On the 16th, the Chiayi City Government hosted the “New Sustainability +1 • Happiness All in Chiayi” Immigration Festival at Central Plaza. Immigrants from various countries dressed in traditional attire to showcase the charm of cultural diversity. Deputy Mayor Lin Ruiyan, on behalf of Mayor Huang Min-hui, attended the event and presented certificates of appreciation, reiterating the city’s commitment to building a migrant-friendly city and highlighting Chiayi’s multicultural and livable characteristics.
Comprehensive Services for New Residents
Lin noted that Chiayi City established the “New Residents Affairs Committee” in 2019. Through eight key initiatives, the city provides comprehensive services to new residents, covering adaptation, employment security, and children’s education. The annual Immigration Festival brings together resources from various sectors to welcome immigrants worldwide, fostering a livable and inclusive city for all ages.
Chiayi City is home to approximately 5,507 new residents, accounting for 2.09% of the population. Most come from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, while 3,774 residents are from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Lin emphasized that these new residents have built their lives in Chiayi, becoming an integral part of the city.
Diverse Activities Showcase Integration into Taiwanese Life
This year’s festival featured the theme “New Sustainability +1 • Happiness All in Chiayi” and began with a welcoming dance symbolizing the harmonious integration of diverse cultures. The event included Vietnamese dance, KPOP performances, and street dance by the second generation, reflecting successful integration into Taiwanese society.
The event featured diverse performances, including Vietnamese dance by new immigrants, KPOP dance routines, and street dance by the second generation. (Photo: Taken from Chiayi City Government Website)
In addition, around 50 booths offered international cuisine and cultural experiences, including eco-friendly flowerpot crafting, DIY artistic painting, and exotic food tasting. Displays of learning achievements by new residents and language teaching (in English, Japanese, Indonesian, Spanish, and Filipino) allowed attendees to experience the charm of foreign cultures. Activities such as quizzes and interactive games promoted the concept of multicultural coexistence.
Tasting Exotic Cuisines (Photo: Taken from Chiayi City Government Website)
International Migrants Day: Promoting Human Rights and Cultural Respect
The United Nations designated December 18 as “International Migrants Day” in 1989. Since 2011, Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior has observed this day as the “Immigration Festival” to emphasize migrant human rights and respect for cultural diversity.
Through the Immigration Festival, Chiayi City provides warmth and belonging to new residents while deepening citizens’ understanding of multiculturalism, achieving the vision of “One World, Happiness All in Chiayi.”
