Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) says English education reform is meant to improve Taiwan's competitive edge, not instate English as Taiwan’s second language. Chen spoke on Tuesday, a day before lawmakers review a bill about establishing a bilingual development center.
The National Federation of Teachers Union and several lawmakers hosted a press conference on Tuesday to protest the bilingual development center bill. But Chen says sharing a language with others is necessary for intellectual and cultural exchanges. He adds that Taiwan needs to cherish its native languages, but it also needs to cultivate skills that encourage globalization.
Chen says international language skills are necessary to connect with the global community, which provides greater challenges and opportunities for Taiwan. He adds that President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has continuously promoted the importance of English education and the nation’s goal to be bilingual by 2030.
The premier says authorities will attend to the teachers’ needs and rights and continue to promote Taiwan’s native languages and culture. He says the government wants the bilingual development center to support global connections, and both English and Taiwan’s native languages are invaluable to the country.