wfn.org | Taiwanese Seminary Considers Globalization and

[Taiwan Church News <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Unemployment
Taiwan Church News 2641, October 13, 2002
Reported by Li Hsin-ren.  Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   The Church and Society Department at Tainan Theological
College and Seminary, an agency of the Presbyterian Church in
Taiwan (PCT) is sponsoring a series of colloquia on Globalization
and Ministry this fall.  The first event was a lecture by Chiam
Hoe-seng (Zhan Hwo-sheng) a visiting professor from Tung-wu
University, on "Taiwan's Productive Transformation and Labor
Policy".
   Chiam concentrated on the history of Taiwan's workers and the
transformation of the work environment. He said that the service
sector now accounts for 55% of local production, and projects
this to increase to between 70 and 80%. He asks what kinds of
employment opportunities this might open up.
   Comparing the way Taiwan's economy responded to the energy
crisis 30 years ago with how the nation might respond to an
economic downturn now, he said, "During the 1970's energy crisis
unemployment soared to 4.5%.  At that time there was still a
close relationship between industrial workers and their rural
roots.	Many young people had moved to cities for factory jobs.
When jobs disappeared they were able to return home to the farm.
There was somewhere for them to go live, and something for them
to go eat.  But in the current climate, if there is a sudden
recession, the entire environment is different.  A spike in
unemployment will produce problems that we have never seen
before."
   In the 1950's Taiwan's economy was still agricultural.  The
60's and 70's saw the transformation through labor intensive to
capital intensive industry.  In the 80's and 90's the move has
been to a service and information based economic model.  "In less
than half a century we have moved through four distinct stages of
economic development.  Comparing ourselves to the UK, where the
transformation was spread out over 170 years, we have moved a
century every two decades."
   Changes in the economic environment wipe out entire sectors.
Taiwan's small and middle size enterprises are unable to
compete.  They close down, throwing middle aged and older workers
onto the street.  This is the reason for higher unemployment in
these groups.
   Professor Chiam suggests that the government pay particular
attention to middle and older aged unemployment policies, which
are currently focused on "rescue". He calls for a long term plan
for better use of social resources.  A fund for retraining and
reintegration of unemployed older workers into the economy could
give them a "second spring."
   When asked what younger workers and students should do, the
Professor suggested upgrading of skills, particularly in language
and theory. Beyond that, young workers and students should see
themselves as of high value employees.
   The next colloquium at the college will take place on October
26.  Dr Chen Long-zhi will speak on "The direction of
Globalization seen from an International Point of View".

For More Information:  Tainan Theological College and Seminary
www.ttcs.org.tw
		    Church & Society Dept: TEL: +886 6 237 1291
ext. 118

Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Chinese.
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