On the 5th, MOI announced the selection result of “Heart of the Township Construction Project” as part of the Foresight Program. In total, 22 submissions nationwide were selected, including the Xihu Green Infrastructure Plan, which includes: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan”, “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan”. The overall construction costs are estimated at NT$200 million, with completion slated for August, 2021. The aim is to achieve green resource integration and revitalization. One: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan” includes infrastructure improvement projects for 8 marks and surrounding pedestrian traffic plan. Two: “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan” consists of north site (4th Public Cemetery), south site (5th Public Cemetery) as well as the south and east sidewall reform and pedestrian space planning at Hunan Elementary School. In particular, the south site (5th Public Cemetery) includes a large detention pond and large creative game facilities. Three: “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan” includes dormitory space integration and design, improvement of wall space near Provincial Highway No. 19 and the connection between road and sidewalk. Four: Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan includes railway corridor and bike path integration, construction of railway rest stop on the north side of Guangfu Rd. in Peitou Township, sugar refinery lawn and bridge facility, improvement of wall space around the sugar refinery wall and the connection between road and sidewalk. The project is expected to be completed before the end of August 2021, hoping to provide the public with a comfortable living environment that is full of energy. On the 5th, MOI announced the selection result of “Heart of the Township Construction Project” as part of the Foresight Program. In total, 22 submissions nationwide were selected, including the Xihu Green Infrastructure Plan, which includes: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan”, “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan”. The overall construction costs are estimated at NT$200 million, with completion slated for August, 2021. The aim is to achieve green resource integration and revitalization. One: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan” includes infrastructure improvement projects for 8 marks and surrounding pedestrian traffic plan. Two: “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan” consists of north site (4th Public Cemetery), south site (5th Public Cemetery) as well as the south and east sidewall reform and pedestrian space planning at Hunan Elementary School. In particular, the south site (5th Public Cemetery) includes a large detention pond and large creative game facilities. Three: “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan” includes dormitory space integration and design, improvement of wall space near Provincial Highway No. 19 and the connection between road and sidewalk. Four: Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan includes railway corridor and bike path integration, construction of railway rest stop on the north side of Guangfu Rd. in Peitou Township, sugar refinery lawn and bridge facility, improvement of wall space around the sugar refinery wall and the connection between road and sidewalk. The project is expected to be completed before the end of August 2021, hoping to provide the public with a comfortable living environment that is full of energy. On the 5th, MOI announced the selection result of “Heart of the Township Construction Project” as part of the Foresight Program. In total, 22 submissions nationwide were selected, including the Xihu Green Infrastructure Plan, which includes: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan”, “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan”. The overall construction costs are estimated at NT$200 million, with completion slated for August, 2021. The aim is to achieve green resource integration and revitalization. One: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan” includes infrastructure improvement projects for 8 marks and surrounding pedestrian traffic plan. Two: “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan” consists of north site (4th Public Cemetery), south site (5th Public Cemetery) as well as the south and east sidewall reform and pedestrian space planning at Hunan Elementary School. In particular, the south site (5th Public Cemetery) includes a large detention pond and large creative game facilities. Three: “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan” includes dormitory space integration and design, improvement of wall space near Provincial Highway No. 19 and the connection between road and sidewalk. Four: Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan includes railway corridor and bike path integration, construction of railway rest stop on the north side of Guangfu Rd. in Peitou Township, sugar refinery lawn and bridge facility, improvement of wall space around the sugar refinery wall and the connection between road and sidewalk. The project is expected to be completed before the end of August 2021, hoping to provide the public with a comfortable living environment that is full of energy. On the 5th, MOI announced the selection result of “Heart of the Township Construction Project” as part of the Foresight Program. In total, 22 submissions nationwide were selected, including the Xihu Green Infrastructure Plan, which includes: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan”, “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan”, “Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan”. The overall construction costs are estimated at NT$200 million, with completion slated for August, 2021. The aim is to achieve green resource integration and revitalization. One: “Park Infrastructure Improvement Plan” includes infrastructure improvement projects for 8 marks and surrounding pedestrian traffic plan. Two: “Large Core Greenbelt Construction Plan” consists of north site (4th Public Cemetery), south site (5th Public Cemetery) as well as the south and east sidewall reform and pedestrian space planning at Hunan Elementary School. In particular, the south site (5th Public Cemetery) includes a large detention pond and large creative game facilities. Three: “Sugar Refinery Dormitory Spatial Transformation Plan” includes dormitory space integration and design, improvement of wall space near Provincial Highway No. 19 and the connection between road and sidewalk. Four: Sugar Refinery Railway and Green Corridor Linkage and Improvement Plan includes railway corridor and bike path integration, construction of railway rest stop on the north side of Guangfu Rd. in Peitou Township, sugar refinery lawn and bridge facility, improvement of wall space around the sugar refinery wall and the connection between road and sidewalk. The project is expected to be completed before the end of August 2021, hoping to provide the public with a comfortable living environment that is full of energy. Information courtesy of Changhua County Government official website.

