Blue and White Parties Freeze Drone Education Funds; Chen Yi-chieh: Next Generation's Learning Opportunities Should Not Be Stifled

Taipei city council candidate Chen Yi-chieh has strongly criticized the legislative caucuses of the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party for freezing educational funding for drone technology. Chen argued that the next generation's access to technological learning and educational resources should not become a tool for political infighting.

"AI and unmanned vehicles are global trends," Chen stated. "The next generation's educational resources and technological learning opportunities should not be reduced to a tool for political confrontation, nor should they be manipulated or even stifled due to political stances." She emphasized that the focus should be on exposing more children to emerging technologies like AI and drones to foster international competitiveness through familiarity and learning.

Chen further elaborated that the government's drone policy needs to extend beyond equipment and regulations to establish a comprehensive talent cultivation system. She believes that progress in education, industry, and urban development must advance together to equip the next generation with global competitiveness, thereby retaining Taiwan's advantages in AI and drone development. She called for central and local governments to collaborate on educational investment and innovation, creating a more supportive learning environment and preventing politics from becoming an obstacle.

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AI and unmanned vehicles are global trends. The next generation's educational resources and technological learning opportunities should not be reduced to a tool for political confrontation, nor should they be manipulated or even stifled due to political stances.

Looking ahead, Chen expressed a desire for Taipei to become a hub for drone soccer in Taiwan, noting the presence of skilled athletes but a lack of public venues. She hopes this will foster international exchange and cooperation in the sport.

The Taipei City Government's Department of Education stated that approximately NT$14.42 million was invested this year in drone education, supporting the Taipei Drone Education Center. Initiatives included teacher certification workshops, student camps, competitions, and curriculum development. The department also launched the "Advanced Secondary and Below Schools Drone Education Leading Program" to popularize drone education. Between last year and this year, 45 schools received subsidies to establish drone clubs, offer specialized courses, and procure related equipment. A forum on AI and drone education was also held.

The city applied for national funding for drone curriculum promotion for the 115th academic year but has not yet received approval. For the upcoming year, Taipei plans to allocate around NT$21.7 million for developing drone animation materials, expanding the leading program, and organizing competitions and student camps.

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We truly hope that Taipei City can become the center for drone soccer in Taiwan, allowing us to have opportunities for international exchange and cooperation.