President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Hsinchu Hakka Yimin Festival, a grand ceremony to honor Ngi Min’ia, or Yiminye—the deified form of fallen civilian soldiers, on September 11. President Lai remarked how all aspects of the Six Hakka Arrows Policy, including “Public Hakka”, “Food Hakka”, “Youth Hakka”, “Placemaking Hakka”, “Regional Hakka”, and “Global Hakka”, have successively been implemented. For instance, the Hakka Affairs Council (HAC) developed the Hakka Chinese input method for computers and mobile devices, so that messaging apps like LINE now display Hakka Chinese characters. The HA-FOOD brand has created 21 innovative products, such as the Kumquat Sauce Burger and the Ground Tea Pound Cake, which are sold in collaboration with businesses to bring delicious Hakka cuisine to more Taiwanese people. HAC established the Hakka Youth Advisory Committee to put forth policies inspired on the ideas of young people. The World Hakka Expo was also held two years ago, aimed at turning Taiwan into the global center for Hakka culture, so Taiwanese Hakka people engage in closer collaboration with their international co-ethnics.
HAC Minister Gu Show-faye said that 2025 marks the 237th anniversary since the establishment of the Baozhong Yimin Temple and the 130th anniversary of the Resistance Against the Japanese Invasion of Taiwan. Looking back at history, Hakka forebears from all eras have fought and even sacrificed their lives to protect their homeland, demonstrating the indomitable spirit that distinguishes Hakka people. Active players throughout history, Hakka people have always stood at the forefront of the times and society, showing the greatest courage. As the most iconic Hakka cultural celebration in Taiwan, the Yimin Festival abounds with traditional rites and ceremonies conducted in the Hakka language. Only concerted efforts between government, the private sector, and local residents have enabled transmission of these customs to this day. People are invited to embody and pass down this brave attitude, offering prayers to Ngi Min’ia for favorable weather, peace among the people, and prosperity in the nation of Taiwan, home to past, present, and future generations of Hakka people.
This year, HAC has especially commissioned the Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe to put on a Hakka grand opera, 1895 Resistance Hero Hsu Hsiang, which tells the story of great Hakka figures of the past that sacrificed their lives to protect their homeland from foreign powers. This show perfectly demonstrates the determination of Ngi Min’ia to safeguard Taiwan, no matter how formidable the opponent might appear.
