Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) spoke to the Legislature for the first time since his appointment to the Cabinet on Monday, mentioning policy objectives, talent shortage, and the recent protests.
Cheng said he aims to ease pressure for parents and teachers, while allowing students to confidently branch out into fields based on their personal interests and career aspirations. He pointed out that everyone shares the common goal of improving Taiwan’s education and talent cultivation system.
Education Ministry Political Deputy Benson Yeh (葉丙成) mentioned that Taiwan, with its declining birth rate, is especially short on talent in the industrial development field. Yeh says solving this problem was one of his main motivations behind joining the Education Ministry. He emphasizes that he aims to bridge the gap between universities and enterprises and apply learning to application in hopes of maintaining ample talent for Taiwan’s future.
In regards to the many students protesting around the Legislature, Cheng said that participation in public affairs and expression of opinions about Taiwan's development are valuable and should be encouraged.