AGP Executive Report

Cultural Revival in New Taipei: Sanxia locals and students brought back a land-based dragon boat race on Sanxia Old Street using recycled inflatable boats, blending community spirit with heritage tourism. Hong Kong Media Memory: A Taipei exhibition, “Backing Up Apple, Recording Hong Kong,” opened with archives and memorabilia from the defunct Apple Daily, marking the paper’s 2021 shutdown and drawing strong reactions from visitors. Cross-Border Performing Arts: Hong Kong’s K-Stage Festival kicks off with South Korean shows after a Taiwan debut, spotlighting everything from Dream High to a taekwondo-meets-performance production. Digital Rights Under Pressure: RightsCon 2026 was abruptly cancelled after Zambia’s government intervention, raising alarms about shrinking civic space and threats to human rights and digital freedoms. Taiwan-U.S. Cooperation Abroad: Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister met the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Paraguay to discuss expanding ties, including AI computing, Mandarin education, and cybersecurity. Education and Indoctrination Row: A parent in Taiwan sparked backlash after a kindergarten graduation song was linked to CCP centenary messaging, prompting a MAC response and a Taipei education probe. Sports Culture Shift: A CPBL analysis says cheerleading has become a major “demand shifter,” reshaping how Taiwanese pro baseball entertainment drives attention and attendance. Human Rights Lawmaking: Taiwan lawmakers held a hearing on tougher forced organ harvesting safeguards, aiming to close loopholes that could enable transplant tourism. Tech and Health Industry Watch: New reports highlight rapid growth in lab automation and wearable heart monitoring markets, reflecting continued momentum in biotech and healthcare innovation.

Forced Organ Harvesting Law: Taiwan lawmakers held a June 17 hearing on tougher rules to prevent forced organ harvesting and transplant tourism, warning that “laws on the books” still need loophole-proof implementation. AI in Education: NTU disqualified a medical exam candidate for using AI smart glasses to cheat, a first-of-its-kind case that spotlights how fast new tech is reshaping exam integrity. Pro AV Goes AI: At InfoComm 2026, Taiwan’s “Taiwan AI Island” push showcased AI-enabled Pro AV systems from Taiwan Excellence winners, aiming to move from hardware to practical, software-defined ecosystems. Start-ups at VivaTech: Thirty-four Taiwanese AI start-ups pitched at the Taiwan Pavilion in Paris, seeking orders and business deals as Taiwan builds out its tech supply chain. Tourism & Lifestyle: Taiwan is stepping up efforts to attract Filipino travelers after strong Q1 growth, pitching Taiwanese food, culture, and lifestyle to independent visitors. US-Taiwan Ties: President Lai met US House representatives to deepen defense, technology, and industry cooperation, including a push for US action on double-taxation rules. Culture & Identity: A new look at Taiwan’s baseball identity traces how “Chinese Taipei” has become more contested as more people identify as Taiwanese. Human Interest: A missing 11-year-old was rescued after being spotted floating at sea on polystyrene off Zhunan Township, with details still under review.

Taiwan Tech at VivaTech: Taiwan’s pavilion in Paris is spotlighting AI startups and “smart life” solutions, with 34 companies aiming to win orders and partnerships as the Taiwan Tech Arena pushes its startup ecosystem into Europe. Enterprise AV with AI: BenQ is pitching a shift from display hardware to remotely managed “total solutions,” using AI-enabled products to expand deeper into enterprise markets. EVA Air Safety: EVA Air received AirlineRatings.com’s Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating, praising its disciplined pre-departure safety culture. Ocean Diplomacy Row: Taiwan says Kenya detained Taiwanese ocean delegates for nearly 20 hours and confiscated phones and passports, alleging China pressured Kenya to block participation—while Kenya defends its actions. Queer Art in Seoul: “Spectrosynthesis Seoul” brings queer histories into public view in a major institutional exhibition touring from Taipei and beyond. Immigration Crackdown: The Philippines’ immigration bureau arrested four Taiwanese over alleged illegal entry, with claims they were wanted or had prior records. Lifestyle Market Culture: A Taiwan-born creative collective, Common Rare, is bringing its slow-living indie market vibe to Singapore with 200+ global brands. Global Supply Chains & Rights: A report highlights widespread migrant worker abuse tied to profit-driven supply chains, calling out systemic incentives behind human rights violations.

