2. Announcement of Entrepreneurship Workshop Information for May 2026. For the latest course information and updates, please visit the Phoenix Micro-business Start-up Website at https://beboss.wda.gov.tw/ClassSearch.aspx?n=17&sms=9042 to register online. Alternatively, you may call our toll-free hotline at 0800-092-957 for further assistance.

• Course Schedule of May 2026.docx
• Course Schedule of May 2026.odt
• Course Schedule of May 2026.pdf

2. Announcement of Entrepreneurship Workshop Information for April 2026. For the latest course information and updates, please visit the Phoenix Micro-business Start-up Website at https://beboss.wda.gov.tw/ClassSearch.aspx?n=17&sms=9042 to register online. Alternatively, you may call our toll-free hotline at 0800-092-957 for further assistance.

• Course Schedule of April 2026.docx
• Course Schedule of April 2026.odt
• Course Schedule of April 2026.pdf

    In his opening remarks, Deputy Director-General of WDA, Mr. Shih-Chang Chen, emphasized WDA’s ongoing commitment to green transition and international cooperation. He further noted that the forum invited delegated from Thailand, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines to share best practices and policy insights, advancing strategies for green talent development. The goal is to equip the workforce with the essential skills required for the green economy, while ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind and can access relevant employment opportunities.

    WDA stressed that, in response to the growing global focus on green industries and sustainable policies, building an inclusive and forward-looking skills training system is imperative. Moving forward, WDA will further deepen its connections with international partners to reinforce global talent networks and lay a solid foundation for the global green transition.

    The forum featured in-depth discussions on several key topics, including the application of AI in green transition, the impact of emerging technologies on labor markets, public-private collaboration to bridge skill gaps, and strategies to improve access to green jobs for marginalized populations. The vibrant exchange among international and domestic experts offered concrete recommendations to enhance collaboration among vocational training institutions and provided important policy input for Taiwan’s future workforce strategies.

   To meet the growing demand for talent in green industries, WDA continues to promote diversified vocational training and job-matching initiatives focused on green energy industries. For more information on training and employment services, please visit TaiwanJobs website at https://www.taiwanjobs.gov.tw/.

    In the opening remarks, Deputy Director General of WDA, Chen Shih-Chang, stated that the event had the honor of inviting Mr. Zhao Li, Lead Shepherd of APEC HRDWG; Ms. Rosanna A. Urdaneta, Coordinator of APEC HRDWG CBN; and distinguished delegates from Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. The workshop mainly focused on green workforce transformation, equitable green transition, and green tech skills building, among other topics.

    Chen Shih-Chang expressed that most economies are actively striving to achieve sustainable development goals; therefore, cultivating relevant technical talent is essential for promoting green transformation. This workshop provides a platform for Asia-Pacific economies to re-examine their approaches to green talent cultivation, strengthen cooperation among vocational training institutions, and equip the workforce with the necessary skills for transitioning to a green economy.

    Zhao Li stated that we are addressing the challenge of preparing our workforce for the growing green energy sector while ensuring inclusivity and equity. As the demand for green energy jobs rises, it is crucial to tackle workforce gaps, including gender disparities and socioeconomic barriers.

   During the workshop, Ms. Nadiejda Quintana, Director of Standardization and Certification of Labor Competencies in Peru, shared her insights on how public-private partnerships in workforce development address skill gaps. Mr. Taj Ahmad Eldridge, Managing Director of Jobs For The Future in the United States, discussed equitable green transition and emphasized the importance of social fairness and justice as economies strive to advance environmental development. The workshop featured vigorous discussions among domestic and international experts, offering recommendations on workforce supply and demand for green transformation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth in the region. Furthermore, it provided valuable policymaking references for future talent development in the region. 

    WDA stated that promoting green transformation is crucial, and the cultivation of green talent must advance simultaneously. Through the collective sharing of experiences from experts and participants, the workshop has established stronger international partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region to create an inclusive, green-friendly future. To meet the needs of the future green workforce, WDA provides workers with pre-employment and on-the-job training that responds to the demands of green industries. More information of training and employment services can be found on TaiwanJobs (http://www.taiwanjobs.gov.tw/).

WDA stated that this forum has specially invited speakers from various prestigious institutions, including the Thai-German Institute (TGI) of the Ministry of Industry of Thailand, NZTech in New Zealand, Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training (VDAB) in Belgium, Future Skills Organization (FSO) in Australia, and Thingnario Technology. The forum focused on two major themes of international concern: green transition and green AI talent cultivation. It explored how different countries use AI to drive net-zero carbon emissions policies and energy transitions, while addressing changes in labor demand and challenges in the labor market brought about by AI technologies.

In the opening remarks, Secretary General Chen Shih-Chang of WDA emphasized the key role of AI in achieving net-zero carbon emissions. WDA provides workers with pre-employment and on-the-job training responding to the demand for AI labor driven by the rise of emerging green industries. These include offering diverse AI and green energy-related courses and actively promoting industry talent investment programs and the industrial new pioneers program to enhance the development of green skills. These efforts aim to prepare the necessary future talent and improve national competitiveness.

WDA stated that the main objective of this forum is to gather insights from other countries on how to respond to the challenges posed by industrial digitalization and energy transition to the labor market. In addition, the forum aimed to collect the current status and experience of green industry and AI talent cultivation over the world, to provide references for future policies of green AI talents cultivation.

       WDA further elaborated that today’s forum invited domestic and international experts and scholars to deliver keynote speeches on innovative approaches to vocational training and AI human resource policies. Additionally, through the collective sharing of experiences from these experts and participants, the forum provided insights into how public and private sectors can collaborate together to develop holistic strategies and training mechanisms for transforming AI talent to align with green industries amidst the fast-paced development of AI technologies. This collaboration aims to cultivate AI talent in line with international standards, creating a green-friendly labor market.

    The WDA stated that the workshop specifically invited Rosanna A. Urdaneta, the Coordinator of the Capacity Building Network (CBN) to deliver the opening remarks. Representatives from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Chile also participated as speakers and panelists. Scholars, experts from APEC economies, representative office and representatives from relevant domestic ministries engaged in discussions focused on integrating gender-friendly thinking into the digital economy to meet future talent demands.

    The WDA highlighted that in 2019, they proposed the multi-year project "Women’s Economic Empowerment through New Media Digital Upskilling (WEDU)" to APEC. This initiative aimed to advance economic empowerment for women and provide inclusive digital talent training, garnering recognition from APEC. Subsequently, through the analysis of digital marketing skills, the examination of trends in female participation in digital work, and collaborative insights from industry, government, and academia, the " Training Package: Gender Power in Online Marketing" was developed in 2021. Despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, the WDA still successfully hosted the "Gender Power in Online Marketing International Training Program" based on this training package. Twenty trainees from nine different economies took part, and they all spoke highly of the program, applying its teachings effectively within their respective workplaces.

     The WDA announced the release of "A Toolkit for Developing Digital Upskilling Training Program in New Media from the Gender Lens" at the workshop today. This toolkit consolidates the experience and achievements of the WEDU project's training package development and program implementation. Additionally, through the organization of this workshop, cross-fora and cross-cutting discussions were conducted, along with the feedback and insights shared by international training program instructors and trainees. These efforts aimed to gather relevant suggestions and ideas for developing digital training program from a gender perspective, and to deliberate on the impact of gender-friendly policies in enhancing the inclusivity of the digital economy and empowering women's participation in it. The goal is to collectively promote the cultivation of digital talents and foster a gender-friendly digital economic environment among APEC economies.

