New Taipei Mayoral Candidate Pledges to Boost ACGN and Experience Economy

Legislator and New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui emphasized the growing importance of the ACGN (Anime, Comics, Games, Novels) industry and the experience economy, pledging to champion their development if elected mayor.

Speaking at the opening of the Comic Exhibition, Su, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party, stated that Taiwan has entered an era where soft power is as crucial as hard power. She views the ACGN sector as a vital force for a city's and a nation's progress. Su, who identifies as an anime and comic enthusiast, vowed to actively promote collaborations between local and international intellectual properties (IPs) to foster the growth of ACGN and related experience-based economies within New Taipei.

Su cited examples of how ACGN can highlight local culture and history. She pointed to local creator Chang Chi-ya's work "Tea Break," which uses the history of Taiwanese tea and locations like Shiding and Dadaocheng to engage readers. Another example is Golden Comic Award winner Chien Chia-cheng's "Rust City," which immerses readers in the mining culture of Jiufen and Jinguashi, showcasing New Taipei's unique heritage. Su believes these ACGN projects can introduce more people to New Taipei and Taiwan.

Her passion for the ACGN industry has also translated into legislative action. Su has previously advocated for policies supporting the sector, including successfully campaigning for comics to be included in the Ministry of Culture's recommended reading list for elementary and middle schools. She also supported the expansion of the "Cultural Coin" initiative, which encourages young people to explore diverse cultures while promoting the deep cultivation of local cultural industries.