Kaohsiung Mayoral Race Focuses on Creative Industries as Candidates Compete Over Startups

As the upcoming local elections in Taiwan approach, the focus of the Tainan mayoral race has shifted to Kaohsiung. As a major economic and cultural hub in southern Taiwan, the mayoral election in Kaohsiung is not only about local governance but also serves as a mirror reflecting the internal party competition and the broader local political landscape between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). KMT candidate Ko Chih-en, a former Kaohsiung City Council member, has repeatedly demonstrated her leadership within the party during past local elections. In contrast, DPP candidate Lai Rui-lung appeals to younger voters with youthful energy and innovative policies. This month, the two candidates have taken distinct actions, each attempting to establish an advantage in the minds of the electorate.

On the 20th of this month, Ko met with renowned entertainment agent Chen Zhen-chuan to seek his advice on the cultural industry. Active in the Taiwanese entertainment industry since the 1990s, Chen has managed multiple international-level singers and film and television producers, possessing extensive experience in the industry chain and a global perspective. During the meeting, Ko emphasized that if Kaohsiung can build a creative and competitive cultural industry, it would not only enhance the city’s image but also drive local economic growth and employment. This move indicates that the KMT is attempting to make cultural creativity a core issue for local development, aiming to break away from the city’s traditional industrial-oriented image.

Regarding the vision for Kaohsiung’s cultural industry, Ko noted that the city already possesses rich historical heritage and a diverse population. By integrating modern technology with creative design, it is possible to cultivate a "cultural and creative industry cluster." She mentioned that the plan would use "creative industry zones" as a starting point, providing startup subsidies, rent incentives, and incubators, while collaborating with academic institutions to promote the integration of research and practice. This strategy not only aligns with the national "Cultural and Creative Industry Development Plan" but also fits the policy direction of Kaohsiung’s recent developments in "cultural and creative industries" and "smart cities." If implemented, this would give Kaohsiung higher cultural competitiveness both within Taiwan and internationally.

Meanwhile, DPP candidate Lai Rui-lung conducted a door-to-door canvassing campaign today at an intersection in downtown Kaohsiung, urging the public to help devise new slogans. Lai interacted with passersby in a relaxed and approachable manner, emphasizing that slogans are not merely promotional tools but also serve to unite voters’ emotions and expectations. Taiwanese elections have traditionally valued the power of slogans and catchphrases, as they can convey policy positions and shape a candidate’s image in a short amount of time. Lai’s call for input aims to foster a sense of participation and resonance among voters through community engagement, thereby further boosting voting motivation.

The current actions of the two candidates reflect that the Kaohsiung election is not just a partisan contest but also a debate over the future development blueprint of the city. Ko Chih-en focuses on the long-term economic benefits of the cultural and creative industry, attempting to attract investment through substantive policies. Lai Rui-lung, on the other hand, employs slogans and community interaction as his strategy, emphasizing immediate voter sentiment and voter turnout. These differing strategies will create a stark contrast in the minds of voters and may influence the election outcome. If Kaohsiung voters place greater importance on long-term economic development and cultural innovation, Ko’s proposals may gain support; if they prioritize immediate emotional connection and electoral momentum, Lai’s slogan strategy may have the upper hand.

In summary, the Kaohsiung mayoral election is at a critical juncture. The meeting between Ko Chih-en and Chen Zhen-chuan, and Lai Rui-lung’s call for slogans, respectively represent the different orientations of the two parties in terms of policy and publicity. In the coming weeks, as election day approaches, voters will have to make choices among these issues and strategies. The political and economic trajectory of Kaohsiung will also be revealed through this election. (Factual source: Central News Agency)