Faced with multiple challenges such as labor shortages driven by digital transformation, the green economy, and low birth rates, alongside structural low wages and the impact of artificial intelligence on employment patterns, Taiwan's labor market and economic development are confronting complex hurdles. On May 18, the Center for Research on Aging Labor and Welfare at National Chung Cheng University (CCU) hosted the forum "New Challenges in Taiwan's Labor and Economy" in the First Conference Room of the Gong-Cheng Building at the Bo-Ai Campus, University of Taipei.

The event brought together leading experts and scholars from the fields of labor, economics, social policy, and aging research to explore critical topics regarding Taiwan's future labor and economic development through multi-dimensional lenses, including institutional, industrial, and social support perspectives. Utilizing a format of professional lectures, guided interactions, and panel discussions, the forum aimed to merge academic research with practical insights, foster cross-disciplinary dialogue on labor and economic issues, and provide actionable references for policy planning, industrial practice, and future research collaborations.

Forum Highlights and Keynote Speakers

The forum opened with remarks by Sheng-Ju Chan, Vice President of National Chung Cheng University, and Huo-Sheng Chan, Honorary Chair Professor at National Chi Nan University.

• First Half of the Forum:

  • Hsing-Kwang Chiao, Research Fellow at Academia Sinica, delivered a speech titled "Challenges in Developing Taiwan's Older Workforce: Starting with the Prohibition of Age Discrimination in Employment," exploring the development of senior labor and employment equity.

  • Jiun-Rong Chiou, Professor at National Central University, presented on "Industrial Competition and Employment Challenges under Global Economic and Trade Fluctuations," analyzing the impact of international economic shifts on Taiwan’s industries and job market.

• Second Half of the Forum: Moderated by Wei-Chen Huang, Director-General of the Department of Labor Welfare at the Ministry of Labor, this segment focused on mid-to-late-aged female labor participation and policy responses in an aging society.

  • Chin-Fen Chang, Research Fellow at Academia Sinica, presented "Supporting Individuals and Reforming Institutions: Addressing the Low Labor Participation of Mid-to-Late-Aged Women," discussing the employment dilemmas arising from the intersection of gender, age, and institutional environments.

  • Yun-Wen Ku, Distinguished Professor at National Taiwan University, spoke on "Social Policy Responses and Innovations in an Aging Society," examining how social policies can adapt to changing demographic and labor structures.

Comprehensive Panel Discussion and Future Outlook

The forum concluded with a comprehensive panel discussion on "New Challenges in Taiwan's Labor and Economy." The panel featured:

• Chou-Kang Chiu, Director at National Chengchi University

• Wei-Chen Huang, Director-General of the Department of Labor Welfare, Ministry of Labor

• Ping-Lung Hsin, Professor at National Taiwan University

• Sheng-Ju Chan, Vice President of National Chung Cheng University

• Tsai-Zhuan Ma, Dean at National Chung Cheng University

The panelists addressed Taiwan’s compounding challenges—including labor shortages, employment transformation, wage structures, and an aging population—from the angles of labor policy, industrial development, social welfare, and aging-society governance.

The organizer emphasized that this forum served not only as an academic exchange platform for labor and economic issues but also as a catalyst for cross-disciplinary dialogue to foster shared problem awareness and strategic action. Moving forward, the Center for Research on Aging Labor and Welfare at National Chung Cheng University will continue to bridge academia, policy, and practice. By deepening research capacity in labor welfare, economic development, and social support systems within an aging society, the center aims to promote a more inclusive and sustainable social development.