In order to cater to the needs of residents from Xizhou and students of MingDao University (MDU) in traveling to and from THSR Changhua Station, Changhua County Magistrate Ming-ku Wei and staff have created the “[route 8] city bus from Taiwan Railways Tianzhong StationTHSR Changhua StationBeidouChanghua Xizhou Park”. The inauguration ceremony took place on the 8th at the front square of Changhua Xizhou Park, with official operation slated for next Monday (11th). Changhua County Magistrate Ming-ku Wei announced the great news, hoping that the route 8 city bus will make transportation surrounding Tianzhong THSR Changhua Station more convenient, thereby fostering tourism development in southern Changhua. Route 8 bus joins THSR Changhua Station, Tianzhong Train Station, downtown Beidou, downtown Xizhou, MDU, Changhua Xizhou Park and Tianzhong Cat Village etc., making it an ideal bus route for commuters and tourists. County Magistrate Wei suggested that after completing 2 bus routes from Lukang and Yuanlin to THSR Changhua Station, the county government has created a new bus route from Xizhou to THSR Changhua Station, and from Changhua Xizhou Park to MDU, Beidou, THSR Changhua Station and Taiwan Railways Tianzhong Station. In total, 6 buses carry passengers to and from their destinations. The county government perceives great importance in public transport, therefore starting from September, 2 additional bus routes from Changhua and Yuanlin to Xitou will be launched. The purpose of creating new bus routes is to develop tourism in Changhua and make public transport more convenient for local residents. According to County Magistrate Wei, the volume of passengers at THSR Changhua Station is continuously increasing, and more bus routes are being established as well. Now, the emphasis is placed on developing the Changhua THSR special district, and the Changhua Christian Hospital is slated for groundbreaking next year. In addition to a macrobiotic village, there is also a health park. In the future, a weather station and 4-star European hotel will also be constructed in the special district, while a 12-seat driverless minibus will be introduced in late October, transporting passengers from THSR station to Taiwan Railways Tianzhong Station. In addition to the creation of a transport corridor, the 2017 Central Taiwan Agriculture Expo - National Bonsai Exhibition will be held at Changhua Xizhou Park in November. Next year, the open hours of the Changhua Flower Festival will be extended to the evening in order to foster nighttime economic and tourism development in southern Changhua and southeastern Changhua. Xizhou Township Mayor Sheng-Lu, Huang indicated that since opening of the THSR Changhua Station, local residents have longed for shuttle bus service, and now he can finally witness the inauguration of the service with fellow Xizhou residents. The route 8 bus not only offers transport services for residents of Xizhou and Beidou but also to students who have left their hometown to study at MDU. It is hoped that the bus service will attract more tourists to the area, and citizens around the countries are welcome to take advantage of the public transport when visiting Changhua Xizhou Park. DGH Taichung Motor Vehicle Office Director Hui-Hung, Li suggested that being an avid advocate of regional transportation during his tenure as a legislator, County Magistrate Wei has endeavored to promoting public transport after assuming office, and the county government has progressively launched several new bus routes. It is hoped that everyone will support and utilize public transportation. He extended special thanks to the county government for including MDU as a stop for the route 8 bus, and it is hoped that students will take advantage of route 8 bus to increase passenger volume. He believes that route 8 bus will be able to improve transport convenience and stimulate local developments. In order to service county citizens traveling to and from THSR Changhua Station, the county government has already completed 10 bus routes and 150 bus shuttle services, including: city bus [route 6] from Lukang to THSR Changhua Station; [route 7] from Yuanlin to THSR Changhua Station; [route 8] (newly added) from Xizhou to THSR Changhua Station. The services aim to cater to the needs of Xizhou residents as well as teachers and students from MDU traveling to Taiwan Railways Tianzhong Station or THSR Changhua Station. Furthermore, the bus routes encompass important attractions in the county such as Beidou Old Street, Xizhou Old Street, Tianzhong Cat Village and Changhua Xizhou Park. The bus routes are expected to generate tremendous benefits in the future. The 2017 Central Taiwan Agriculture Expo - National Bonsai Exhibition will be held at Changhua Xizhou Park during November 4-26, everyone is welcome to attend the event. Visitors may transfer to the [route 8] city bus at THSR Changhua Station or Tianzhong Train Station to reach Changhua Xizhou Park. [route 8] bus consists of 6 return buses daily. The departure times from Tianzhong Train Station are 6:20/07:30/09:30/11:30/16:00/17:30, and return times from Changhua Xizhou Park are: 06:20/07:30/09:30/11:30/16:00/17:30. Full fare tickets from Tianzhong Train Station to Changhua Xizhou Park are NT$72 and NT$60 from THSR Changhua Station to Changhua Xizhou Park. Information courtesy of Changhua County Government official website.