Taiwan–Kenya Diplomatic Clash: Taiwan says Kenya deported Taiwanese delegates and detained a scholar for nearly 20 hours ahead of the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, calling it “barbaric obstruction” and blaming pressure from Beijing. Cross-Strait & Indigenous Sea Culture: The Tao people’s hand-carved “Golden Friendship” longboat set sail from Orchid Island to the Philippines’ Batanes, reviving an ancestral sea route after 300 years, with cultural performances and official welcomes in Batanes. Human Rights & Safety at Home: Kaohsiung immigration officials rescued five Thai trafficking victims and recovered 47 Thai passports tied to a Facebook-brokered syndicate, while Taiwan’s main opposition leader faces U.S. meeting snubs over defense budget politics. Cultural Sensitivity Backlash: Lululemon apologized after a Great Wall yoga event sparked outrage over a drum critics said resembled a Japanese taiko, removing related promotions. Lifestyle & Career Pathways: ModelGlance expanded its verified modeling agency directory to 19 countries, targeting scams that charge young hopefuls for fake “castings.” Tech & Culture in the Spotlight: Foxconn debuted humanoid robots in Europe at VivaTech and announced a Czech-to-France AI supercomputer component milestone. Arts & Photography: Art Basel’s early standouts and the Royal Photographic Society’s 167th International Photography Exhibition selections highlight identity, memory, conflict, and community themes.

Austronesian Heritage Voyage: Twenty Tao men launched a hand-carved longboat from Taiwan’s Orchid Island toward the Philippines’ Batanes, reviving an ancestral sea route after 300 years, with cultural performances and customs processing marking the journey. Colonial Memory & Militarism: A debate over how Japan’s colonial crimes in Taiwan are remembered is intensifying, as some politicians amplify “affinity” narratives while Taiwan marks the “Day of Shame” differently. Indigenous Film Spotlight: Filmmaker Cole Forrest discussed ImagineNATIVE’s Indigenous storytelling, including his work “Convenience Store NDN Zombie,” as the festival wrapped after two weeks of global programming. LGBTQ+ Visibility: Pride celebrations worldwide were framed as resistance and community power, with Pride’s visibility defended amid ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ laws and rhetoric. Cross-Border Culture Clash: A Taiwan-linked scholar detention dispute with Kenya over a maritime conference highlights how politics can spill into international cultural and academic events. Sports & Identity: South Korea’s Kang Sohwi powered a title run, sweeping Chinese Taipei in the AVC Women’s Cup and aiming to rebuild momentum ahead of the Asian Games. Fashion as Tribute: Michelle Obama wore a custom skirt honoring her late mother, spotlighting how clothing can carry personal and cultural messages.

Cross-Strait Culture & Heritage: Taiwan’s Tao people on Orchid Island have launched a hand-carved canoe voyage to the Philippines’ Batanes, reviving an ancestral sea route after 300 years and aiming to keep shared languages and culture alive. Indigenous Arts Exchange: A Taiwan-France contemporary dance collaboration, “BRUT,” is staged at Czechia’s KoresponDance festival, spotlighting themes of labor, power, and obedience with Taiwanese performers joining for the first time. Taiwan in Global Media: The MOFA-backed short film contest “Finding Taiwan” opens for submissions soon, adding a special prize tied to the 50th anniversary of Taiwan Panorama magazine. Lifestyle & Food Culture: A debate over matcha lattes and cultural borrowing looks at how global hype can reshape ingredient traditions—and even affect prices and availability. Community & Wellbeing: Malala Yousafzai, speaking in Taipei at the Rotary International Convention, stressed mental health support and friendship as key to resilience. Public Safety & Mobility: Taiwan authorities are investigating an incident involving Indonesian migrant workers in Taichung, with arrests reported and consular access being monitored. Tech & Daily Life: E Ink is debuting at InfoComm 2026 with large-format color ePaper for low-power signage and public displays.

