Kaohsiung International Youth Month Kicks Off! Nearly 40 Events Connect Youth to the World – Street Dance, Music, and Career Development All in One

In response to the newly implemented Youth Basic Act and the United Nations' International Youth Day on August 12, the Kaohsiung City Government's Youth Bureau announced on the 16th the official launch of the 'Kaohsiung International Youth Month.' The initiative integrates nearly 40 youth events held around August, organized under four major themes: international exchange, career exploration, local revitalization, and music and street dance. It aims to create a platform for youth to learn, connect, and express themselves during the summer, while also launching a dedicated website and a psychological assessment called the 'Youth Talent Awakening Plan' to encourage self-exploration and bold pursuit of dreams.

Youth Bureau Director Lin Kai-Xuan stated that youth are a vital force in urban development. 'Kaohsiung International Youth Month' is more than just a summer event series—it is a journey of growth that accompanies youth in exploring themselves, building capabilities, and expanding their global perspectives. The goal is for every young person to find their own stage in Kaohsiung, embodying the spirit of the Youth Basic Act and echoing the ideals of International Youth Day, which encourages youth participation in society and broadening worldviews.

This year, the Youth Bureau has partnered for the first time with the popular illustration IP 'Dinosaur's Room,' launching a special project titled 'Little Dinosaur's Multiverse.' Illustrators Xiao Xian-Jin and Xie Xie-Zi designed four characters symbolizing the different challenges youth face in life, academics, and careers, aiming to support youth in bravely stepping out of their comfort zones and discovering their potential through exploration.

The first highlight of the series is the 'Youth International Forum' on August 8 at the National Science and Technology Museum, inviting cross-border content creators from the United States, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to share their international work and creative experiences. On August 18, the 'Taiwan-U.S. International Exchange' event will take place, led by brand visual consultant Lin Zi-Wei, guiding Kaohsiung youth and American teachers on a bilingual photography tour of Pier-2 and the Kaohsiung Light Rail, using images to understand urban culture and promote international exchange.

Street dance and music events are equally exciting. The '2026 Xiong Zheng Wu Dou International Street Dance Competition' will be held at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center from August 15 to 16. This year marks the first collaboration with the world-class street dance competition BOTY (Battle of the Year), bringing the Taiwan Championship to Kaohsiung and inviting 15 top domestic and international dancers as judges, creating an internationally recognized stage for street dance.

On August 23, the '2026 High-Speed Youth Music Performance' will conclude the series at Pier-2 LIVE WAREHOUSE, featuring young bands nurtured in Kaohsiung performing alongside renowned bands, showcasing the city's vibrant youth music creativity.

Additionally, the Youth Bureau has planned a series of local revitalization and career exploration activities. The 'Kaohsiung Mountain and Sea Expedition Team' will guide youth into cultural experiences in Shanlin Hakka Village and Yong'an Fishing Village. On the career front, programs such as 'Da Gang Youth Internship Station,' 'Da Gang Classic Upgrade,' and 'Career Awakening in Kaohsiung' offer enterprise visits, training courses, and hands-on experiences to enhance youth employability.

Youth representative Luo Jian-Fu shared that through the 'Kaohsiung International Youth Month' website, he can quickly access event information, and the psychological assessment helps him understand his traits, allowing him to plan a more fulfilling and rewarding summer based on his interests.

The Youth Bureau noted that registration for the 'Kaohsiung International Youth Month' events is now open in stages, encouraging youth aged 16 to 35 to actively participate, accumulate career skills and international perspectives through learning, exchange, and practice, and open up more future possibilities.