In order to cater to the needs of county citizens traveling to Xitou Scenic Area in Nantou County, Changhua County Magistrate Ming-Ku, Wei and his staff at the county government have successfully obtained direct bus transportation to Xitou. The two city bus routes include: Route 9 bus from Changhua Station to Xitou, which commenced soft opening on September 1; the other is route 10 from Yuanlin Transfer Station to Xitou, which commenced a soft opening on September 2. In order to spread the news to county citizens, maiden voyage ceremony for route 9 bus from Changhua Station to Xitou was held at the County Government Square in the morning of the 31st, and Changhua County Magistrate Ming-Ku, Wei, Directorate General of Highways (DGH) Taichung Motor Vehicle Office Deputy-director Fang-Tien, Cheng and Changhua Bus Chairman Chin-Chun, Huang all attended the function. County Magistrate Wei hopes to spare county citizens from arduous journeys through the direct bus to Xitou, benefitting local residents. According to County Magistrate Wei, there are about 200,000 senior citizens above the age of 65 in Changhua County, and so Changhua County government has set aside budget to assist senior citizens with free public transportation. Each person is subsidized at NT$1,000 per month and NT$12,000 per year. So far, 100,000 citizens have applied for Senior Citizen Travel Card, and the public may board the bus with Senior Citizen Travel Card or Senior Citizen Welfare Card. County Magistrate Wei pointed out that the public has long hoped for the bus route connecting Changhua, Yuanlin directly to Xitou. Since the route passes through expressway, highway and Nantou, therefore approval must be obtained before the bus could be launched. After negotiations between Changhua County Government, DGH and Nantou County Government, a preliminary consensus was reached. During the soft opening period, bus frequency will be adjusted according to the citizens’ usage. He also thanked Changhua Bus Company and Yuanlin Bus Company for servicing Changhua County citizens at all costs. It is hoped that the senior citizens and public will take advantage of this service; everyone should all enjoy hiking to train their fitness in order to live healthy, long lives. According to DGH Taichung Motor Vehicle Office Deputy-director Fang-Tien, Cheng, the soft opening for direct buses from Changhua to Xitou begins today. However, it has not been smooth sailing to reach this stage of development, with the County Magistrate Wei playing a pivotal role in materializing the welfare for county citizens. Previously, citizens traveling to Xitou needed to make use of transportation at THSR Taichung Station, now the direct bus to Xitou saves considerable time for travelers, benefitting them tremendously. He also thanked Changhua Bus Company and Yuanlin Bus Company for cooperating with the policy and servicing local residents. Changhua Bus Chairman Chin-Chun, Huang thanked County Magistrate Wei and all organizations involved in making the direct route from Changhua to Xitou possible. He also reminded senior citizens to buckle up while onboard the bus, since the route passes through both highway and mountainous roads. Please also pay attention to the return bus schedule in order to ensure a smooth journey. Changhua City Mayor Chien-Fu, Chiu indicated that thanks to County Magistrate Wei, the coveted Changhua to Xitou bus route finally started its soft opening, hence the information will be propagated to 72 communities and 73 villages in Changhua City, so that senior citizens, retired public servants or students may take advantage of the convenience of public transportation. Making a profit is not the primary goal here, the ultimate objective is to serve the public, this in the future Changhua City Office and Changhua County Government will collaborate to design and launch two days and one night events to increase the revenue of Changhua Bus Company and Yuanlin Bus Company. Previously, in order to reach Xitou by city bus or highway coach, Changhua County citizens had to transfer at least 2 to 3 times due to the lack of a direct bus route. This was extremely inconvenient because a single journey usually required up to 3 hours. Consequently, the county government pulled out all the stops in looking after the county citizens by developing 2 new bus routes connecting Changhua City and Yuanlin City to Xitou. The routes pass utilizes both highways and expressways, offering county residents the most direct means of transportation, reducing a single journey to within 80 minutes, making it an exceptionally convenient and competitive mode of transport. The soft opening for the Changhua-Xitou bus commenced the day after