WDA invited Mr. Wim Adriaens, Director-General of the Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training (VDAB), Belgium, Mr. Yves Magnan, Managing Director Service of Walloon Service for Employment and Vocational Training (Le Forem), Belgium, Mr. Somchai Jakkareen, President of the Thai-German Institute (TGI) under the Thai Ministry of Industry, as well as speakers from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan. Representatives from the Belgian Taipei Office and relevant domestic ministries also participated in the forum, engaging in mutual exchanges.

The forum focused on green industry trends and talent development, discussing the measures and challenges that each country faces in achieving net-zero emissions. It is worth noting that both VDAB, Le Forem and TGI have signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with WDA, establishing close partnerships in the fields of employment services and vocational training.

Director-General of WDA, Tsai Meng-liang, delivered a remark, expressing WDA has actively responded to the workforce demand driven by the rise of emerging green industries. It had made strategic arrangements for the cultivation of green talents and provided assistance in vocational training for workers. Not only has it established a "Green Energy Technology Industry Zone" on its employment service website, offering information on green energy-related job vacancies, vocational training courses, and government websites, but it has also guided the public to engage in green employment. Moreover, WDA assisted enterprises in conducting employee training, subsidizing a portion of the training costs, and providing guidance for planning on-the-job training related to achieving net-zero emissions. These efforts aim to enhance the professional competence of practitioners and develop and update relevant competency standards and curricula, thus preparing the necessary talents for the future and enhancing the country's competitiveness.

WDA stated that this forum aimed to gather responses and strategies from various countries in addressing the demands of the labor market in the context of industrial transformation. It also aimed to share the current status and experiences of talent development in the green industry, facilitating international exchanges and serving as a reference for future policies in cultivating green talents in Taiwan.

    The WDA stated that in 2019, to promote women’s economic empowerment and to echo APEC priorities of "Digital Society", it proposed the project "Women’s Economic Empowering, New Media Digital Upskilling (WEDU)" and received funding from the APEC. The above-mentioned workshop held this year marks the third phase of the project. It invited Zhao Li, the Lead Shepherd of the APEC Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) from the United States, and Rosanna A. Urdaneta, he Coordinator of the Capacity Building Network (CBN) from the Philippines, to deliver speeches. Leong Wai Yie, the Vice President of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES), also attended the workshop as a speaker and a panelist. Experts, scholars, and government officials from related domestic ministries and APEC member economies engaged in mutual exchanges, focusing on exploring how to meet the talent demands of the future digital economy through inclusive talent cultivation.
    
    The WDA stated that since the launch of the project WEDU in 2020, it has received extensive support from APEC member economies. The project has held international forums, workshops, and surveys to understand the skill demands and training practices of economies in the digital economy, explored the trends of women's participation in the digital economy, and collected best practices from APEC economies. In 2021, the WDA developed the " Training Package: Gender Power in Online Marketing", and in 2022, despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, successfully conducted a 7-day "Gender Power in Online Marketing International Training Program". The program assisted 20 participants from 9 economies to finish the courses, yielding fruitful outcomes.
    
    The WDA emphasized that this year, it is launching the third phase of the project within APEC, integrating the achievements and experiences from previous years' projects to develop "The Toolkit for Developing Digital Upskilling Training Program in New Media from the Gender Lens". During this workshop, the toolkit framework was introduced to APEC member economies, and discussions of experts, scholars and practitioners focused on the values and applications of diversity, equality, and inclusion in the digital economy. Through cross-fora and cross-cutting discussions and exchanges, the WDA aims to promote the integration of gender perspectives in the training of digital marketing professionals, deepen the core principles of skill development, and incorporate international resources and experiences into policy planning. This effort seeks to make a positive contribution to talent cultivation in the digital age and women's economic empowerment in Asia-Pacific region.

    The agency stated that this workshop specially invited Mr. Zhao Li, the lead shepherd of APEC’s Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG), Ms. Lyka S. Caritativo, the representative of Coordinator of Capacity Building Network (CBN), and Ms. Amy Kardel, the American Co-Chair of CBN, along with representatives from the Office of Industrial Economics of the Thai Ministry of Industry, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of the Philippines. They exchanged ideas with representatives from various domestic ministries, focusing on health care talent training and discussing the challenges and practices in the field of digital health care and medical services.

    In his speech, Director-General Tsai Meng-liang of the Workforce Development Agency stated that since the agency initiated the APEC Skills Development Capacity Building Alliance (ASDCBA) in APEC in 2017, it has received extensive support from APEC member economies. The agency has conducted multiple training programs and collaborated with various economies to cultivate key talents in response to rapid industry development. In recent years, digital technology innovation has become a key driver of human resources development and participation in global economic activities. Under the impact and influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical services, the agency took the lead in proposing the " ASD-CBA Project: Promoting APEC Innovative Caregiving through Digital Upskilling" to APEC in 2020, which was supported and recognized by APEC funding. The agency also presented the second-phase program, " ASD-CBA Project: Empowering the Health Workforce through Digital Upskilling," the following year, inviting economies to share policy measures and success experiences through workshops.

    The agency emphasized that this workshop integrates the achievements and best practices of the past few years' programs and focuses on the potential of information and communication technology in benefiting the health service industry. It aims to promote the enhancement of labor force skills in the Asia-Pacific region through collaboration and cooperation with various economies. In the future, the agency also hopes to continue promoting various programs on the APEC platform, deepen cooperation with APEC economies, and jointly face the challenges of the global labor market.

    APEC Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) Lead Shepherd Professor Dong Sun Park and APEC HRDWG Capacity Building Network (CBN) Coordinator Ms. Rosanna Urdaneta were invited to deliver opening remarks for the event. Subsequently, speakers from APEC economies delivered presentations on best practices regarding empowerment of health workforce through digital upskilling. The online speakers are from Technical and Further Education New South Wales (TAFE NSW), Australia; Office of Industrial Economics, Ministry of Industry, Thailand; Institute of Health Management Research, Bangalore, India; International Medical University, Malaysia. The onsite speakers included Professor Eric Y. Chuang, Dean of College of Biomedical Engineering, China Medical University, and Professor Ying-Jun Lin from Chun Yuan Christian University, Taiwan. Participants also included Australian Office, Taipei, Manila Economic and Cultural Office, India-Taipei Association, Papua New Guinea Trade Office in Taipei and Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei.

    In his opening remarks, WDA Director General Mr. Tsai Meng-Liang pointed out that WDA proposed the initiative of APEC Skills Development Capacity Building Alliance (ASD-CBA) in 2017 and received broad support from member economies. Since then, WDA has worked with economies and completed many projects in skills development and vocational training sectors for talent cultivation. WDA is fully aware of the importance of digital development and health industry under the current pandemic challenges. In 2020, WDA proposed “ASD-CBA Project: Promoting Innovative Caregiving through Digital Upskilling.” In order to seek more understanding on practices of economies, WDA submitted “ASD-CBA Project: Empowering the Health Workforce through Digital Upskilling” in 2021. Both projects received funding subsidy from APEC. The training package of caregivers was developed at this stage. This workshop was organized through the ASD-CBA platform to provide an opportunity for exchange and discussion on best practices in relation to health workforce digital upskilling issues by experts from APEC economies to deepen ties between Taiwan and Asia-Pacific partners. 

