TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Education Minister vowed Wednesday (Oct. 15) to scrutinize any university closures of labor studies programs amid mounting concerns over professional talent shortages. Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) addressed speculation that Chinese Culture University (中國文化大學) plans to eliminate its Department of Labor and Human Resources (勞動暨人力資源學系) at the parliament. The Ministry of Education (教育部) will evaluate workforce development implications before approving any departmental shutdowns.
The minister testified before the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee (立法院教育及文化委員會) that officials have received no formal closure application from the university. Cheng outlined mandatory procedures for department eliminations, requiring comprehensive faculty and student consultations plus formal approval through institutional governance meetings. Taiwan's educational oversight system demands transparent decision-making processes for all academic program changes.
Chinese Culture University officials emphasized active recruitment and departmental transformation efforts to address evolving workforce needs. University administrators acknowledged ongoing deliberations but confirmed no final decisions regarding the department's future. Minister Cheng recognized universities must adapt to societal shifts while maintaining transparent governance and stakeholder communication throughout institutional changes.
Former Labor Minister Pan Shih-wei (潘世偉) voiced alarm a day earlier through social media about the department's uncertain future. Pan highlighted the tragic irony of potential closure coinciding with the program's 60th anniversary celebration Saturday (Oct. 18). The former minister warned that eliminating the department could create critical gaps in Taiwan's labor expertise and human resources professional development. ◼