Issuing Unit: Department of General Affairs
The “2026 Yunlin County New Year’s Day Flag-Raising Ceremony” was held on the morning of January 1st at Beichen Elementary School in Beigang Township. Over 2,000 people gathered to sing the national anthem and watch the national flag rise under the warm morning sun, joyfully exchanging New Year greetings. Magistrate Chang Li-shan made her first wish of the year during the event, hoping that “policies will continue, enabling Yunlin to successfully transform into an agricultural-industrial-technological city and become a prosperous, livable, and sustainable place of happiness.”
This year’s ceremony was held for the first time in Beigang, a town rich in cultural heritage. Magistrate Chang led Deputy Magistrates Hsieh Shu-ya and Chen Bi-jun, Secretary-General Tseng Yuan-huang, and the county government team under the theme “A Better Yunlin Starts from the Heart,” welcoming the new year together with residents. After the flag-raising ceremony, Magistrate Chang celebrated with New Year’s Day birthday celebrants by cutting a cake and then joined a walk to Beigang Chaotian Temple to pray for blessings from Mazu. Upon arrival, participants received handmade peace pouches sewn by elderly artisans, symbolizing wishes for safety and happiness in the coming year.
Today’s event was attended by Legislator Chang Chia-chun, Deputy Speaker Tsai Yung-te, County Councilors Huang Mei-ya and Huang Wen-hsiang, Beigang Township Mayor Hsiao Mei-wen, Township Representative Council Chair Huang Mei-lan, Acting Mayor of Shuilin Township Chang Tung-kai, and members of the county advisory team, all joining residents to celebrate the arrival of 2026.
Magistrate Chang stated that in recent years, Yunlin County has gradually transformed from a traditional agricultural county into an “agricultural-industrial-technological city.” The industrial structure continues to upgrade, and in 2024, Yunlin ranked among the top seven globally in the “International Smart City” evaluation, demonstrating concrete achievements in promoting smart technology. She emphasized that AI and smart technologies are not just cold data but are applied across various aspects of governance, including agriculture, transportation, education, environmental protection, and water resources, improving residents’ quality of life and reducing risks to life and property.
She further noted that the “Yunlin Elite Talent Training Program” has entered its second year, integrating AI technology with local industry needs to cultivate talent essential for Yunlin’s future development and strengthen the foundation for long-term growth.
Magistrate Chang also mentioned that the “9+1 Industrial Park Project” is a key blueprint for Yunlin’s future industrial development. More than half of the parks have entered central government review processes, and she expressed gratitude to Legislators Chang Chia-chun, Ting Hsueh-chung, and Hsu Yu-jen for their strong support at the national level. Once these parks are gradually developed, they will create more local job opportunities, enabling young people to stay in their hometown and realize a livable and prosperous Yunlin.
Emotionally, Magistrate Chang remarked that this was her last New Year’s Day flag-raising ceremony during her tenure. She stressed that policy achievements require careful nurturing and continuity to bear fruit. Her first wish for the new year is for Yunlin’s development plans to keep moving forward, ensuring policy continuity and injecting momentum for sustainable growth.
Beigang Township Mayor Hsiao Mei-wen expressed that hosting this year’s ceremony in Beigang was a great honor for the community and invited residents to stay after the event to experience the beauty of local religious culture and history.
Legislator Chang Chia-chun noted that Magistrate Chang has devoted herself wholeheartedly to county governance for many years, laying a solid foundation for Yunlin’s progress. She called on everyone to work together to maintain development momentum, ensure uninterrupted construction, and continue advancing toward a more competitive and outstanding future.
Director of Administration Lee Chung-yi stated that moving the ceremony to Beigang this year received an overwhelming response, showcasing the strong sense of unity and resilience of Yunlin’s people. The flag-raising ceremony is not only a New Year celebration but also a moment for residents to witness their hometown’s progress and gather strength for a new start. The county government team will continue to uphold the spirit of “shared commitment,” implement impactful policies, and work hand in hand with all residents to make Yunlin better, embracing a pivotal year of progress and glory for Taiwan.
SDGs Highlights:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.