The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is planning to hold singing contests across Taiwan for children with Southeast Asian roots, starting in September.
The events are aimed at encouraging the public to learn more about Southeast Asian culture and helping children gain a better understanding of their parents’ countries of origin, including Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. That’s in light of an increase in the number of children who have one parent – usually a mother – from Southeast Asia.
DPP Secretary-General Hung Yao-fu said on Monday that Taiwan should build closer cultural and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations.
“The [contests] will enable children to speak their mothers’ native tongues and proudly sing their songs. The languages and cultures of new immigrants can enrich and demonstrate the diversity of Taiwanese culture," said Hung.
Since the DPP took office in May, the government has introduced what’s called the New Southbound policy. The policy is a drive to diversify Taiwan’s trade partners by strengthening trade ties with countries in Southeast Asia and with India.