Hsinchu City achieved outstanding results in the 2025 Global Views Monthly “City Overall and Sustainability Competitiveness Survey,” taking first place nationwide in “Social Sustainability” and second place among non-six-metropolitan cities in “Social Welfare.” Acting Mayor Chiu Chen-Yuan stated that this recognition is not only a strong affirmation of the city government’s policies but also a reflection that Hsinchu is moving toward becoming a “happy, age-friendly, and sustainable city.” He emphasized that the city would continue integrating smart technologies and community engagement to strengthen services in elder care, disability support, volunteer participation, and intergenerational cooperation, step by step, building a more resilient and livable “A Livable Technology City.”
The Department of Social Affairs noted that the city government is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing diverse social assistance programs and subsidies to reduce financial burdens on disadvantaged families and to reinforce the social safety net. Hsinchu has also established a comprehensive elder care system — including community meal centers, health promotion initiatives, and an assistive device resource center — to enhance seniors’ quality of life. In education, the city continues to improve special education resources and teacher training, monitor school attendance and re-enrollment rates among middle and elementary school students, and promote affordable public childcare and preschool education to ensure equal access to learning opportunities for all children. The city has also expanded eligibility for senior citizen cards and increased support for vulnerable groups to guarantee that all citizens can benefit fairly from welfare services.
The Department further explained that in terms of social welfare performance, Hsinchu City ranked second among non-six-metropolitan cities, with one of the highest net government welfare expenditures, reflecting its strong commitment to public welfare. The city’s volunteer service participation also stood out, as residents received an average of 4.28 hours of volunteer service each, showcasing high levels of civic engagement and social cohesion. Usage of the assistive device resource center continues to rise, demonstrating responsiveness to the needs of seniors and people with disabilities. In addition, the city has built a comprehensive care network for elderly residents living alone, effectively reducing the risks of isolation.
Sources: Hsinchu City Government