    In the workshop today, speakers and expers delivered presentations and exchange views on best practices of health industry empowerment and similar topics. In the scheduled site visit tomorrow (21 September), delegates will visit smart care centers to acquire a more updated information on the latest digital healthcare technology and assistive equipment. The two-day event will optimize the development of training package on caregivers and aim to become references for APEC economies at a later stage. It will strengthen cooperation on health industry talent cultivation and ties between WDA and regional economies.

　　In his opening remarks, Director General Tsai congratulated all trainees for completing the programme. The trainees acquired professional knowledge and practical skills in online marketing and upskilling for future of work. The trainees are encouraged to engage in more career development exploration with what they learned and bring new ideas and skills back to their home economies.

     The WDA stated that the inclusion of gender power was introduced in this programme along with three major pillars, including market analysis, strategy planning and effectiveness analysis. The programme helped trainees adapt to new business environments and learn about new media marketing. By analyzing precise market demand data from gender perspectives and adopting effective marketing strategies, it is possible to reach new target audiences and seize market opportunities.

      WDA pointed out that the programme aimed to promote public private partnership and enhance international endorsement. Trainees were awarded with five certificates, including APEC certificate, iCAP certificate, ICDL digital marketing license and completion certificates from National Taipei University of Technology. This achievement will enable trainees to engage in marketing work with a more inclusive perspective in gender power.

     WDA also stated that Chinese Taipei will continue to propose a third-stage project in 2023. The proposal aims to collect post-training experiences and best practices of member economies in order to optimize the training package to meet the needs of stakeholders and partners.

As Workforce Development Agency points out, participating trainees from APEC economies and Taiwan's diplomatic allies, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Chile, (Australia), Honduras, Belize, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This international program serves as a special collaboration between National Taipei University of Technology and Computer Skills Foundation for the purpose of promoting public-private and government-industry-academia-research cooperation that enhances training effectiveness, expands international recognition, and elevates program diversity and professionalism. It helps trainees obtain professional certifications from public and private organizations locally and abroad, including the iCAP quality certification for occupational competency standard and ICDL International Computer Driving Licence. In this way, trainees can become more competitive in connecting to the global labor market.

According to the Workforce Development Agency, Chinese Taipei launched the APEC Women's Economic Empowering, New Media Digital Upskilling in 2019 and completed the first Training Package: Gender Power in Online Marketing, accumulating knowledge and experience to fulfill the mission of promoting women's empowerment and international collaboration. Furthermore, the Gender Power in Online Marketing International Training Programme was launched this year (2022) to highlight Taiwan's strengths in digital technology and gender equality. Through market analysis, strategy planning, effectiveness analysis, the program helps trainees adapt to new business environments and learn about new media marketing. By analyzing precise market demand data from gender perspectives and adopting effective marketing strategies, it is possible to reach new target audiences and seize market opportunities.

The objectives of this year's international program include connecting digital technologies and market demands, constructing international talent exchange platforms and networks, building capacity from digital economy and inclusive perspectives, responding to future labor market demands, as well as supporting post-pandemic recovery and growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The training participation echoed APEC's more recent objectives of achieving inclusive growth and the economic empowerment of women through the characteristics of a digital society, building a prosperous and mutually beneficial society.

    Bringing together officials, researchers, and industry professionals from APEC member economies to discuss innovative ideas and diverse topics on talent cultivation, the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Ministry of Labor (MOL) hosted the “Paving the future of Digital Marketing Talent with Gender Lens: Women’s Economic Empowering, New Media Digital Upskilling (WEDU) Webinar” 24 June 2022. Particular attention is focused on officially launching the approaching WEDU training program implemented in August.

    Experts and representatives from APEC member economies have been gathered to share common obstacles and explore synergies around innovation. APEC Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) Lead Shepherd Prof. Dong Sun Park, APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE) Chair Renee Graham, and APEC HRDWG Capacity Building Network (CBN) Coordinator Rosanna Urdaneta have delivered opening remarks, where all highlighted the continuous and forward-looking efforts from WDA to boost capacity building for addressing societal shift, responding to the challenges, and supporting everyone to seize the opportunities created by digital economy.

    In addition, lecturers of the WEDU training program pointed out that based on the critical skills to stay relevant in digital marketing, the core values are to overcome stereotypes and integrate the gender perspective into strategies for understanding the needs of different community groups in their local area with a sense of trust.

    The Director General of Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Mr. Tsai Meng Liang, mentioned the WEDU project aimed at strengthening human resources development through technical and vocational training, up-and re-skilling to enhance workers’ preparedness for the digital age. In the past 2 years, the WEDU project has achieved several outcomes with the “Training Package of Gender Power in Online Marketing”, which encouraged individuals to apply gender perspectives in marketing analysis and strategy, as well as to create diverse, inclusive, and sustainable business models.

    Director General Tsai indicated that based on the mentioned training package, the training program would consider the cultural and gender differences in gender-role beliefs, capture lessons learnt from best practices and invest in diversity, inclusion, and equity. In terms of digital reskilling and upskilling, WDA will strengthen public-private partnership to combine resources for guiding trainees to obtain Certificates of iCAP and the ICDL digital marketing module.

    WDA noted that while building resilience during the post-pandemic transition is characterized by uncertainty, there is still an emergent opportunity for highly innovative people to create the future. Combined with digital technology and gender perspective for activating marketing strategies, the practical training program focuses on not only the issue of brand identity or unique influence but also echoing the APEC theme "Open, Connect, Balance." WDA will continue to strengthen vocational training system to stay abreast of advancements, as well as share novel and practical cross-cutting skills with APEC economies.

    The invited experts included Mr. Michael Googan, Deputy Representative of Australian Office, Mr. Wayne Crosbie, Director for International and Business Development, William Angliss Institute, Australia, Mr. Tony Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, Kirana Colleges Australia, Dr. Lee Chun, Senior Deputy Executive Director, Taiwan WTO and RTA Center, Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, and Dr. Pan Shih-Wei, Professor of Department of Labor and Human Resources, Chinese Culture University. The experts engaged in comprehensive discussion and exchange on issues of promoting talent and skills mobility amid the dual impact of global pandemic and the change of digital technology. Taiwan’s expertise in vocational training is to be utilized to facilitate regional human resources development and meet industry needs.

    WDA Deputy Director-General Lin Hung-Te stated that the cooperation between WDA and Australian Office, Taipei, began in 2011 when both sides signed the MOU on Vocational Education and Training Cooperation for the first time. The MOU was renewed again in October 2020. During that period of time, both sides not only share a close relationship of frequent exchange, but have also jointly promoted many projects successfully and achieved satisfactory outcome. The organizing of the workshop has marked the continued development of cross-cutting, cross-project, cross-fora model in the post-pandemic era, and to continue upgrading the exchange and cooperation between training institutions of both sides. By building a platform of exchange in training results mutual recognition, WDA hoped to enhance human resources development and progress continuously.

    The workshop today aimed to consolidate cross-cutting consensus for cooperation between government-industry-academia-training sectors by creating a platform of exchange for regional talent and skills mobility, and to share the best practices and relevant experiences of Taiwan’s vocational training with the international community.

