TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Executive Yuan (行政院) reported on Thursday (Jan. 22) on plans and outcomes for the distribution of digital currencies for cultural, Hakka, and sports activities, highlighting a major step in Taiwan's digital economy. The Ministry of Culture (文化部) has standardized the issuance of cultural currency, granting 1,200 points to individuals aged 13 to 22 throughout the year, making Taiwan the only Asian nation to regularly distribute such currency.
The Ministry of Culture launched the cultural currency policy in 2023, achieving an average claim rate of 80% and a usage rate exceeding 90%. Eligible recipients, including those born between Jan. 1, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2013, with Republic of China nationality or qualifying foreign status, can access the currency via an app until Dec. 31, 2026. The Ministry aims to foster cultural engagement among youth through this initiative.
The Hakka Affairs Council (客家委員會) has targeted its Hakka currency policy at those who passed the 2025 Hakka language certification, among others. The initiative has seen nearly NT$100 million in accumulated spending, with over 70% occurring across different residential areas, promoting cultural exchange and economic activity in diverse locales.
The Ministry of Sports (運動部) has transformed its youth sports vouchers into a type of "sports currency," expanding eligibility to all citizens aged 16 and older. They plan to distribute 600,000 units of NT$500 sports currency to encourage nationwide participation in physical activities. The Ministry has set the registration period to access this currency from Jan. 26 to Feb. 8, 2026, with a public lottery draw scheduled for Feb. 12.