Chiayi City GovernmentChiayi City Government

Mayor Huang and Sports Administration Director Cheng Kick Off 2025 CPBL Season in Chiayi City as Opening Game Draws Decade-High Attendance   Post Date: May 2, 2025 Education Department / Tourism and Information Department   The 2025 CPBL season officially opened on May 2 with a thrilling matchup between the TSG Hawks and the CTBC Brothers in Chiayi City, a city renowned as the cradle of Taiwanese baseball. Mayor Huang Min-Hui was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch, joined by Sports Administration Director Cheng Shih-Chung as the inaugural batter. Together with youth players from Minzu Elementary School’s baseball team, both professional squads entered the field hand-in-hand, symbolizing the passing of baseball’s legacy to the next generation. The game drew over 8,550 spectators, setting a new ten-year record for opening day attendance and igniting lively energy throughout the stadium and surrounding area. Mayor Huang stated that the electric opening match marked the official return of CPBL’s top-tier games to Chiayi, with fans turning out in force to support the sport they love. Following 11 pre-season warmups, this game kicked off a series of seven regular-season matches, and the mayor encouraged even more fans to join the excitement and keep the city’s baseball spirit burning strong. She also emphasized Chiayi City’s longstanding commitment to athletic education and grassroots development. Seeing young players from Minzu Elementary School walk alongside professional athletes was a moving moment. Mayor Huang noted that the city has invested heavily in upgrading the Chiayi Baseball Stadium, including laying natural turf on the infield, installing new safety nets, updating stadium lighting, and enhancing restroom accessibility. These improvements aim to provide fans with a better game-day experience. She also expressed gratitude to the CPBL, Director Cheng, and the City Council for their ongoing support in improving stadium infrastructure and bringing more top-level games to Chiayi. Director Cheng praised the upgraded facilities and the vibrant turnout, saying the passion of Chiayi's citizens and the city government’s dedication to baseball development were evident. He expressed hope that the stadium would host even more professional games in the future. Education Department Director Kuo Tien-Tsai highlighted the city's active collaboration with professional teams. He noted that the TSG Hawks, who became CPBL’s sixth team in 2022 and previously won the minor league championship in Chiayi, delivered impressive performances last year in their major league debut. He thanked the Hawks for choosing Chiayi as their game venue and pointed to the special edition jerseys worn during the match—co-designed by the city and the team—as a symbol of their partnership. The design was inspired by the historic uniforms of the Chia-Nung team, which once made its mark at Japan’s Koshien Stadium, embodying the deep bond between the local community and professional baseball. This year, Chiayi will host 8 regular-season CPBL games and 71 minor league games, in addition to the 11 pre-season matches already completed. These efforts underscore the city’s unwavering commitment to promoting baseball and meeting the growing enthusiasm of fans.  

Minsheng Park Phase II Completed in Chiayi, Mayor Huang Highlights City’s Vision for a Green and Inclusive Urban Space   Post Date: May 4, 2025 Economic Affairs Department / Tourism and Information Department Chiayi City Government held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the 4th to mark the completion of the Phase II Minsheng Park project, part of the Daojiang Green Corridor development. Mayor Huang Min-Hui, along with guests, celebrated the milestone, highlighting the city’s progress toward sustainable and inclusive urban living. Mayor Huang noted that with one of the highest population densities in Taiwan, Chiayi City is integrating green spaces to offer better recreational areas. The new section adopts the “green, water, and wind corridor” concept, enhancing climate resilience and overall quality of life. The park incorporates the city’s “Timber Capital” identity with barrier-free access, soft lighting, and user-friendly signage, creating a space that is welcoming for all ages, both day and night. She also thanked the City Council, the Daojiang Cultural Association, and National Chiayi University for their collaboration. The university’s open campus has helped integrate academic and community spaces, promoting shared use. President Lin Han-Chien of National Chiayi University said the park’s completion aligns with the university’s green campus efforts, contributing to its rise in global sustainability rankings. Director Tian Chang-Pei of the Economic Affairs Department highlighted that the project added a 2,600 m² multifunctional plaza, 1,000 meters of accessible paths, 90 new trees, and 4,500 m² of lawn, using eco-friendly materials to support drainage and climate adaptation. With a total budget of NT$76 million—NT$60 million from central funding and NT$16 million from the city—the redevelopment spans 17.5 hectares, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and green design. The city also hosted the “Chiayi Grand Park Day” to celebrate the opening, featuring music, photo booths, markets, and eco-friendly gift exchanges, showcasing Chiayi’s commitment to green living.

Mayor Huang Launches 2025 SBIR Program to Bolster Local Industry Innovation and Transformation   Post Date: April 25, 2025 Economic Affairs Department / Tourism and Information Department To promote industrial upgrading and innovation, the Chiayi City Government launched the 2025 SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program today (April 25) at the Chiayi Industrial Innovation and Research Center. The event also featured highlights from the 2024 program, showcasing successful projects funded by the city. Mayor Huang announced that this year’s SBIR program will accept applications from May 1 to May 31 across four categories—food biotechnology, cultural creativity, health and sustainability, and precision machinery. Each project may receive up to NT$1 million, with total funding exceeding NT$10 million. The city aims to encourage innovation and enhance local industry competitiveness through targeted financial support. Mayor Huang emphasized Chiayi’s unique advantages as a compact yet resource-rich city with strong innovation potential. By deepening cooperation with the Chiayi Industrial Innovation and Research Center and engaging expert evaluators, the city continues to strengthen technical support for applicants and improve program outcomes. Director Tian Chang-pei of the Economic Affairs Department added that two program briefings will be held on April 25 and May 2, featuring insights on capital markets from the Taipei Exchange. A hands-on proposal writing workshop will also be held on April 30 to help applicants develop high-quality submissions. During the event, four SBIR-funded companies from 2024 shared their R&D journeys and outcomes, inspiring future applicants. Consultation booths were also set up to provide real-time technical advice and connect businesses with potential innovation partners. For application details, visit the Economic Affairs Department’s website. Register for the April 30 workshop here: https://forms.gle/iKxWz9GvwpFd2n2j6. For more information, please contact the project office at (05) 277-1796, Ms. Wu.