    In today’s seminar, APEC Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) Lead Shepherd Prof. Dong Sun Park, APEC Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE) Chair Renee Graham, and APEC HRDWG Capacity Building Network (CBN) Coordinator Rosanna Urdaneta have joined in and give their opening remarks, where all recognized digital marketing is the meeting point of ideas, technical ability, business nous, and strategic thinking which offers wide scope for women. In addition, representatives from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan pointed out that the integration of gender perspective in digital marketing will be able to break geographical boundaries and stereotypes, provide better employment opportunities for women and other disadvantaged workers.

    The Director General of Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Mr. Tsai Meng Liang, mentioned in the seminar that in response to changes in the environment driven by digital technology, delivering the right mix of skills both to meet individuals’ needs and to match the requirements of the labor market will inevitably become the primary goal in the field of human resource development. Furthermore, fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion to attract talents from different backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences, is the starting point for the industry to move towards more sustainable and resilient growth.

    Director General Tsai indicated that WEDU project has been funded by APEC since 2019, showing great supports from member economies. The purpose of the project is to explore the positioning and needs of harnessing new media to participate in the digital economy, develop the "Training Package: the power of gender in digital marketing" with pilot scheme, and organize the iCAP course on "Analysis of the Effectiveness of Online Marketing". In this workshop, the experts and representatives provided suggestions for advancement, the trainees who have completed the pilot scheme also shared their experiences and achievements from the WEDU project that builds a solid foundation for networking, capacity building, and expanding vocational training cooperation.

    WDA noted that digital technology is reshaping the face of marketing. And the gender perspective is not only stimulating creativity, but also driving the demand for non-traditional talents, which would cause an unprecedented impact on the connotation and objective of vocational training. Through public-and-private partnership, WDA will continue to strengthen vocational training system to stay abreast of advancements, as well as share novel and practical cross-cutting skills with APEC economies.

To encourage employers assisting 64-year-old employees preparing return to work after retirement, WDA offers a maximum subsidy of NT$ 500,000 per year to the employer who provide relevant assistance and measures.

If the employer continues to employ the 65-year-old employees who may be forced to retire, WDA also offers a subsidy.

The information for application could be found on WDA’s official website (https://reurl.cc/od2kyM) or by contact the management office at 02-7737-8077/ 02-7737-8078.

     In today’s workshop, APEC Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) Lead Shepherd Prof. Dong Sun Park and APEC HRDWG Capacity Building Network Coordinator Rosanna Urdaneta have joined in and give their opening remarks, where both have mentioned the importance of caregiver digital upskilling in an aging society. In addition, Emmanuel A. San Andres, the Analyst from APEC Policy Support Unit, has been invited to give the keynote speech on Structural Reform and the Future of Work. Moreover, representatives from Australia, Indonesia, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam and Taiwan have shared their experiences and best practices regarding the healthcare industry digital upskilling respectively.

     The Director General of Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Mr. Tsai Meng Liang, mentioned in the Workshop that due to the rapid change in technology and the spread of pandemic, the labor market now faces new challenges of transformation on traditional jobs, yet it also creates new opportunities of working style. Today, countries have been trying to harness the core skills for the future of work, and to build workforce that could keep pace with the quick change. In addition, cross-cutting resources have been used for planning of feasible programs.

     WDA indicates that “ASD-CBA APEC Innovative Caregiving through Digital Upskilling” project has been funded by APEC, showing great supports from member economies, and we plan to develop competency-based training program for caregiver digital upskilling. Therefore, beside of international experience exchange, the current updates and achievements of the training program have also been shared, as a contribution and demonstration of Taiwan advanced ICT industry to the Region.

     WDA has long been an active and close partner to APEC member economies in relation to vocational training and skills development. Through APEC, we will continue to deepen the cooperation with regional allies to promote shared prosperity and inclusive economic growth. Today’s Workshop may serve as a dialogue platform, connecting talents and markets. The experiences and best practices shared today may be beneficial to APEC economies in reinforcing vocational training and digital upskilling in health industry.

    Representatives from domestic and foreign industry and academia sectors were invited to participate in this forum, including Dr. Sean Gallagher, Director of Centre for the New Workforce, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia; Ms. Renee Chou, Secretary General of Digital Economy Association Taiwan; Mr. Chester Hsieh, Lead of Strategic Programs, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Hong Kong and Taiwan; Dr. Lee Chun, Associate Research Fellow and Deputy Director of WTO and RTA Center, Chunghwa Institution for Economic Research; Mr. Wei-Ren Su, representative of Data Analytics Technology & Applications, Institute for Information Industry; Dr. Chih-Yu Cheng ,  Professor and Director of the Graduate Institute of Labor Research, National Chengchi University. The discussion was held in response to the dual impact of the pandemic and digital technology faced by Taiwan and the region to explore ways to implement workforce transformation, apply Taiwan's digital technology and ICT advantages to promote the development of skills and human resources in the 21st century.

    WDA Director General Shih Chen-Yang attended the meeting online, and pointed out that due to the dual impact of the pandemic and digital development, the labor market is facing new challenges and traditional jobs are under pressure from transformation. However, many new types of employment opportunities have been created at the same time. At present, various countries have also invested cross-cutting resources to harness the key capabilities of future work for planning of feasible policies and programs. Today, through this international event, domestic and foreign experts were invited to discuss the digital transformation of the workforce in the post-pandemic era through industry-government-academic dialogue and discussion, and to propose relevant solutions, which will help the planning and implementation of related policies of the WDA to integrate with the development of the global industry. Ms. Shih also hoped that through the forum, a stronger foundation could be accumulated for the expansion of exchanges and global cooperation.

    The WDA pointed out that many forum experts believed that industrial changes caused by the impact of the pandemic are coupled with digital technology. Introducing the old and bringing forth new factors will make the job skills and talent types required by the industry in the future very different from those in the current industry. Digital innovation and digital skills are reshaping the current industrial structure. Existing professional knowledge can no longer meet the employment skills required by future industries. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve future skills through vocational training in order to respond to changes in the industry and future work styles and content.

    According to WDA, the forum consolidated cross-cutting consensus through dialogue, which will link Taiwan’s vocational training industry, government, and academia, establish a job market and talent exchange platform, and promote the integration of Taiwan’s vocational training system with the international community. The WDA aims to share best practices with regional allies, promote the internationalization of the development of the workforce, and strengthen the exchange and cooperation between industrial talent and vocational training.

Middle-aged and elderly persons unemployed due to the impact of the epidemic will receive unemployment benefits at 60% of their insured salary in the 6 months prior to their resignation during the job search period to help them maintain their economic livelihood. The maximum period can be extended to 9 months. If they have to support a spouse who has no income from work, or a minor or children with disabilities, they can also benefit from bonuses. Relevant employment promotion measures are also planned in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Employment Promotion Act. For example, they can participate in various vocational training courses for free, and are provided with vocational training living allowances. After they the trainees upgrade their skills, the benefits will rise to a maximum range of NT$13,000 to NT$15,000 per month, with a maximum 12 months of employment incentives to encourage employers to hire senior and middle-aged employees. Through workplace learning and re-adaptation, a monthly allowance based on a basic salary of NT$24,000 will be granted to strengthen employment preparation and adaptation. The measures also recommend temporary employment, grant allowances based on basic wages, and provide short-term employment placement. Use There are also free business consulting and loan interest subsidies with a maximum loan amount of NT$2 million for up to 2 years to assist in changing jobs and starting a business.

