To address global digital transformation trends and the development of emerging technologies such as generative AI, the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) of the Ministry of Labor held the "Barrier-Free Workforce in the Digital Transformation Era: Advancing Inclusive Digital Futures International Forum" on July 28, 2026. The forum gathered representatives and experts from public and private sectors to explore how digital skill-building and inclusive talent cultivation can promote equal participation in digital development for all groups, providing key references for Taiwan's future talent policy planning.
The Deputy Director General of the WDA, Chen Shih-chang stated during the opening remarks that as digital technology rapidly transforms industry structures and work models, countries are actively promoting digital skill-building and transformation. The WDA has long monitored the impact of digital transformation on the labor market, helping various groups respond to the challenges of industrial transition. With "Inclusive Digital Development" and "Issues of Persons with Disabilities and Disadvantaged Groups" as the core, the forum invited domestic and international representatives from the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations (IFTDO), International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP), Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), Thai-German Institute (TGI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of the Philippines, Inclusion Korea, and Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). These experts shared how their countries utilize digital tools to bridge the digital divide and assist persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups in achieving economic autonomy, thereby deepening international exchange and cooperation.
The WDA pointed out that the forum featured in-depth discussions on "Policy Tools for Promoting Skill Building for Persons with Disabilities" and "Innovative Paths for Public-Private Partnerships in Building Inclusive Digital Skills". The sessions not only explored how to enhance the digital resilience and employment competitiveness of persons with disabilities but also focused on breaking "one-size-fits-all" training mindsets. Specifically, the forum highlighted "Reskilling" and "Upskilling" programs tailored to the digital needs of women, senior workers, and persons with disabilities to establish flexible, inclusive human resource development policies that respond to diverse needs.
The WDA emphasized that by focusing on global issues and deepening substantive cooperation with international partners, it aims to further strengthen Taiwan's role in skill-building within the Asia-Pacific region. Facing the challenges of the digital era, the WDA will continue to promote forward-looking digital talent cultivation policies to build a fair, innovative, and sustainable workforce development system.