Indigenous Sea Route Revival: Taiwan’s Tao people on Orchid (Lanyu) Island launched a hand-carved longboat voyage to the Philippines’ Batanes, reviving an ancestral sea link dormant for 300 years and strengthening shared culture and language. Cultural Gateways: Everrich Duty Free is turning Taoyuan International Airport into a year-round stage for Taiwanese stories, from immersive tea rituals and tastings to performances by a Kinmen school drum-and-brass ensemble. Museum Voices: A new look at Taiwan’s Indigenous museum collaborations highlights how multivocal curation is reshaping exhibitions—moving beyond “one voice” toward community-led storytelling. Performing Arts Exchange: Taiwan-France collaboration “BRUT” debuted at Czechia’s KoresponDance festival, bringing Taiwanese interdisciplinary artists to a major European platform. Literature Goes Global: Taiwan Literature Translation Workshop momentum continues as Spanish anthologies of contemporary Taiwanese fiction and poetry launch in Madrid. Film for the World: MOFA’s “Finding Taiwan” short film contest opens for submissions soon, adding a special prize tied to the 50th anniversary of Taiwan Panorama magazine. Energy & AI Lifestyle Impact: AmCham Taiwan warns energy security and resilient infrastructure are now national priorities as AI boosts electricity demand. Global Wellness Link: A June 23 wellness forum in Kuala Lumpur will feature Taiwanese R&D teams, focusing on next-gen health product experiences. Local Culture in Motion: A Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival documentary screened at Rotary’s Taipei convention, showing how local traditions can travel worldwide. Taiwan in International Politics: Taiwan withdrew from the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya after delegates were detained over passport accreditation issues tied to Chinese pressure.

Cross-Strait Indigenous Ties: Tao (Yami) men from Orchid Island set sail on the hand-carved “Golden Friendship” longboat to the Philippines’ Batanes, reviving an ancestral sea route after 300 years. Literature Goes Global: Taiwan’s National Museum of Taiwan Literature launches Spanish anthologies of contemporary Taiwanese fiction and poetry at Madrid’s Book Fair, expanding the LiFT program into the Spanish-speaking world. Cultural Policy Debate: An editorial argues Taipei’s old Chinatown Cultural Plaza should be torn down and replaced, citing decades of decline and community needs. People-to-People Exchanges: The 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen highlights grassroots, youth, and cultural exchanges, while a separate cross-strait maritime culture event focuses on safer, smoother shipping links. Biotech & Health Tech: Taiwan Biotech Forum participation is announced by Vaxart ahead of BIO 2026, spotlighting oral vaccine tablet research. Public Finance Watch: Taiwan’s finance minister says the government will stick to fiscal discipline amid projected revenue shortfalls tied to aging and falling births. Tech & Ethics: A Seattle report alleges AI was used to monitor 911 calls without public disclosure, raising concerns about transparency and how decisions are made.

Environmental Justice & Activism: Retired Texas shrimper Diane Wilson flew to Taipei to confront Formosa Plastics over alleged pollution violations, joining Louisiana activist Sharon Lavigne and Vietnamese community advocates; they met residents and lawmakers and challenged the company at its shareholder meeting. Cross-Strait Attitudes: A new Taiwan poll finds 58% still reject Beijing’s “one China principle” as a precondition for 2026 talks, though rejection is down sharply from earlier years. Public Finance & Demographics: Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun says Taiwan will stick to fiscal discipline as MOF forecasts revenue shortfalls starting in 2041 amid aging and falling births. Urban Heritage & Renewal: An editorial argues the old Chinatown Cultural Plaza has outlived its welcome and should be torn down for a new structure. Workplace & Skills: A global employment report highlights rising issues like skilled-worker shortages, AI’s growing role, and workplace safety as employers shift toward skills-first hiring. Health & Safety: Taiwan prosecutors charged a school bus driver in alleged deity-possession sex crimes linked to multiple HIV cases. Culture & People-to-People Links: The 18th Straits Forum opened in Xiamen with grassroots, youth, cultural, and economic exchanges, drawing thousands from Taiwan. Arts & Memory: Mandopop singer-songwriter David Wong, known for hits like “You Make Me Drunk,” died at 61.

Cross-Strait Screen Culture: The 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen put cross-Straits audiovisual ties in the spotlight, pointing to mainland dramas like “Pursuit of Jade” as emotional bridges for Taiwan audiences. Cross-Strait Politics: China’s top political advisor Wang Huning urged “peaceful development” and opposed “Taiwan independence,” while also pushing integrated development plans for 2026–2030. Ethnic Rights Backlash: Civic groups in Taiwan condemned China’s upcoming “ethnic unity and progress” law as forced assimilation, warning it targets non-Han identities. Public Health & Crime: A Taiwan HIV-positive school bus driver was indicted over alleged sexual offenses, with prosecutors saying he used religious claims to deceive victims. AI & Education in Taiwan: NTU approved an AI and digital governance task force, including student input, with a focus on fair access to AI resources. Culture & Memory Debate: A DPP legislator proposed cutting the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall budget, calling it an insult to victims of political repression. Arts & Community: Taiwan’s singer-songwriter David Wong, known for Mandarin pop classics, died at 61. Local Safety: Taiwan’s coast guard strongly criticized Beijing after Chinese vessels entered restricted waters near Itu Aba Island.