A total NT$100,000 is available as a subsidy to help with adjusting working methods, improving the working environment and providing employment assistive devices in order to eliminate work obstacles for the in-work middle-aged and elderly persons. Subsidies can also be provided to middle-aged and elderly persons for on-the-job training to strengthen their professionalism. In addition, a subsidy is available for continuous employment from NT$13,000 to NT$15,000 per month for up to 18 months to assist elderly persons to stay in the workplace and promote generational transfers of knowledge and exchanges, and stabilize the economic livelihood of seniors.

In order to encourage retired middle-aged and elderly persons’ re-employment, there are subsidies for them to serve as lecturers, with a maximum of NT$100,000 per person per year to transfer skills from generation to generation, and achieve cooperation between the generations. The Act also assists retired employees with retirement and reemployment assistance measures, which will help them re-enter the workforce after retirement, with subsidies for each employer of up to NT$500,000 per year.

The Middle-Aged and Elderly Employment Promotion Act also relaxes employers’ employment of senior citizens over 65 years of age on fixed term contracts. The fixed term contracts are not limited to the temporary, short-term, seasonal, and specific jobs mentioned in Article 9 of the Labor Standards Act. After the contract expires, they are regarded as the provisions of a non-fixed term contract, which increases the flexibility of both employer and employee. 

In addition, how to revitalize the middle-aged and elderly labor force will be an important issue in the future. The Ministry of Labor has set up Service Locations for Senior Talents in New Taipei City and Kaohsiung to promote the recruitment of middle-aged and elderly workers by employers, and to counsel public institutions to release suitable job opportunities. We will integrate the resources of the central and local governments to jointly promote senior talent services in the future, and subsidize local governments in setting up service locations for senior talents, develop flexible job opportunities suitable for middle-aged and elderly persons according to the industrial characteristics of the jurisdiction and promote local employment.

The Ministry of Labor has stated that the middle-aged and elderly employees, with their wealth of experience, wisdom, and training, are indispensable human resources for enterprises, so it calls on companies to cherish and make good use of them. The Ministry of Labor will continue to implement each measure in the Middle-Aged and Elderly Employment Promotion Act and provide guidance to public institutions for employment. It will help middle-aged and senior people find stable employment, promoting a win-win partnership between enterprises and middle-aged and elderly employees and building a friendly employment environment for them.

Taiwan is known for her reputation in the international medical field. In response to the national-level policy of promoting digital healthcare initiative, the WDA has been implementing “ASD-CBA Project: Promoting APEC Innovative Caregiving through Digital Upskilling” in APEC Human Resources Development Working Group Capacity Building Network (HRDWG CBN), and the project received APEC funding of US$35,000. By organizing this workshop, the WDA aimed to collect relevant information and practices in preparation of developing digital upskilling training package for health caregivers. 

The APEC project launched by WDA is divided into a three- year plan. In the first year, preparatory research is conducted to develop training package for health caregivers. For the second year, a training program on digital upskilling of health caregivers is to be held with participants from APEC member economies. In the third year, training program participants will be invited to share the experiences or best practices in relation to application of training package in their member economies.

By organizing this event, WDA is able to integrate relevant suggestions and recommendations through cross-fora collaboration and dialogue. If the training package is developed, WDA is willing to share the experiences with relevant stakeholders in APEC member economies to strengthen cooperation of industrial talent in the sector of health caregiving.

    The ceremony began under the witness of Vice Minister of Labor Lin San-Quei, Director General of WDA Shih Jen-Yang, together with the CEO of TAFE Directors Australia Craig Robertson and the President of Thai-German Institute Somwang Boonrakcharoen, performed a successful O2O digital MOU exchange ceremony. Vice Minister Lin stated that Taiwan has been promoting labor affairs collaboration with Asia-Pacific countries and has achieved satisfactory outcome. Taiwan’s effort on international vocational training cooperation was demonstrated in this event, and by harnessing this advantage, Taiwan also aims to assist the facilitation of digital upskilling in the Asia-Pacific region and the international community in the trend of digital transformation. At the end of the ceremony Director General Shih expressed her appreciation to representatives of Australia and Thailand

Subsequently, representatives of international organization and industries were invited as keynote speakers/panelists to speak on “Skills development in the time of COVID-19: Taking stock of the initial responses in technical and vocational education and training” and “Thriving after COVID-19: What skills do employees need?,” followed with public and private representatives from Australia, Belgium, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and others across the world, sharing their respective innovative and creative measures in regard to talent upskilling and reskilling in the time of COVID-19.

    Even though international exchange activities have been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delegates from government, academia and industry sectors of Taiwan and other countries were able to participate in this hybrid meeting amid this extraordinary period of time. Delegates exchanged views over vocational training cooperation and explored issues in relation to post-pandemic future of work, innovative skills and digital upskilling. By discussing relevant strategies and roadmaps, participants aim to continue working on the current international cooperation platform and facilitating the quality growth of vocational training cooperation mechanism.

The MOL held the Reward first time from 2018 and selected 12 outstanding units. The MOL Workforce Development Agency hopes the reward can courage and promote more units to employ Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons. Therefore, except to praise Outstanding Units and non-profit organizations also especially increase rewards for those people working for the related jobs in this year. In addition to public praise, trophies and bonuses, the winners can also get the opportunity to participate in exchange activities abroad.      

The MOL Workforce Development Agency will hold 5 seminars to assist the participants to understand the content of rewards from August 24. We will invite the 2018 outstanding units to share their experiences in the seminars. The registration website is as follow.

The details of competition method and other event information & document are available for download from the official website of the event.

Contact number is 8913-2218 Mr. Chong.

 According to the Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor (WDA), the domestic labor market counts more than 700,000 migrant workers. Some unscrupulous employment agencies require employers to directly withhold their employment service fees from the migrant workers' wages for transfer to themselves, use fraudulent withholding methods, or add unclear loans and false deduction items. Whenever such behavior and damage to the rights and interests of migrant workers are found, the employer is fined TWD 60,000-300,000 and their employment permit will be revoked in accordance with Article 43 of the Regulations on the Permission and Administration of the Employment of Foreign Workers and Article 57, paragraph 9 of the Employment Service Act. In addition, the employment agency will receive a fine of 10-20 times the amount of overcharges found and risks the penalty of business suspension.

The WDA reminds employers that wage withholdings are not allowed except for specific fees listed in the law: national health insurance premiums, labor insurance premiums, income taxes, room and board charges, and contributions to employee benefits up to the amounts permitted by court verdicts, orders from administrative enforcement agencies, or laws and regulations. When an employer pays a foreign blue-collar laborer wages in accordance with the labor contract, a salary schedule printed in Chinese and the foreigner's native language must be attached to the contract and be handed over to the foreigner, who must keep it for five years.

Common illegal deductions from migrant workers’ wages withheld by employers on behalf of employment agencies include service fees, overseas loans, residence permit fees, and medical examination fees. These are not listed in the law and are therefore not permitted. The WDA calls on employers to not withhold any fees not listed in the law, to ensure that migrant workers can actually receive their due wages for work done and enjoy protection of their rights and interests. For queries regarding payment of migrant workers' wages, please visit the WDA website at https://www.wda.gov.tw/ or contact the 1955 Hotline for further information.

