Keelung Offers Dual Subsidies for Youth Internships and Salaries to Retain Talent

Keelung City is making a concerted effort to combat the outflow of young talent by introducing a comprehensive internship and salary subsidy program. Recognizing that a substantial number of Keelung's youth commute daily to work in Taipei and New Taipei City, the municipal government is actively working to create local development opportunities.

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Youth are the most important force for a city's continuous progress. The city government has continuously promoted internship matching in recent years, hoping that young people will not only choose to live in Keelung but also be willing to take root and develop in Keelung.

The program offers financial incentives not only for businesses providing internships but also for those offering competitive salaries that exceed the basic wage. Specifically, companies offering monthly salaries of NT$31,000 or more can receive a subsidy of NT$6,000, while those offering NT$34,000 or more can get NT$12,000. This dual approach aims to make Keelung a more attractive place for young people to start and build their careers.

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This year, more than 60 Keelung companies are participating, offering more than 200 internship positions. To encourage companies to create more developmental and competitive internship environments, we have added salary increase subsidies.

This initiative represents a significant shift in Keelung's strategy to foster local economic growth and retain its youth population. The program has already shown promising results, with participation growing from just 18 individuals in its initial phase to a target of over 200 this year. Crucially, the youth retention rate has surged from approximately 5% three years ago to 64% last year. From the perspective of Keelung's local government and its residents, this program is a vital step towards ensuring the city's future vitality and preventing the brain drain that affects many Taiwanese cities. It signifies a commitment to nurturing local talent and building a sustainable future for Keelung.

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The city government matches young people aged 16 to 29 in Keelung enterprises for internships, helping young people get in touch with the workplace and industry trends in advance.