It's called ‘Taiwanisation’

By Goh Sui Noi, The Straits Times, 5 August 2000

ANALYSTS have said that under President Chen Shui-bian and the Democratic Progressive Party, the Taiwanisation process, begun during President Lee Teng-hui's last term, would continue and even gather pace.

First of all, the teaching of Hokkien in elementary schools would increase, and Chinese history would be taught as foreign history. Local cultural activities would be encouraged and the use of Hokkien more widely used by counter staff at government offices.

President Chen's attending of the Yen-fen culture camp yesterday, an annual event that promotes local Taiwanese arts and literature, would appear to be part of the new government's support for local culture.

In fact, the presidential inauguration in May had a strong local flavour.

Aboriginal and Hokkien songs were sung at the morning ceremony and Taiwanese food, such as Taiwanese sweet porridge, was served at the evening banquet.

Pop singer Chang Huei-mei, who is of aboriginal descent, was invited to sing the island's anthem at the inauguration.