The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) reminds employers hiring overseas Chinese students and international students should pay attention to related regulations to ensure they have acquired the working permit issued by the Ministry of Labor (MOL). Employers may check on the Foreign Labor Searching System (https://labor.wda.gov.tw/labweb/Login.jsp). In addition, employers can find out related regulations from the Working Expats in Taiwan website (https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/) of the WDA. Overseas Chinese students and international students working without a working permit will be punished for violating Article 43 of the Employment Services Act, with a maximum fine of NT$150,000. Employers hiring overseas Chinese students and international students without a working permit will face a maximum fine of NT$750,000 by law.

According to the WDA, the working permit for overseas Chinese students and international students is issued two times a year according to the semester system. Students may apply for the working permit online. Overseas Chinese students and students from Hong Kong and Macau special administrative regions enrolling to public or private senior high schools or above and international students enrolling to public or private registered colleges and universities should submit an application, a photocopy of a valid passport, and the original copy of the examination fee when making an application. In addition, international students should also submit the school’s approval for work or documents of proof of special language specialty to apply for a working permit online with the WDA.

The WDA reminds as Chinese citizens and students are currently not allowed to work in Taiwan, employers hiring Chinese students will face penalties including term imprisonment between one and seven years and a maximum fine of NT$1 million for violating the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. Employers are advised to check the status and nationality of students before hiring them to prevent fines.

The Ministry of Labor opens the 1955 Hotline for labor counseling and complaints to help migrant workers with communication and adaptation to the Taiwanese lifestyle. The hotline provides counseling and handles complaints 24 hours a day. It also offers an online interpretation service in Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai and Filipino to solve communication problems between employers and migrant workers.

1955 Hotline acts as a bridge of communication.
A hotline staff received a call from Shiao Ya, a Filipino worker. She said that she is a household caretaker and rarely goes out because she’s not familiar with the area and doesn’t know anyone. The employer asked her to buy a food for the patient and drew a map for her. However, she took an hour to find her way because she’s not familiar with the place. The employer assumed that she went out to play and left the patient alone. She didn’t know how to explain her problem to the employer. She recalled that the instructor of the regulation seminar at the airport when she arrived at Taiwan said that migrant workers can call the 1955 Hotline for online interpretation. She could use the service to resolve her inconvenience at work. Therefore, she called the hotline. When the hotline staff received her call, the staff communicated with her employer right away to resolve the misunderstanding. The employer said he will lead her the way and keep the hotline in mind. Therefore, he can call the hotline for the interpretation service if he needs help for communication.

An all-year-round service for migrant workers

The Workforce Development Agency stated that the 1955 Hotline is free, 24-hours and 365-days service. Migrant workers can call the hotline to acquire information on labor rights and daily life issues and ask for interpretation service. Statistics shows that over the past five years, the hotline staff received around 200 thousand calls a year and more than 4,500 of them asked for online interpretation. Hotline staffs speak Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai or Filipino to help migrant workers every day to resolve their problems at work in Taiwan. Therefore, migrant workers in Taiwan can rely on the interpretation service even the employers and agencies can also use this service.

1955 Hotline provides seamless communication for foreign workers

The online interpretation service of the 1955 Hotline immediately helps migrant workers and employers understand what they want to say. It reduces misunderstandings or disputes due to communication problem. Aside for work issues, migrant workers who seek a doctor, assessment of some document or in regards of daily life which needs a translator, can also call the 1955 Hotline for assistance. Hotline staff can offer real-time online interpretation service to help migrant workers with communication while living in Taiwan.

The winning teams of generational cooperation proposal competition will show the results of the competition on October 31^st. Let’s see how the youth and the elders collide the spark of cooperation. From the winning works of the Generation Cooperation Proposal Competition, we’ll see that different generations multiply their respective advantages, unleash the possibilities of generational cooperation!

There are also wonderful performances on site, a group of young-at-heart senior citizens, brings vibrant and united performances, profoundly shows the spirit of live-and-learn. The people who participated in all of the forum activities could have a chance to draw 7-Eleven NT. 500 gift certificate, Insta 360°AIR panoramic camera, Fuji Polaroid, and ASUS smart speaker. Are you moved? Come and sign up!

Registration form and related information can be found on the event website.

Website: http://gc2019.nasme.org.tw

Multigenerational Collaboration leads to Infinite Creativity

The theme of 2019 Cross-generational Proposal Competition goes to Generations Cooperation, Intergenerational Communion (青銀合作世代共融). We welcome creative, passionate youngsters teaming up with experienced elders for your cooperative development. Entries could be in the form of short films, commercial products design or a career reformation proposal, reflecting on the issue of how elders could better fit in, or collaborate with other generations. We expect the skills and knowledge which elders possess could be widely seen and spread through the competition. And we believe mutigenerational collaboration sparks inspiration and positive strength. 

Win 10 Thousand NTD, or Even More with Friends of Different Generations!

Entries must be submitted accordingly into one of the three groups, respectively Film Producing, Innovative Designs and Workplace Collaboration. Contestants must sign up as a team composed of 3 to 6 people, and more than half of the members should be citizens of Taiwan. One of the team members’ age must be under 33 and another over 55. Contestants will receive 10 thousand NTD once they are nominated for the final. We select the top three from and two Honorable Mention Awards from each group. Champions of each group would receive a 120 thousand NTD prize! 

Dreams Come True! Helping Elders Develop Career

Winners of the Cross-generational Proposal Competition held by the Workforce

Development Agency, Ministry of Labor Taipei-Keelung-Yilan-Hualian-Kinmen-Matsu

Reginal Branch grasped their chance to realize their proposals. For instance, the Coffee Daddy Café Workshop (咖啡老爹烘培⼯作坊) use bicycles as their mobile

coffee stand, helping elders start their business. On the other hand, Creative Lohas Corps (創意樂活青年軍) bonds elders together with board games, and evokes social interaction between the elders as they gain more confidence. All leads to the fact that the Cross-generational Proposal Competition is truly beneficial to elders.

Longevity Issues needs Multigenerational Collaboration

Director General of Workforce Development Agency Huang Chiu-Kuei mentioned, as laboring population suffers severe shortage, elderly labors have stood out to become irreplaceable domestic workforce. Longevity issues is, without a doubt, deeply connected to our society. Thus, this agency holds 2019 Cross-generational Proposal Competition to inspire people to participate in planning and producing creative works. We hope to encourage the younger generation along with our precious seniors to shed light to Taiwan’s longevity issues, and to reach mutual communication and understanding together.

Please see the application form, and related information on the official website (http://gc2019.nasme.org.tw) or call (02)2366-0812#306 for Miss Yang.

Transferring employers are easier with the “multiple language employer transfer zone”

Regarding to the current regulations, migrant workers can transfer to another employer for the reasons such as the caretaker's death or immigration, employer's factory closure, business or personal assault, etc., To protect the work right of migrant workers, they can transfer to new employers through the third party or the agreement by both migrant workers and employers. At the same time, to make the transferring process more transparent and efficient, the ministry of labor also set up a page for employer transfer which helps migrant workers finding new jobs or employers. The overall rate of assisting migrant workers to successfully transfer of employers has reached more than 90% since the page was established.

