a legislature standoff while debate continues over a proposed NT$10,000 cash handout. Women’s Rights Legacy: A look back at the 1987 workplace protest against rules forcing women to leave jobs at 30 or when pregnant highlights how Taiwan’s gender equality push gained momentum. Education & Culture Exchange: Taiwan and South Korea expand library cooperation in Busan, including book donations and a new MoU to boost lifelong learning and reading promotion. Indigenous Stewardship (Commentary): An op-ed argues Indigenous food sovereignty is a practical, living conservation strategy that links biodiversity, cultural continuity, and well-being. Tech & Skills: Taiwan-backed skills programs are set for major 2027 expansion, with a focus on TVET pathways into certification and employment.

Higher Education & Demographics: Taiwan’s first-year university intake is projected to drop 26.3% by 2041, falling from about 205,000 entrants this year to roughly 151,000, as the birth rate keeps sliding and the country stays in a long population decline. Education Policy: The Executive Yuan won’t countersign the opposition-backed Youth Development and Future Account Act, citing constitutional concerns over corporate sponsorship funds and potential wealth-gap effects, while the government says it will stick with family support measures approved earlier. Politics & Daily Life: President Lai’s planned universal NT$10,000 cash handout for next year sparks fresh KMT criticism of “double standards,” as the debate over fiscal priorities and election timing heats up. Workplace & Culture: Teacher unions push back on revised rules that would let foreign teachers handle life, arts and crafts, PE, and health classes, warning it could dilute the “each subject is worth the same” approach. Culture & Community: Taiwan Pride’s drag queen Nymphia Wind joins a beach cleanup, adding a visible, joyful civic layer to Pride activities. Science & Society: A study flags that 16.1% of references in Taiwanese academic articles may include citation errors or AI-made-up sources, raising new integrity worries for researchers.

Universal NT$10,000 Cash Handout: President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan’s 2027 budget will include NT$235.7 billion to fund a universal NT$10,000 cash payment, framed as an “AI dividend,” with details on eligibility and timing still pending. Political Pushback: The KMT calls it a “double standard,” arguing the DPP’s stance on fiscal discipline has shifted and warning about election timing. Family Policy Clash: Premier Cho Jung-tai declined to countersign the opposition’s Special Act on Taiwan Future Accounts, citing constitutional concerns over corporate sponsorship funds and potential wealth-gap widening. Hot Springs & Healing Tourism: The 2026–27 “Greetings from Taiwan Springs” campaign launches with 19 spring destinations, cultural tours, and a year-round wellness pitch, kicking off Sept. 4 in Taichung. Arts & Residency: Casa Wabi x ArtReview announced its 2026–27 residency prize winners, spotlighting sound, feminist listening, and public-facing spectacle. Drag & Pride Activism: Drag queen Nymphia Wind joined a northeastern coast beach cleanup, aiming to turn ocean trash into a Pride parade statement. Pet-Friendly Lifestyle: New Taipei opened “Happy Cat Home,” a cat-friendly education and demonstration space to help adopters learn care needs before committing. Film & Music: Julián De La Chica’s PIRET blends editing and original composition, leaning into memory, displacement, and existential “abyss.” Food Culture Abroad: Japan’s Ootoya plans to accelerate overseas openings, betting on demand for more authentic Japanese set-meal culture.

Women in Industry: Dimerco Express chair Catherine Chien was named a 2026 Women in Supply Chain Trailblazer, spotlighting mentorship and leadership in Taiwan’s logistics ecosystem. Culture & Identity: Taiwanese artists and the culture ministry are protesting the Gwangju Biennale’s renaming of the “Taiwan Pavilion” to “NTMoFA,” calling it political censorship and an attack on self-identification. Education & Wellbeing: A Kaohsiung elementary teacher’s death has reignited debate over workplace stress and whether schools offer enough support before conflicts escalate, with calls for stronger legal protections for educators. Culture Funding: Taiwan’s culture sector is bracing for impact after lawmakers cut the Ministry of Culture’s publicity budget and reduced support for public media, with officials warning Taiwan’s “voice” is being weakened. Wildlife Conservation: A look at Taiwan’s evolving wildlife protection shows how international pressure helped drive major reforms, from ending illicit wildlife trade to building credibility. Lifestyle Tech: Blue light blocking glasses are trending as remote work and screen time rise, with experts stressing they’re helpful for comfort and sleep routines—not a substitute for proper vision care. Global Learning Links: Taiwan is offering scholarships and stipends to students abroad, including a new batch of Haitian scholarship recipients headed to Taiwan for 2026–2027 studies.