Arts & Pop Culture: Mandopop singer-songwriter David Wong (黃大煒) has died at 61, known for classics like “You Make Me Drunk” and “Love Breaks Everyone’s Heart,” with his family saying he passed away suddenly in Hawaii on June 2 (cause not disclosed). Cross-Strait Politics & Culture: At the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen, China’s top political advisor Wang Huning urged “peaceful development” and opposed “Taiwan independence,” while mainland actor Zhang Linghe called for more Taiwan compatriots to cross the Strait and see development firsthand. International Support for Taiwan: The UK and Australia reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in a joint statement, highlighting concerns about China’s military exercises and backing Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including culture. Education & AI Governance: NTU approved an AI and Digital Governance Strategy Task Force, with student input, aiming to expand fair access to AI resources and treat computing power as shared infrastructure. Local Politics & Memory Culture: A DPP legislator proposed cutting the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall’s budget, calling it an insult to victims of political repression. Tech, Security & Mobility: Taiwan’s Coast Guard criticized Beijing after Chinese vessels entered restricted waters near Itu Aba Island, marking the first such recorded incident there. Lifestyle & Privacy: Childcare workers are pushing back on proposed daycare surveillance rules that would upload footage to cloud storage, citing privacy risks for both staff and children.

Cross-Strait Diplomacy: At the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen, China’s top political advisor Wang Huning urged “peaceful development” and “national reunification,” while calling for opposition to “Taiwan independence” and external interference. UK–Australia Support: Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed a UK-Australia joint statement reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, opposing unilateral status-quo changes and urging dialogue. Maritime Tensions: Taiwan’s Coast Guard strongly condemned two Chinese vessels for entering restricted waters near Itu Aba Island, saying the moves endangered Taiwanese personnel. Tech & Security: A Taiwan-focused drone report highlights how Thunder Tiger’s “non-red” supply chain aims to keep parts outside mainland China, reflecting how Taiwan’s defense industry is adapting to cross-strait risk. Education & AI: NTU approved an AI and Digital Governance Strategy Task Force, including student input, with a push to make AI access more equal via shared computing resources. Culture Abroad: Taiwan Film Week opens in Jerusalem (June 18–24), bringing island stories to Israeli audiences through a small but wide-ranging lineup. Lifestyle & Community: A Taiwan-linked graduation and housewarming-to-wedding surprise in Riverdale featured Taiwanese boba and community celebration. People-to-People Exchange: Mainland actor Zhang Linghe drew attention at the Straits Forum by urging more Taiwan residents to cross the strait and experience the mainland firsthand. Global Watch: A UC Berkeley doctoral student was reported detained in China on espionage accusations, with the U.S. saying it is seeking consular assistance.

Cross-Strait Politics: KMT vice chairman Chang Jung-kung’s “shared heritage” pitch at China’s Straits Forum drew a sharp MAC rebuke for echoing Beijing’s narrative, while Wang Huning urged “peaceful development” and opposition to “Taiwan independence.” AI Governance & Access: NTU approved an AI and Digital Governance Strategy Task Force, with a focus on student access—proposing shared computing resources, public platforms, quotas, and support for disadvantaged students. Tech & Industry in Taiwan: Pingtung broke ground on Taiwan’s first semiconductor supply chain park in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, aiming to strengthen the south’s chip ecosystem. Diplomacy via AI Infrastructure: Taiwan is backing Paraguay’s sovereign AI data-centre plan (first phase estimated $200–$300M), using Taiwan’s computing know-how and Paraguay’s hydro power. Culture & Soft Power Abroad: Taiwan Film Week brings Taiwanese stories to Jerusalem Cinematheque (June 18–24). Lifestyle & Travel Branding: Everrich Duty Free launched a year-round Taiwan heritage programme at Taoyuan Airport, including tea rituals, Hakka tea theatre, tastings, and workshops. Community & Faith: A global prayer gathering in Taipei supported persecuted Chinese Christians, streamed from a church in Taiwan. Education Reality Check: Taiwan’s universities face steep enrollment decline, making recruitment more intense and raising concerns about how sessions reach students late in the decision process. Sports & Identity in Pop Culture: Nymphia Wind’s SF exhibition at the Asian Art Museum spotlights Taiwanese drag and Indigenous-inspired craft, aiming to boost Taiwan’s visibility internationally.