Optimized platform for better services

The ministry of labor said that the interface were served only in Chinese, which is not enough for those migrant workers. Thus, to emphasize the employer transfer system, four language interfaces (English/Indonesian/Vietnamese and Thai) will be available starting from July 15, 2019 on the page launched by Ministry of labor linked as below: https://fw.wda.gov.tw/wda-employer Users can check the statues of their cases by entering their passport number. The statues will be shown as "listed in system", "off the shelf" or "unlisted in system". On the other hand, they can also receive the information of employers who are hiring, so that migrant workers can always reach the latest information.

Consultation hotline for website users

If migrant workers have questions using the “multiple language employer transfer zone”, the 1955 hotline can provide multiple-language consultation services. Migrant worker can call 1955 (mobile or local calls to the 1955 line) for assistance. Employers and agencies are suggested to inform migrant workers to use this hotline.

　As Coordinator of APEC Human Resources Development Working Group Capacity Building Network (HRDWG CBN), the WDA has called on member economies to pay more attention to skills development. Apart from proposing APEC project, the WDA also established two ASD-CBA Institutes in two regional branches in 2017 and 2018 as a platform of exchange to promote people-to-people, institute-to-institute and project-to-project connectivity. 

　This event echoes the 2019 APEC theme of “Connecting People, Building the Future” and one of the priority areas “Women, SMEs and Inclusive Growth.” Delegates from TAFE Directors Australia (TDA), Australian Office in Taipei, APEC working groups, government, industry, academia and research sectors gathered to share project outcome through cross-fora exchange. 

　Based on the long-term collaborative ties, Australia and Taiwan have signed three MOUs on technical and vocational education and training, and more tasks are to be promoted in the future. The APEC occupational standards is a framework that provides skills needed by different jobs.

　The WDA held this workshop as a preparatory meeting for organizing “ASD-CBA Event Competency Digital Upskilling Program” between June and July. The design of curriculum will met iCAP standard and includes two courses related to event digital upskilling. This program is expected to become a pioneer in competency application for shortening the gap between industry and academia.  　

   TDA, WDA and experts discussed the scope of collaboration. Participants explored the possibility of integrating the Australian competency standards with Taiwan Training Quality System (TTQS) in order to promote the training outcome for international endorsement as well as the advancement of assessment system on trainers.

Link URL: https://openstudy.wda.gov.tw

Arrival Pick-Up Guidelines for Foreign Workers

Cindy is from Indonesia, when she got off the plane, she heard the staffs of the Ministry of Labor spoke to her in her own familiar Native language, friendly guidance for checking, collecting their luggages and customs clearance, and telling everyone what to pay attention to while working in Taiwan, the service staffs accompanied them until the broker or the employer have arrived to pick them up, for the foreigners who first time arrive in Taiwan, they can feel at home.

Workforce Development Agency said case just like Cindy, foreigners who come to Taiwan for the first time, includes different countries such as Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, therefore they arrange bilingual service personnel starting from boarding gate, accompanying them all the way, and informed them the current laws. For example, the African Swine Fever Epidemic, the service staffs must be responsible for every foreign worker entering the country, inform them before custom clearance to discard any pork or pork products and agricultural products into the disposal box so as to avoid punishment.

Orientation Services Enable Foreign Workers to Understand Their Rights and Interests

Workforce Development Agency said that during pick-up process, they also arranged foreign workers to attend orientation services, more than 10,000 sessions are handled every year, with more than 150,000 participants attended. The purpose of this service is to let the foreign workers through film clips, quickly understand Taiwan’s cultural, employment policy and regulations, on what to be aware of while in Taiwan, and with 1955 Foreign Workers Consultation and Complaint Hotline, 110 and 113 for Helping Hotlines, so foreign workers will be more aware of their rights and interests and to avoid any violations.

Foreign Workers Could Complain Before Exit Service through 1955 Hotline

The airport is the last chance for Foreign Workers before leaving to Taiwan. The Workforce Development Agency said any related disputes must be resolved smoothly before the foreign workers leave the country. Foreign Workers Airport Service Station set up a bilingual service counter in the departure hall. If a foreign worker has a dispute with the employer or agent, and has not been resolved or has any questions to consult, asides from going to the Foreign Workers Airport Service Station, They can also call 1955 Foreign workers Consultation and Complaint Hotline, and will forward the case to the Foreign Workers Airport Service Station for assistance. The service station staff will assist and contact, and then refer it to the local governments for assistance.

Based on the statistics of Workforce Development Agency, through 1955 hotline, Foreign Workers Airport Service Station already assisted 400 to 500 complaint cases of foreign workers entering or leaving to Taiwan. Among the disputes are employment contract (such as forced repatriation, early termination and airfare) which is accounted for 31% of complaint cases, while wages (such as salary, overtime and savings) accounted for nearly 28% of complaint cases. These cases were assisted by the Foreign Workers Airport Service Station and have been properly handled.

Provides other services to employers and agents

Workforce Development Agency established ｢Entry and Departure of the Foreign Workers Airport Care Service Website｣(https://fwas.wda.gov.tw). Aside from the employers and agents that can log in to pick-up service of foreign workers, there are also post the latest information and promotional videos on the website, forms that relevant of foreign workers entry and exit to Taiwan and others important contact information.

Smart employers to create a friendly workplace blue chip unit does everything he knows

Lao Dongbu Workforce Development Department by "import with the older unemployed blue-chip Award" in recognition of 12 blue-chip units in 107 years, these units either establish an internal system to arrange the actual field work, overall work atmosphere, etc., can feel for the aged and elderly workers emphasis within the centripetal force of employees strong, high stability, greatly reducing recruitment costs, the business also maintain high quality.

The Excellence Award was awarded Sigurd Corporation and 8more gold Industrial Co., Ltd., with operations optimization, process improvement, job redesign and flexible system, improve the elderly employee performance, stable company personnel transaction.

Seniors who are not getting older but better

Workforce Development Department says older unemployed because of years of washing, with a wealth of practical experience and contacts, solidarity and strong sense of responsibility, excellent stability, many advantages are needed for companies namely war force, through experience winners can be found in the older unemployed is definitely the best choice.

Make the best use of government resources more efficiently

Workforce Development Agency in addition to assisting the elderly employment through the public employment service agencies, but also to provide the subsidized employer grants benefits such as employment, workplace learning and re-adaptation plan, to encourage employers to hire older unemployed, Also, to enhance the effectiveness of the work of older unemployed, grants enterprises for job training, and provide the elderly job re-design services.

The Workforce Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor has stated that there have been more than 400 cases of foreign workers losing their jobs due to drunk driving.

Once drunk driving is sentenced, the employment permit will be abolished

The employer said that Aliang has been working in Taiwan for 10 years. He has been very trustworthy in his work, but he lost his job because he was not aware of the regulation. The employer said that the company has trained Aliang for many years and he has done well.  Therefore, the employer requested to give Aliang another chance to rehabilitate himself, so as not to affect the production operation of the factory.

However, the Workforce Development Agency said that once foreign workers violate the laws of our country, such as drunk driving involving criminal liability, the employment permit of drunk driving workers must be abolished, and let them leave the country within the time limit according to Article 73 of the Employment Service Law. The foreign workers must not re-entry Taiwan for work. 