the maiden voyage ceremony. The bus station is located at Changhua Bus Changhua Station (No. 563, Sec. 1, Zhongzheng Rd., Changhua City). There are 3 return buses each day, departing at 07:20, 07:40 and 08:00 in the morning, and returning from Xitou at 14:00, 14:30 and 15:00 in the afternoon. Full fare from Changhua to Xitou is NT$157 (half fare at $79); full fare from Yuanlin to Xitou is NT$141 (half fare at NT$72). All county citizens are welcome to make use of the service, and senior citizens can board the bus using Senior Citizen Happiness Card or Senior Citizen Travel Card. The county government has strived to advance public transportation in recent years. Besides developing new city bus routes, the creation of other measures to improve bus service, such as bus transfer stations, smart bus stations, dynamic bus information app and purchasing accessible buses has also significantly improved people’s willingness to utilize public transport. In the future, the county government will continue expanding bus services in order to facilitate transport convenience. Information courtesy of Changhua County Government official website.

In order to reduce the number of private vehicles and the emissions from the automobiles, as well as to conduct the environmental protection, Changhua County Government has been encouraging people to make the best use of the public transportation, and has recently launched the installations of the (bus) intelligent transport system. On the 26th morning, a press conference focusing on the building of Changhua County’s intelligent transport system was held in the art gallery which located at the front of the County’s Information Office. County Executives Wei believes that with the provision of the real-time bus location information to the general public, transporters will surely make better use of their time, thus such system would increase the public’s willingness to use the public transportation. Wei also introduced the first phase of the program for this year was to invest up to NT$ 10,000,000 for setting up a number of LCD screens which would show up-to-date bus location information. These screens will firstly be installed among various hot spots including Changhua Railway Station, Yuanlin Transfer Station, Changhua Christian Hospital, Xiuchuan Memorial Hospital, and many other commonly-used public transportation hubs and stops. It is expected that more than 42 smart bus stops and 10 LCD bus information board will be installed in time, and it is also expected that a new APP and a new website will also be launched in due course which would be used by the general public to access to the real-time bus information. Wei also pointed out that the second phase of the program will be launched in 2017, and it was expected that by then, almost all of the bus stops inside the county would set up smart bus information display screens; those screens could not only provide useful information to the passengers, but also be used to make the lives of the elders and suburban residents much easier for accessing to hospitals or tourist sites. Wei sincerely hoped such efforts would benefit the residents and help them to form the habit of using public transportation, which would definitely result in less carbon emission. Wei believed this program would ultimately help Changhua to catch up other cities from behind, and lead Changhua to realize its green and wisdom city vision. In the near future, Changhua County Government will further its approach by setting up smart bus stops which could not only provide shelters from the sunshine or rain, but also could provide even more comprehensive real-time information for the passengers, as well as by providing even more passenger friendly, comfortable, and secure public transportation service to better benefit the residents. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

Changhua County Government has signed up the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SOLEQ Taiwan (under Equis Green Energy Fund Group, headquartered in Singapore) during a joint press conference at Taiwan Glass Museum, located in Changhua Coastal Industrial District, Lukang, on 24th morning. Meanwhile, Taiwan Mirror Glass Enterprise LTD (Tai Min Company) has signed up the "Agreement Framework" with SOLEQ as well, and announced that the two sides have reached a consensus and would jointly plan to build the first solar energy smart parking shed combined with glass art and Taiwan’s cultural image. The Executive Director of Equis Group, also the chairman of Taiwan's SOLEQ, Liang Sheng-yu, addressed that he was pleased to have signed a MOU with Changhua County Government on behalf of the Equis Group, and with the support from government looking forward to the mutual development to promote Taiwan's green energy industry. Also, the Director of Equis Group, Chen Biy-ang, and General Manager of Land Development of SOLEQ, Chen Qi, have personally come to Taiwan to attend this press conference. Signing the MOU with Equis Group’s SOLEQ Company, according to County Executive