Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

The Taipei City Government Department for Youth held its first anniversary tea reception today (June 18), themed "Unleash the Potential of Youth". The event symbolized youth's vibrant energy, self-affirmation, and fearless spirit, embracing limitless possibilities. The celebration was graced by Taipei Mayor Wan-an Chiang, heads of various Taipei City Government departments, Taipei City Councilor Chao-yen Kuo, representatives of foreign missions stationed in Taiwan, international interns, youth representatives, and partner organizations. 

Through showcasing achievements and testimonials from youth participants, the Department highlighted its accomplishments over the past year in three core fields: international exchange, civic engagement, and career development, demonstrating the vibrant energy and soft power of Taipei’s youth. 

Mayor Wan-an Chiang noted that since the official establishment of the Department for Youth on June 1, 2024, it has actively promoted civic participation, career exploration, and international exchange, supporting young people in reaching broader horizons. In the past year, the Department launched the "Taipei City Youth Advisory Committee" to create a platform for young voices in public affairs. It also introduced Taiwan’s first and widely acclaimed "Youth Internship allowances" and established the most diverse platform, “Taipei Youth Salon,” offering nearly 1,500 internship opportunities. 

In partnership with schools and enterprises, the Department initiated the "Workplace Immersion Training Program," inviting global companies such as Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA to offer thematic courses to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace demands, thereby enhancing young people’s employability. Notably, the Department for Youth is the first youth agency in Taiwan to establish a dedicated Division of Global Engagement, leading initiatives such as the “International Internship Student Program,” the “Youth Overseas Internship Program,” and grants to support youth international engagement. These efforts reflect Taipei’s proactive stance in promoting two-way international exchanges. Whether through internships, competitions, or global exchanges, the Department for Youth remains a steadfast supporter of young people, helping them shine bright on the worldwide stage and unlock infinite possibilities. 

Commissioner Yi-Hsi Chou of the Department for Youth expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for their dedication since the Department’s planning stages and extended special thanks to Commissioner Wei Yin, Chairperson of the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission, for his early leadership and support. As the Department’s inaugural team, she remarked, “Starting a new agency is not an easy task; We have come this far thanks to the hard work of every colleague.” Commissioner Chou emphasized that the support of youth who have collaborated with or benefited from the Department, public representatives, and long-term partners has made today’s achievements possible. The Department will continue to uphold its four core missions: helping youth understand the workplace, society, the world, and themselves by offering concrete support and resources to foster a youth-friendly environment where dreams can take root and thrive. 

According to the Department for Youth, this anniversary event welcomed international interns from Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University in the USA, and Waseda University in Japan. A live connection was also made with a Taipei youth currently interning at ManpowerGroup in Bangkok, Thailand. The internship supervisor at ManpowerGroup expressed appreciation to Mayor Chiang and the Department for promoting overseas internship programs, which allow hosts to accompany youth on transformative growth journeys. Also, they look forward to more stakeholders joining efforts to cultivate young talent. 

The Department presented its first-year achievements at the tea reception through dynamic and static displays. Highlights included documentary footage, youth testimonials, and project records in scrolls and short videos. Youth representatives shared personal experiences of participation and transformation through Department programs. Performances by youth groups previously supported or funded by the Department included a dazzling opening show combining Breaking and Latin dance by the Chinese Taipei DanceSport Federation and Taipei Street Dance Association, a magic performance by Hanson Chien Production, a hip-hop dance by the Taipei Municipal Zhong Shan Girls High School Hip-Hop Club, and a cello solo by a Harvard intern, showing the diverse talents and energy of Taipei youth. 

A youth business market was also set up, featuring “slash” career youth who previously participated in Department programs. Booths included ChaKao Studio, Sisi’s Art World, Net-Zero Hub, and Old Fashion Club, showcasing Taipei's youth's creativity and entrepreneurial achievements.