Taiwan Culture Abroad: Nymphia Wind’s gowns exhibition opened at San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum, with the RuPaul’s Drag Race winner hoping the show boosts visibility for Taiwan and its cultural diversity. Cross-Strait People-to-People: Beijing pushed ahead with the Straits Forum in Xiamen even as Taiwan’s DPP tightened rules, banning local officials from attending. Faith & Community: A Taiwan-hosted global prayer gathering drew 3,000+ Christians supporting persecuted believers in China, streamed from Taipei. Semiconductor & Regional Development: Pingtung broke ground on Taiwan’s first semiconductor supply chain park in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, aiming to build a southern AI corridor. Culture, Identity & Language: RF Kuang’s new book Taipei Story follows a diaspora student returning for Mandarin study, exploring language barriers, family silence, and identity. Diplomacy in Practice: Somaliland opened a new representative office in Taipei’s Tianmu district, highlighting ties across education, healthcare, agriculture, tech, energy, and maritime affairs. Local Lifestyle: Everrich Duty Free launched year-round Taiwan heritage experiences at Taoyuan Airport, from tea rituals to performances.

Museums & Indigenous Culture: A new long-form look at Taiwan’s museum world spotlights the “engagement turn,” tracing how Indigenous communities and the National Taiwan Museum shifted from returning objects to building lasting relationships through collaborative exhibitions. Tech & Aging Lifestyle: Kaopiz and QuantumTX sign an MOU to co-develop AI-powered IoT healthcare solutions for Asia’s aging population, pairing health data analytics with remote device monitoring. Education & Workforce: Taiwan’s MOE says its INTENSE program has graduated 491 international students, with all opting to join Taiwan’s workforce—an effort aimed at filling STEM and chip-industry talent needs. Aviation & Travel Culture: EVA Air earns the Seven Star PLUS safety rating after a cabin safety audit, while Agoda highlights budget summer routes across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur–Penang and Kuala Lumpur–Singapore. Media & Fandom: hololive English’s concert goes beyond screens—live cinema broadcasts across Taiwan and the region bring VTuber fandom into shared, in-person viewing. Computex Tech Showcase: GIGABYTE wraps COMPUTEX 2026 with AI and gaming hardware wins, including its INFINITY-series push and award-recognized motherboards and PCs. Airline & Lifestyle: EVA Air’s safety recognition and the summer route data both point to a travel season where comfort, trust, and convenience matter.

Tech & Jobs: Taiwan’s MOE says its INTENSE program has 491 international graduates, and all have chosen to work in Taiwan—showing how education policy is feeding the island’s chip-and-STEM workforce. Food Culture: Taipei’s Huannan Market gets a cross-cultural art makeover as Dutch artist Arno Coenen installs “The Flavour Dragon,” turning local vendors and students into co-creators. Health & Family Life: TFC Taipei Fertility Center rolls out an AI embryo scoring system that can improve identification of chromosomally normal embryos by up to 24%, aiming to boost IVF success for couples facing recurrent implantation failure. Travel & Lifestyle: Taiwan Tourism Administration picks two Vancouver-area winners for “Catch The Waves Of Wonder,” awarding round-trip flights to Taiwan via China Airlines and EVA Air. Community & Inclusion: A new Starz and Alliance of Women Directors Creative Leadership Lab names its first class of fellows, backing women and gender-expansive directors with mentorship and leadership training. Food & Identity: A “House Special” column spotlights Hakka House’s pork stuffed tofu, tracing how Hakka cuisine travels and reshapes into Taiwanese everyday comfort food. Arts & Society: “The Laramie Project” returns as a community conversation starter, with cast members and Matthew Shepard’s father pointing to the renewed rise of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Music: Bigbang announces a 31-show world tour for its 20th anniversary, including a Taipei stop—another reminder of how pop culture keeps Taiwan plugged into regional scenes. Trade & Daily Life: Taiwan resumes processed pork exports after regaining self-certification for major swine diseases, with the first shipment headed to Singapore.