Wei, would be the first step for Changhua County Government working with foreign investors to promote green energy policy and was estimated to invest NT$ 15 billion on development of green energy. Since Equis Group had the experience of building the Asia’s largest ground-based photovoltaic technology power plant and the experience of visiting the Equis Group’s solar power plant in Mito City, Japan, County Government was confident of Equis Group’s capability. In respond to Central Government’s green energy policy, County Executive Wei expressed that County Government was massively building solar panels on the roof of the schools, and would help SOLEQ assist the manufacturers of Changhua Coastal Industrial District to build solar power as well, moreover, the plan to lay the solar panels on embankment both sides of Yuanlin gutter in the future. In addition, Taiwan Electricity was also interested in the development of green energy and would set up headquarter in Changhua Coastal Industrial District: Taiwan electricity and Danish power companies (Danone Wind) would invest more than 3,000 billion funds in Changhua for power development. The County Government would construct at least 800 large-scale wind turbines offshore for wind power development to create Changhua offshore as the "Oriental Saudi Arabia" to bring a cleaner electric power for people. Changhua County has been actively promoting the vision of "green energy culture, a wisdom county ", and gained highly supports from domestic and foreign enterprise groups. Equis Group, the largest independent green energy development company in Asia, and its subsidiary SOLEQ, and Tai Ming Company, dedicated to the promotion of the glass arts, are in the leading position to take practical action to support the Changhua County Government to promote green energy and cultural integration with the wisdom of urban construction. They are cooperating to build the "solar energy smart parking shed" combined with glass art and cultural landscape alongside "Glass Matsu Temple" and "Cosmic Tower" in Changhua Coastal Industrial District to become the first excellent example representing the development of green energy integrated with culture and wisdom construction. Although Changhua County has the best wind and solar resources, especially in the Changhua Coastal Industrial District with excellent sunshine conditions. It has been neglect in the past, not until Wei took office, he has been vigorously promoting the development and application of green energy, and encouraging the manufacturers of Changhua Coastal Industrial District to well use the roof of factories for green energy development. Special thanks and congratulations from Changhua County Government to the two companies for their efforts on promoting the development of green energy, combination of culture and arts, and the development of the wisdom for Changhua County. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

To gain the central authority’s approval of Changhua City elevated railway project soonest, Magistrate Wei Ming Ku, on 4th afternoon, led a county government delegation to attend the first deliberation meeting, was hosted by the Railway Reconstruction Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication, for the possibility of Changhua City railway- elevation implement. With joy, they have made a breakthrough to pass the first deliberation and the project will subsequently be reviewed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. 　 Magistrate Wei said that Yuanlin City elevated railway engineering has been completed, so has Taichung City’s, approaching the finished line, however, Changhua City, between the two cities, obviously has been lagged behind, therefore, the county government will see the project as the most important administration project and strive hard for central government ‘s approval and funds subsidies. In order to pass the next review in the shortest time, the Public Works Department will revise and improve the project in accordance with the opinions from related departments of central government. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

Green energy development is the trend of the world, but also Taiwan's current high-profile issue. The Changhua County Magistrate Wei Ming Ku along with others from industry and academy were invited to the "2016 Energy Vision Summit Forum- A New Era of Green Energy ", was held at the International Conference Hall of Taiwan University Congress Center in Taipei on October 4th , for the discussion of the development of green energy. Magistrate Wei said that Changhua County has got 21 out of 36 the best wind farms in Taiwan according to the evaluation from the Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs. In addition to the all year round blowing wind as one great advantage, the depth of the sea is no more than 50 meters in the offshores that will decrease the cost of building fan compared to other cities and counties as another. In the future county government will cooperate with central government to build 