To strengthen national competitiveness and broaden Taiwan’s international outlook, the government launched the Blueprint for Making Taiwan Bilingual by 2030 in 2018, followed by the Bilingual 2030 Policy Implementation Plan in 2020, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Development Council (NDC). With funding from the Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program, solid foundations have been established in bilingual education in schools, expanded digital learning capacity, and the bilingual public services. These efforts have not only strengthened the public’s bilingual capabilities but have also achieved initial results in creating a more bilingual-friendly environment, helping showcase Taiwan’s strengths to the world.
As the global economic landscape changes rapidly, Taiwan has become an indispensable and trusted economic and trade partner in international supply chains. Building on the overall framework and achievements of the first two phases of the bilingual policy, the MOE will continue to implement the Bilingual Education Program to further enhance the bilingual capabilities of the next generation. The NDC has also formulated the Bilingual Environment Advancement Program (2026–2032) to help Taiwan’s industries connect with global markets and address the language challenges faced by foreign nationals in Taiwan. These efforts will jointly advance the national vision articulated by President Lai Ching-te in his 2024 inaugural address: “Taiwan of the future will have greater competitiveness and stronger bilingual capabilities.”
From January 2025 to May 2026, the NDC convened multiple interagency coordination meetings and consultation with experts and scholars to formulate the Bilingual Environment Advancement Program (2026–2032), which was approved by the Executive Yuan on August 31, 2026. By strengthening implementation capacity, incorporating stakeholder perspectives, and leveraging emerging AI tools, the program pursues three strategic objectives:
- Optimizing the Bilingual Workplace Environment: Enhance the investment environment for foreign businesses and accelerate the integration of Taiwan’s industries into international markets.
- Expanding a Bilingual Living Network: Make daily life more convenient and deepen connections with local culture.
- Advancing Bilingual Public Services: Adopt a user-centered approach and improve the quality of public services.