Hualien’s International-Friendly Initiatives Earn National Recognition: Selected as Bilingual Learning Materials

(中央社訊息服務20250213 17:55:40)

Hualien County Government’s commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Taiwan’s 2030 Bilingual Policy has gained national recognition. With the support of the National Development Council (NDC), Hualien County Government has published a bilingual special edition, A Pledge to Preserve the Beauty of Our Land, showcasing inspiring stories of local businesses and organizations that successfully integrate sustainability with business growth. In addition, the Let’s Have Fun in Hualien Market initiative has been launched to enhance English communication skills among local vendors through practical, digital-friendly courses. The program also engages elementary school students and foreign visitors, introducing them to local produce at traditional markets. As part of this effort, the Hualien International Food Market was held on World Culture Day, offering a vibrant showcase of Hualien’s multicultural food scene and demonstrating the county’s dedication to fostering international-friendly interactions.

Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei expressed gratitude to the NDC for recognizing these efforts. As a result, two bilingual learning courses — Hualien’s Kitchen: A Culinary Journey Through Chongqing and Evening Markets (https://elearn.hrd.gov.tw/info/10040784) and A Pledge to Preserve the Beauty of Our Land (https://elearn.hrd.gov.tw/info/10040068) — have been developed and made available on the e-Government Learning Platform. These engaging courses include bilingual vocabulary flashcards, promotional videos, and comprehensive learning materials, making them valuable resources for government employees and the public. Since their launch in January, the courses have enrolled nearly a thousand participants and have even been incorporated into several local governments’ English proficiency improvement programs. Learners not only develop their English skills but also gain a deeper appreciation of Hualien’s unique culture and natural beauty.

The NDC further announced that both courses will be available in March on the Bilingual Policy YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxiiwHOwHePhAdX3cbzT6PQ) and the NDC Bilingual Portal, offering an engaging way for more people to learn English while exploring the charm of Hualien.

Hualien County Government encourages all residents to embrace English learning and become ambassadors of Hualien’s beauty. By sharing the county’s rich cultural and natural heritage in English, everyone can contribute to making Hualien a truly international-friendly destination.