800 wind stations off the coast which can provide for around 4.8 million households use that is equivalent to 56% total households use in Taiwan. He also pointed out the fan has 170 meters high, 50 meters wide, with the amount as many as 800 all put together that will create a spectacular view to draw people’s attention, a good spot for sea sightseeing. Magistrate Wei further expressed that except the wind power, Changhua County also has got advantage in sufficient sunlight. According to Energy Bureau measurement and static for Taiwan photoelectric systems for three consecutive years, both annual and daily average power generation of Changhua County are the highest in Taiwan. The county government is proactively building solar panels in the roof of the schools and planning to planting the solar power in the river banks of Yuanlin East-West Speed Highway in the future, besides that, there are more than two hundred hectares of contaminated farmland in Changhua area which can be used for planting the ground-based solar power, so the county government is seeking the central government’s assistance to ease the law for building ground-based solar power. Moreover, the county's large livestock waste can be used in bioenergy as well, like biogas power generation. Currently, the county government is actively establishing Changhua into a wisdom county of green- energy application and cultural inheritance. Through the plan such as “ Offshore wind-electricity development and green energy application combination ”, “Changhua's solar power photoelectric resources development ” and “bioenergy development ”, all of these are Changhua County’s related policies of promoting green energy, the county government has determination and endeavors to build a capital of sustainable green energy development. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

Today (Sep. 2nd ), The Magistrate of Changhua County, Wei Ming-ku, led the delegation to visit and brief the Seibu Group, seeking for their investment in Changhua. After learning about Seibu Group’s successful business model and development plan for its iconic Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Magistrate Wei has invited the Seibu Group to invest and develop the commercial potential with a new tourism-retail complex in Changhua. To study the making of one of Japan’s well-known tourism spot, the delegation also took a field visit to Seibu Group’s Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza which successfully integrated the stadiums, skiing rinks, hotels and commercial spaces. Being one of Japan’s popular holiday resorts, the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza surrounds the visitors with beautiful nature, providing a fun and enjoyable experience. It is located at the south exit of JR Hokuriku Shinkanasen Karuizawa Station, providing easy access by public transport. Unique from other shopping malls, the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza has retained and integrated its developments with the green fields from its initial golf course development. Now hosting 240 shops, the Plaza has expanded seven times since its establishment in 1995. Magistrate Wei stated that Changhua being located in central Taiwan, it encompassed many advantages including convenient transportation, plentiful cultures and tourism resources as well as the potential for developing various industries. Learning from Seibu’s experience in developing Karuizawa, Magistrate Wei hopes to strike Seibu’s interest in potential development in Changhua. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

　　Wei Ming-ku, the Magistrate of Changhua County, led head officials from related county government bureaus to give a briefing on the “Lukang National Historic Scenic Area” project and “Changhua Green Energy Industry Project” on the afternoon of August 25th at the Executive Yuan. Minister Without Portfolio Chang Jing-sen presided over the meeting, which was attended by officials representing the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Labor, Environmental Protection Administration and various other governmental departments to discuss matters relating to subsidy applications by Changhua County Government. Both plans received support from the Executive Yuan and Minister Without Portfolio Chang instructed various departments to assist the county government with the proposed plans in the hope that Changhua County will optimize its advantages in cultural tourism and the green energy industry to create a county with a booming green energy sector and a buoyant cultural life. During the briefing, the Changhua County Department of City and Tourism Development proposed 5 major parts to the Lukang National Historic Scenic Area plan which the Changhua County Government wishes to implement. “The museum project” is targeted at the core museum, satellite museums, public and privately-owned museums, and street museums. “The environmental scenery project” targets renovation of old houses, Jiugang River, cultural streets and roadside scenery. “The