Chiayi City GovernmentChiayi City Government

Chiayi City Signs Contract for North Wing of Citizen Center, Advancing Smart and Sustainable Landmark   Post Date: August 15, 2025 Public Works Department / Tourism and Information Department   The Chiayi City Government has signed the long-awaited turnkey contract for the North Wing of the Citizen Center, ending nearly two decades of planning and stalled bids. Mayor Huang Min-Hui and Everclear Construction Chairman Tseng Kuo-Chin signed the agreement, underscoring the city’s commitment to advancing the project. Mayor Huang emphasized that the North Wing will be more than just an office building—it will be a landmark that seamlessly integrates green architecture, smart design, and local culture. Two underground levels will provide over 1,100 parking spaces, easing long-standing shortages and improving urban convenience. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to be completed by late 2029. The first three floors will serve as multifunctional public spaces, while floors four through thirteen will house 14 city government departments. Together with the South Wing and nearby agencies, the project will form a comprehensive municipal campus to streamline public services. The building will seek green, smart, and seismic safety certifications while adopting a smart site management system to enhance sustainability and safety. Once completed, the Citizen Center will serve as an administrative hub, a community space, and a cultural landmark—symbolizing Chiayi’s vision of a smarter, people-centered, and sustainable future.  

Dream Runnerz Opens New Branch in Chiayi, Advancing Hip-Hop Culture from Local Roots to Global Stage   Post Date:  August 17, 2025 Cultural Affairs Bureau / Tourism and Information Department   The renowned Chiayi-based street dance team Dream Runnerz officially inaugurated its new branch in Chiayi’s West District today, marking a new chapter for the city’s hip-hop culture. Mayor Huang Min-Huei, Legislator Lin Chien-Chi, and Legislator Wang Mei-Hui attended the ceremony, offering their congratulations. Dream Runnerz, known for its relentless passion and strength, has cultivated countless young dancers locally and recently earned the title of “Triple Champion of Europe” after winning three major international competitions—bringing pride to Taiwan and international recognition to Chiayi’s youth. Mayor Huang praised the group’s journey, noting that art brings joy and hope, while the dreams of young people drive the city’s progress. She commended team leader Harry, who has dedicated himself to hip-hop since childhood and inspired others to join, making Chiayi a hub for street dance. She highlighted Dream Runnerz’s philosophy of “Dance for All,” which transcends boundaries of age and background, promoting inclusion, love, and peace. She encouraged families to join in, sharing Chiayi’s youthful energy and hope. Huang also reflected on the city’s recent recovery from its most severe typhoon in a century. Despite the challenges, Chiayi quickly restored its urban landscape through united effort, showing resilience and courage. She noted that last month’s “Capital of Street Dance” festival drew nearly 10,000 participants, offering comfort to citizens and a creative platform for youth. Dream Runnerz leader Harry expressed gratitude for the city’s long-term support, stressing that Chiayi is no longer a “cultural desert” but a place where young people can realize their dreams. He invited dancers from across Taiwan and abroad to experience the city’s passion and vibrancy through cultural exchange. Bureau of Cultural Affairs Director Hsieh Yu-Che emphasized that in Chiayi’s 321st year, cultural inheritance represents not only history but also the courage to look ahead. He praised the new branch as a model of youth participation in cultural development, transforming hip-hop from a hobby into both a profession and a calling. He also invited young people nationwide to take part in upcoming events, including the Light and Shadow Dance Festival, Youth Festival, Rock Music Festival, the 320+1 Chiayi Expo, and the International Band Festival. The Bureau added that Dream Runnerz, originally based in Chiayi’s East District, has expanded across Taiwan with training centers in New Taipei, Taichung, and Zhubei. The establishment of a new branch in Chiayi’s West District reaffirms its commitment to local culture while providing more opportunities for the city’s youth to grow through street dance.  

Mayor Huang Leads Chiayi City Delegation to Kansai for Cultural and Technological Exchange, Advancing International Urban Design Perspectives   Post Date: August 9, 2025 Cultural Affairs Bureau / Tourism and Information Department Exchange is a vital driver of urban progress. On August 8, Mayor Huang Min-hui led a Chiayi City delegation to Japan’s Kansai region for a five-day program focused on culture, technology, and urban development, aiming to draw on international best practices to enrich the upcoming “320+1 Chiayi City Expo” with fresh perspectives. The delegation began at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, attending “TECH WORLD Taiwan Pavilion” Day and the global premiere of Shan Hai Tian Guang by Diabolo Dance Theatre. Operated by E.SUN Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and supported by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the pavilion highlights Taiwan’s cutting-edge technology and cultural depth. TAITRA Chairman James Chih-Fang Huang personally welcomed the delegation. Mayor Huang praised the performance—a fusion of diabolo artistry, contemporary dance, original music, and multimedia projection—as a stunning showcase of Taiwan’s landscapes, myths, and creative power. She recalled Diabolo Dance Theatre’s participation in the 2010 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi, calling the reunion on the world stage deeply moving. James Chih-Fang Huang expressed pride in presenting Taiwan’s innovation and cultural richness to a global audience, noting the heartfelt response from Japanese spectators. Diabolo Dance Theatre founder Liu Le-qun also thanked Mayor Huang and TAITRA for opportunities to share Taiwan’s artistic talent internationally. The itinerary includes visits to Kobe Design Creative Center KITO, the “Taiwan Spectrum Special Exhibition” in Umeda, the TAIWAN PLUS 2025 event, and further sessions at EXPO 2025. Mayor Huang said these exchanges will provide valuable insights for Chiayi’s Regional Design Center and the “320+1 Chiayi City Expo.”