Meet Hualien!

The following video introducing Hualien was prepared for Action Phase 0 of MIT REAP Cohort 11. Below is a transcript of the video.

Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is a place where nature’s wonders are abundant, featuring two of Taiwan’s most famous national parks, Taroko and Yushan. The region is home to 34 of Taiwan’s 100 peaks over 3,000 meters, boasts a 121.9 km coastline with a thriving ocean ecosystem, and is proud to have the cleanest air in Taiwan. Fonglin township is even recognized as Taiwan’s first slow city, championing sustainable living and a relaxed lifestyle. These natural treasures are fundamental to Hualien’s identity and community well-being.

Hualien’s strength also lies in its vibrant people and diverse culture. With the highest percentage of indigenous people in Taiwan at 29.7%, alongside a dynamic Hakka population, Hualien possesses a unique social character and cultural fabric celebrated through various festivals and community events.

The county is equipped with a robust healthcare system, crucial for its super-aged society where 20.3% of the population is aged 65 or older. The network includes a major medical center, regional and local hospitals, and numerous clinics. To ensure access, especially in remote areas, Hualien operates 137 mobile clinics. Hualien ranks second in Taiwan for medical professionals per 10,000 people. Extensive elderly care services are available, including home-based care providers, community care centers, and integrated service hubs. The healthcare system also includes indigenous and community health centers, striving for equitable access for all.

Hualien’s economy is deeply connected to its natural and cultural resources. It is Taiwan’s largest center for organic agriculture, with over 3,700 hectares dedicated to organic farming, alongside thriving rice, livestock, and aquaculture industries. Tourism is a crucial economic driver, attracting over 14.6 million visitors in 2023 to experience its stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks. The county is home to over 1,800 lodging providers and nearly 1,000 cultural enterprises.

Driven by a team of passionate leaders and experts, Hualien has launched significant initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship over the past five years:

• Youth Development Center (2019): A space for young people to develop skills and start businesses.
• Hualien Startup Base (2020): A modern facility in a transformed government building, supporting startup teams with training, funding access, and mentorship.
• Youth Dreams Proposal Competition (2021): Encourages students to design community projects, providing winners with mentorship and funding.
• HSH Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (during COVID-19): Supports local businesses in adopting digital solutions.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival (since 2023): Gathers creative minds globally to discuss sustainable futures.
• Taiwan Placemaking Festival (2024): Aims to promote investment in rural revitalization, cultural tourism, and ecological education.

Hualien’s proudest assets include its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability, evidenced by organic farming, conservation efforts, and bans on single-use plastics. Cultural diversity and inclusion are celebrated, strengthening cultural pride and community bonds. Healthcare excellence, anchored by Hualien’s hospitals, provides exceptional services enhanced by technology. The county also demonstrates resilience and innovation, leveraging technology like AI and drones in agriculture, carbon capture, and disaster response systems.

Despite its strengths, Hualien faces critical challenges:

• Infrastructure vulnerability: Insufficient investment in smart infrastructure makes the county susceptible to natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.
• Brain drain: An aging and shrinking population, coupled with limited job opportunities, causes young people to leave, worsening the talent shortage.
• Social and economic inequality: Indigenous communities face higher unemployment, lower incomes, and limited opportunities to develop cultural and creative skills.

Recognizing the urgent need for transformation, Hualien’s engagement with MIT REAP represents a transformational opportunity. The goal is to combine local strengths with MIT’s expertise to learn, receive expert guidance, connect and collaborate with regions facing similar challenges, and engage stakeholders to build an innovation ecosystem based on global best practices. By focusing on digital transformation, education, environmental conservation, and economic resilience, Hualien aspires to build a resilient, inclusive, and innovative economy, preserving its natural beauty while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.