The National Immigration Agency (NIA) of the Ministry of the Interior held a press conference today (Oct 15th) at the Police Broadcasting Service to launch the "The Power of New Immigrants" radio program. Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang, along with legislators Lo Mei-ling, Su Chiao-hui, and Mai Yu-chen, attended the event. Representatives from Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, and Filipino representative offices and diplomatic missions in Taiwan, as well as various new immigrant organizations, also participated. Minister Liu emphasized that this new radio program, designed specifically for new immigrants, is aimed at helping them better integrate into Taiwanese society. Starting from October 18 2024, the program will air every Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. on FM104.9, the Police Broadcasting Service. All are encouraged to tune in and stay updated on important information for new immigrants in a relaxed and engaging manner.
Liu Shyh-fang emphasized that since the enactment of the New Immigrants Basic Law, the Ministry of the Interior has continued to implement a variety of supportive measures. In ensuring that new immigrants have access to media, the Ministry has specifically tasked the National Immigration Agency to approach this issue from the perspective of new immigrants as the main audience. As a result, Radio Taiwan International (RTI) was commissioned to produce an entirely new radio program for new immigrants. This program will address the various challenges they may face in Taiwan, such as family relationships, cultural differences, and daily needs, all presented in a relatable and story-driven format. The goal is to encourage new immigrants to seek assistance from relevant government agencies when they encounter difficulties. Liu also shared that in March of next year (2025), during Taiwan’s popular Mazu pilgrimage processions, the program will introduce new immigrants to this deeply traditional Taiwanese festival, helping them to become more familiar with local customs and life in Taiwan.
Minister Liu also shared that each episode of the program will be 15 minutes long and will also be produced as a podcast, available on major online platforms. To further empower new immigrants and their second-generation children, the show will feature hosts like Phạm Thụy Tường Vy, a new immigrant from Vietnam, along with other new immigrant hosts. Additionally, new immigrants will be invited to participate in or observe the production process. They will have opportunities to co-host, visit the recording studio, and operate professional equipment, with the aim of nurturing more media talent among new immigrants and the second generation.
Liu emphasized that new immigrants and their children are a vital force behind Taiwan’s continued progress. By creating radio programs that cater to their needs, the government hopes to protect their "right to know," reduce information gaps, and support the growth and development of new immigrants in their life in Taiwan.
The press conference today also featured a lively sand art performance by Mario Subeldia, a new immigrant artist from the Philippines, who presented a piece themed around "New Immigrants in Taiwan," creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.