TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) introduced a comprehensive 13-year education policy on Thursday (Sept. 28).
Ko's proposal includes expanding compulsory education to welcome children as young as five, with an annual increase of NT＄15 billion to kindergarten education.
Ko also plans to re-incorporate Chinese and English subjects into college entrance-designated subject exams.
He also advocates a "tri-lingual education" consisting of Mandarin, English, and coding.
Education reforms will first take effect in outlying islands and Hualien and Taitung, with plans for nationwide implementation by 2030.
Although he stated that Taiwan's goal to become a bilingual nation by 2030 has failed, Ko emphasizes the importance of bilingual education.
He also stressed the necessity of fostering talent and preparing educational materials to support his education reform.