cultural project” targets inspection and repair of cultural assets, cooperation with the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, annual cultural events, and creative culture production competitions. “The tourism project” targets development of a tour guide database, industry guidance, festival events (i.e. Dragonboat Festival, Lantern Festival, temple celebrations and more), as well as small town art festivals. “The transportation project” targets bus depots, quick buses, city transfers, roadside parking fees and more. The funding sought for the Lukang National Scenic Area plan is NT$4.2 billion over the next four years of economical and infrastructure planning, with which the project hopes to preserve both tangible and intangible cultural assets of Lukang through the National Historic Scenic Area project, stimulating Changhua County’s tourism and travel developments. Minister Without Portfolio Chang stated that, to aid the county government’s implementation efforts, the central government will fully support the Lukang National Historic Scenic Area plan, delegating various departments with the responsibility of recreating the splendor of the Jiugang River, fully utilizing Radio Taiwan International air time, preparing Lujiang Junior High School, developing traditional crafts, martial arts and theater, as well as using other means. In the briefing, the Changhua County Department of Economic Affairs explained that Changhua will become an important development base for wind and photovoltaic power in the future, in relation to the green energy industry exemplary plan. Minister Without Portfolio Chang delegated the MOFA’s Bureau of Energy to form a project team with the county government in order to discuss subsequent plans and construct an ecological, green energy renewable energy zone suitable for sightseeing and recreation. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website

　　On the morning of August 11th, the Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau held the “Flipping Changhua with A Card – Library Card V.S. Electronic Fare card” press conference in the courtyard of the county government building. Wei Ming-ku, the Magistrate of Changhua County, attended the press conference and announced the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s new service to the public: combining Changhua County public library cards with electronic fare cards. Members of the public can now apply for use of their electronic fare cards as library cards if they bring their original ID card, Changhua County public library card and their own non-contact electronic fare card (e.g. iPass, EasyCard). After the application process is complete, users will be able to access Changhua County public libraries and public libraries throughout 16 townships and cities in Changhua County with one card. Magistrate Wei hopes that this new service will help young scholars visit public libraries more often to enjoy the pleasure of reading. 　　With the advance of modern technology, almost every person in modern society uses electronic fare cards such as the iPASS or EasyCard. In order to promote reading, nurture reading habits and make borrowing books easier, the Changhua County Government has now combined library cards with electronic fare cards. The public can now borrow books from Changhua County and city/township libraries across 16 townships and cities with the use of one card. The hope is that in the future all 26 townships and cities within the county will implement this measure, allowing more people to enjoy the pleasure of reading. 　　In order to improve services and provide a better reading environment, the Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau is now providing a new service: combining Changhua County public library cards with electronic fare cards. Members of the public can now visit the service counters at any Changhua County public library and township/city libraries in any of the 16 townships/cities in Changhua County (Changhua City, Yuanlin City, Lukang Township, Hemei Township, Beidou Township, Tianjhong Township, Shengang Township, Sioushuei Township, Huatan Township, Fenyuan Township, Fangyuan Township, Dacheng Township, Shetou Township, Pitou Township, Sijhou Township, Erhshui Township) with their original ID card, Changhua County public library card, and their own non-contact electronic fare card (iPASS or EasyCard) to apply for the use of an electronic fare card in place of a library card. The fare card can then be used to borrow books from the library locations mentioned above. 　　In order to actively promote reading within Changhua County and enhance the quality of modern cultural life, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has combined the electronic fare card that is commonly utilized amongst the student and youth population with public library services. The integration of the two cards reduces the amount of cards members of the public must carry, making reading more convenient and easy. Source: Changhua County Government Information Website