Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun said Feb. 14 that the government is committed to working with Hakka communities to promote their culture at home and abroad, according to the Hakka Affairs Council.
Cheng made the remarks during the U.S.-based Taiwanese Hakka Association of the World’s presidency handover ceremony in Taipei City. Established in 1997, the association aims to raise public awareness of Hakka culture and facilitate intragroup cooperation.
According to the vice premier, President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai both attach great importance to Hakka policies, as evidenced by those included in the National Project of Hope. The government will continue to support the HAC’s ongoing Hakka language revitalization plan, she said, adding that the Executive Yuan will also allocate NT$8.3 billion (US$253.4 million) from the national languages development plan’s NT$32 billion budget to promoting Hakka through 2026.
Additionally, the government will keep promoting Hakka cuisine and music while encouraging screen adaptations of literary works, Cheng said, citing the 2021 Hakka language TV series “Gold Leaf” and HAC backing for local orchestras to perform Hakka-influenced compositions worldwide.
Such measures are complemented by the government’s support of Hakka community development, Cheng said, noting that the establishment of cultural and health care stations for Hakka residents will be included in the forthcoming Long-term Care Plan 3.0. The HAC also set up a Hakka youth advisory council to boost public participation and help younger generations start businesses, she added.
Cheng concluded by saying that the EY will spare no effort in advancing related policy and raising the global profile of Hakka culture. (YCH-E)
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