But the above mentioned foreign workers after leaving the country according to law, the employer can apply for a recruitment permit to hire other foreign workers without affecting the quota and the rights of the employer.

In Year 2018, the employment permit of foreign workers were abolished for more than 400 cases due to drunk driving.

The Development Agency stated that the government is currently adopting a zero tolerance policy for drunk driving, and vigorously banned drunk driving.  In Year 2018, more than 400 foreign workers have been dismissed for their employment.

Foreign workers are mostly on the road with bicycles, electric bicycles or electric cars.  Although these vehicles are at slow speed, however, drunk driving is still illegal.  Once it is prosecuted or sentenced after being transferred, the employment permit must be abolished according to law, and be ordered to leave the country within a time limit.  It has a great impact on the right to work of foreign workers and the production operations of employers.  Employers should give more reminders and publicity to foreign workers.

Strengthen traffic safety advocacy; Foreign workers work secured

Due to different language, culture and living habits, foreign workers sometimes have no intention to violate traffic laws, and require employers and agencies to make more announcements. The Workforce Development Agency said that in addition to drunk driving, the more common general traffic violations include self-modifying vehicles, running electric bicycles while red light, and driving in the opposite direction.  In order to allow foreign workers to work in Taiwan safely, it is also convenient for employers and agencies to step up the advocacy of the Foreign Workers Act, the Workforce Development Agency has produced a one-hour film in mandarin and foreign languages of pre-employment workshop for foreign workers. 

It can be used on the " Information Website of Transnational Labor Rights Protection " (https://fw.wda.gov.tw).

Through conference call instant interpretation, warm affection transmission made possible:

Shi-Shi met her friend from the same country during new year’s time. On her return trip, due to major delay, she could not return to the dorm. Also because of unable to communicate through proper language, Shi-shi became very anxious. Mr. Lin saw Shi-shi with anxious face, therefore called 1955 asking for help. Through conference call service, Mr. Lin understood Shi-Shi‘s concern and had helped her get on the right bus, going back home. Through 1955 special hotline and genuinely kind help, Sci-Shi had gained the warmness of Taiwanese people, and believed that this was the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan.

Providing whole year, non-stopped service:

Foreign workers who has been working in Taiwan all had language and communication issue, therefore, there are many  problems that should be assisted. The Labor Ministry has concern for all the foreign workers in Taiwan, so the Ministry established 1955 foreign workers consultation and filing complaint case service providing 24 hours, whole year, non-stopped bilingual service in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, English, Mandarin language. According to statistical count, 1955 has handled around 19 thousand calls throughout the whole year. During the Chinese New Year, foreign workers may call 1955 hotline regarding their labor rights and interests, living conditions and interpretation services.

Caring for foreign workers:

There are altogether nine days in new year’s time.  During the holiday season, foreign workers can arrange trip going outdoor or work for overtime. 1955 special hotline provides 24 hours, whole year non-stopped service. During spring season, 1955 provides service to the foreign workers, employers, brokers regarding the living conditions, interpretation service and extra work days consultation service. Hopefully, this will bring foreign workers a wonderful year.

Each sheltered workshop launches various products as the coming of the Chinese New Year. With "Xihan Children's New Year Dishes" of the “Children are US Foundation”, you can enjoy the happy Spring Festival reunion dinner with rich dishes and flat prices without having to prepare for the festival so exhausted. In addition, local governments also have marketing activities. For example, the Taipei City Government has launched the “Combo Gift Boxes of Sheltered Workshops and Disabilities Social Enterprises” for the coming Chinese New Year. Combining the products of many sheltered workshops, all kinds of the food and drink are available to meet your needs. It is the best choice for gifting relatives or friends.

The physically and mentally disabilities working in sheltered workshops are dedicated to every work process. It is a "Ture Heart Product" worthy of support. You can enjoy them happily. The Director of Workforce Development Agency, Mrs. Huang Qiugui, appealed that welcome everyone to order the gift boxes of sheltered workshops while Lunar Year of the Pig is coming. The eagerness to order the products not only glorifies the New Year happiness, but also directly encourages friends with physical and mental disabilities, and allows the sheltered workshops to develop stably and sustainably. For information on the products and activities of the sheltered workshops, please search the Facebook with"Mind Point"https://www.facebook.com/mindpointwda/

        The Ministry of Labor Minister San-Quei Lin and APEC EU foreign guests seven people ,artist Axi ,partner of the sheltered workshop will on hand-made experience.The artist Axiwill sharing the experience about her be a one day shelter , Andthe Ministry of Labor will invited the anchor The couples of Yong Yongkang and Zhang Yushan for sharing their experience for using the products and services of sheltered workshops ,for make people know the sheltered workshops.

        Ministry of Labor Minister said “Mind Point” hope let the workshops can enter the life of everyone not only sell the products and services. And hope people use their heart to feel the real of theworkshops and experience how the stuff hardworking. This activity just a beginning,hope can inspire the energy form everyone to support the disabled people work.

　　The Director of WDA, Huang Chiu-Kuei, said that these Sheltered Workshops provide a place for long-term employment support for people with physical and mental disabilities who are willing to work but have insufficient employability. There are 141 sheltered workshops in Taiwan. Most of them are selling merchandise, followed by catering, labor services and agronomy. Currently, there are 1,917 physically and mentally handicapped people working there.

　　The Taichung Maria Foundation, Marymama asylum store launched the "Crystal-Mind Mid-Autumn Festival Gift Box". It contains four different flavored hand-made moon cakes - yellow milk soft stuffing, sesame and brown sugar Q-heart, Matcha with azuki beans, and rum cranberry. Invite friends and familes to enjoy these Mid-Autumn Festival specific moon cakes. In addition, The Kaohsiung Syin-lu Social Welfare Foundation introduced the "Happiness + Egg Roll" with brand new shining outfits and packages. The tastes are diversified, including Assam tea with fresh wheat flavors, Taiwan Red Quinoa, bananas, sesames, Belgian chocolate and coffee, etc. These egg rolls are handmade without preservatives and colorings. It will be the best choices of presents for relatives or friends. 

　　Want to have some different gifts? Don’t miss the Mid-Autumn Festival designated gift box from the New Taipei City Tucheng Sheltered Workshop of Taiwan Foundation for the Blinds. The “Full Moon, Accented Pomelos” hand-made soap gift box is specially made by the asylum staff. In addition to the essential oil soaps, Lavender body milk, as well as ren-bean stuffing mooncake style towels, all are packed in a kraft paper box decorated with Mid-Autumn Festival sleeve outfit. It is both fashionable and environmentally friendly. No matter as a gift or for self-use, this soap box is definitely decent and generous. 

　　The physically and mentally handicapped employees working in the sheltered workshops are dedicated to each work process. They strive to make products that are competitive in the market. Huang Chiu-Kuei made appeals to everyone to purchase the sheltered workshops products. Not only buying Mid-Autumn gifts may directly inspire these handicapped friends, but also recognize their efforts. Please act to support the disabled friends through the procurements and them working in the stable and sustainable sheltered workshops.

When the employment company charge the fees from foreigner workers which  violates Subparagraph 5 of Article 40 shall be fines an amount of at least ten times up to twenty times and suspend its operation for three months to protects the rights and interests of foreigner workers.