Talent, Education, Makeover: Taiwan Uniquely

Legislative Committee Passed Draft Bill to Attract Foreign Talent

• On October 19th, the committee on the economy in Taiwan’s parliament passed the draft bill to attract more foreign professionals to Taiwan. The draft bill extends the possible length of employment for a foreigner from three years to five years, and those who earn more than NT$3 million a year would only be taxed on half of their annual income for the first three years.
• Some requirements in the current law, such as the requirement to stay in Taiwan for at least 183 days, would be abolished and foreign professionals could apply for permits that allow them to change jobs on their own. Additionally, permanent residents would be eligible for the domestic labor pension system, while foreign teachers employed by public schools could choose between the one-time pension or monthly pension programs.
• According to the Minister of National Development Council, Chen Mei-Ling, the new draft bill will help Taiwan to create a friendlier environment for foreign professionals while pose no threat to domestic talent.

China’s Fujian Province Plans to Hire 1,000 Taiwanese College Professors

• The Education Department of China’s Fujian Province announced on October 20th that they plan to recruit 1,000 Taiwanese college professors starting in 2020. The proposal plans to rely on Taiwan’s progressive values in education to help develop the education industry in Fujian Province.
• The report outlines the goal to launch new universities, technological institutions and second tier schools through partial collaboration in certain fields of studies. With the growing number of eligible PhDs and a deteriorating welfare package, the likelihood of younger professors accepting offers with better packages from China and other countries could grow.

35 Designers Give Shih-Dong Market a Complete Makeover

• Shih-Dong Market in Taipei went through a makeover in May, and the 19 stands inside the market has been turned into modern shops.
• Even though Shih-Dong Market’s original space is already brighter and cleaner than most traditional markets in Taiwan, a team of 35 designers were invited in May to revamp the space.
• By adding lighting trusses and wooden boxes, the stands have become brighter with a more modern touch.

A Journalist’s Recount of Shaoxing Community’s Fading History

• Last month, we shared the story of Shaoxing community with you through our conversation with the local community, but to give you a deeper understanding about how NTU’s plan could have an enormous impact on the community and its future, Taipei Love Notes offer a more personal recount in this week’s love note.

(Feature photo by William Yang)