Taiwan in International Culture: Taiwanese artists and curators protested the Gwangju Biennale’s “political censorship” of the Taiwan Pavilion name, saying “Taiwan” was swapped for “NTMoFA” without notice. Education & Talent: Taiwan’s team won 1 gold and 2 silvers at the International Olympiad in Informatics, with medalists eligible for cash rewards and direct university admissions. Sports & Youth Exchange: The Starlight 2026 youth basketball tournament wrapped in Singapore with 50 teams from 10 regions, including Chinese Taipei, plus new coach workshops and player development sessions. Tourism & Lifestyle: Taiwan’s Tourism Administration promoted “Taiwan Day 2026” in the Philippines with a free Aug. 22-23 event at One Ayala, plus a “Taiwan 100 Ways” creator campaign and short-video contest. Culture & Community: Taiwan showcased Indigenous Tsou dance and other performances at a Taiwan Travel Fair in Jakarta under the “Taiwan Never Closes” theme. Local Life: Kenting National Park in Pingtung saw a deadly hornet attack that killed two hikers and left a third with severe kidney damage. Demographics & Education Planning: Taiwan projects university freshmen will drop from 205,000 now to 151,000 by 2041-42, pushing schools to adjust admission quotas.

Taiwan Scholarships Abroad: 46 Haitian students (2026–2027) were selected for Taiwan study, with 43 under the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship Program and 3 via ICDF, as the Taiwan Embassy in Haiti presented certificates. Legislative Budget Crunch: Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature finally passed the 2026 central government budget after a record delay, approving about US$93B with roughly 1.7% cuts and heated debate over cabinet spending. Education Demographics: Taiwan’s university freshman intake is projected to drop 26.34% by 2041–42, from 205,000 now to 151,000, pushing the MOE to adjust admission quotas. Tourism & Culture Promotion: Taiwan’s “Taiwan Day 2026” kicks off in Manila (Aug. 22–23) with free entry, creator-led “Taiwan 100 Ways” content, and cultural performances; Jakarta also hosts a Taiwan Travel Fair themed “Taiwan Never Closes.” Local Lifestyle & Health: Blue light blocking glasses are being marketed as a practical help for heavy screen users—supporting evening rest by protecting melatonin, though not replacing proper vision care. Safety in Nature: Two hikers died in a hornet attack in Kenting, Pingtung, while a third was left with severe kidney damage. Arts & Heritage: The 9th NTD International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Competition wrapped in New York, awarding silver, bronze, and special prizes across traditional styles.

Taiwan Tourism & Culture Promotion: Taiwan is pushing “Taiwan Never Closes” at a three-day tourism expo in Jakarta, with Taiwan-themed photo spots, quizzes, and performances including Tsou dances from Alishan and a diabolo act, as the island aims to draw more Indonesian visitors. Education Demographics: Taiwan’s Ministry of Education projects university freshmen will drop from 205,000 now to 151,000 by 2041-42, a 26.34% fall, prompting admission quota adjustments and more voluntary enrollment reductions. Local Safety & Nature: In Kenting National Park, a hornet attack killed two hikers and left a third woman with severe kidney damage, after the trio set out for a one-day hike ahead of an ecological education event. Cross-Strait & Governance: KMT caucus leader Fu Kun-chi calls the Legislature’s 2026 central budget cuts a “gesture of great goodwill,” while the Cabinet says the cuts are irrational—highlighting ongoing political friction over funding priorities. International Cultural Exchange: Taiwan ICDF marked its 30th anniversary with a book launch tracing how the fund evolved from traditional aid into a platform linking Taiwan’s tech and expertise with global development needs. Lifestyle & Wellness: A new mainstream wellness angle is spreading around blue light blocking glasses, pitched as helpful for heavy screen users—especially in the evening to support more natural sleep.