A course titled “Let AI Help You Do Business: Reputation Management and Automated Video Applications for Penghu Businesses” was held this afternoon (April 16) at the audiovisual room of the Penghu Marine Geopark Center. The program was organized by the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, implemented by the Digital Transformation Research Institute of the Institute for Information Industry, and co-organized by the Penghu County Government and the Penghu County Industrial and Commercial Development Investment Promotion Association. More than 40 local business owners and enterprise representatives participated, creating a lively learning atmosphere.　　Under the theme “From Google Maps Optimization to Video Marketing: Using AI to Build Brand Influence for Penghu’s Retail and Hospitality Businesses,” the course covered practical topics including Google Maps business management, AI-generated customer review responses, AI-assisted local storytelling, and AI-powered short-form visual content creation. Through hands-on exercises, participants learned how to integrate AI tools into daily operations, improve marketing efficiency, and enhance content production capabilities, enabling local businesses to begin digital transformation with lower barriers to entry.　　Penghu County Government Economic Affairs Department Director Chen Wen-yao attended the event and joined local business representatives in the training session. He stated that Penghu is home to many highly regarded local businesses and SMEs, and that the introduction of AI tools can effectively strengthen brand marketing and service quality, further expanding market reach and injecting new momentum into local industries.　　Yang Hui-wen, Director of the Digital Transformation Research Institute at the Institute for Information Industry, delivered opening remarks and introduced central government resources supporting SME digital transformation, including R&D subsidies, business consulting, investment incentives, and financing programs designed to help businesses lower transformation costs and strengthen overall competitiveness.　　The Penghu County Government noted that in the era of AI, the effective use of digital tools has become essential for industrial upgrading. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ SME AI Application Guidance Program and the Institute for Information Industry’s Digital Transformation Institute, the course not only helped local businesses strengthen brand management capabilities, but also promoted the practical implementation of digital transformation in everyday operations.

The 2026 Penghu International Fireworks Festival will collaborate with the iconic anime IP Dragon Ball Z and officially open on May 4 at the Guanyinting Recreation Area in Magong. The Penghu County Government held a press conference today (March 20) at Discovery Hotel to unveil this year’s festival schedule, themed highlights, and related activities, inviting visitors from Taiwan and abroad to gather in Penghu this summer to enjoy fireworks displays, explore the Penghu islands, and experience one of the region’s signature tourism events.　　Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-hsing joined Speaker Chen Yu-jen, County Councilors Su Chen Hsiu-se, Lu Huang Chun-chin, and Hsu Kuo-cheng, Tourism Department Director Chen Mei-ling, Industrial and Commercial Development Investment Promotion Association Secretary-General Chang Hao-tse, Legislative Yuan member Yang Yao’s assistant Tuan Hsiang-ling, along with representatives and guests from various sectors, in a ceremonial lighting event officially launching this year’s Fireworks Festival series.　　Lin stated that the Penghu International Fireworks Festival has now entered its 24th year and, through the long-term efforts of the county government and local businesses, has become an internationally recognized tourism brand. This year’s collaboration with Dragon Ball Z creates a themed “Penghu Summer Fireworks Celebration.” In addition to continuing offshore island events and township-exclusive performances across Penghu’s one city and five townships, the fireworks schedule will be extended through the end of August, marking the highest number of display dates in the festival’s history and offering visitors greater flexibility in travel planning.　　Lin added that the county government has carefully planned a wide range of activities to provide visitors with a richer and more diverse fireworks viewing experience. In addition to the highly anticipated aerial fireworks displays and drone light shows, outstanding local performing groups will deliver live performances, while sponsor-supported themed nights will further enrich the festival program. This year’s event will also feature fireworks teams from six different countries, bringing audiences a world-class visual spectacle.　　During the festival period, four large-scale Dragon Ball Z installations will be displayed, alongside a Dragon Ball-themed park and a themed photo spot village. Limited-edition pop-up merchandise stores and stamp rally activities will also connect major tourist attractions across Penghu, offering visitors an immersive and multi-layered themed experience.

As the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year approaches, the Penghu County Government distributed “Rocking Horse” papercraft lanterns to residents to celebrate the festive occasion together. On the morning of the 26th, Deputy County Magistrate Lin Jie-shin joined Secretary-General Lin Wen-tsao and Deputy Director Hung Wen-tien of the Civil Affairs Department at the plaza in front of the county government building to hand out lanterns, bringing an early touch of warmth and festive cheer ahead of the Lantern Festival.Crowds formed early at the event site as teachers brought children to receive lanterns. After receiving the adorable “Rocking Horse” lanterns, many children beamed with joy and eagerly posed for photos, adding excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Lantern Festival evening.Deputy County Magistrate Lin noted that the Lantern Festival is one of Penghu’s most distinctive and lively traditional celebrations. Temples across the islands host various themed “Turtle Praying” (Khit-ku) rituals, inviting residents to visit temple courtyards to pray for blessings and good fortune. Amid the sounds of drums and gongs and brightly lit lanterns, participants can experience the deep-rooted religious traditions and warm community spirit of Penghu.Lin added that the county government specially prepared 2,000 creatively designed “Rocking Horse” lanterns this year. By distributing lanterns, the county hopes to encourage families and children to carry lanterns while visiting temples and offering prayers, continuing the long-standing Lantern Festival tradition. The initiative also aims to keep Penghu’s unique Lantern Festival culture shining across generations while lighting the way for peace, happiness, and hope in the coming year.

The 2026 Penghu Winter Floral Wonderland officially opened today (February 24) at the Penghu Recreation Area. Inspired by the Year of the Horse, the event features more than 200,000 petunias planted across the park, creating a vibrant floral landscape spanning 1.8 hectares. The event combines stage performances, a creative market, an inflatable playground, a variety of amusement facilities, and a mini train tour, offering residents and visitors a festive way to welcome the Lunar New Year. The exhibition runs through March 3, inviting everyone to enjoy the romance and joy of Penghu’s winter floral sea.　　Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu attended the opening and joined families in the festivities, strolling through the market, handing out spring couplets reading “Galloping Toward Prosperity” and “Great Fortune and Good Luck,” and riding the park train to admire the floral scenery. He warmly invited residents and visitors to bring their families during the Lunar New Year holiday to enjoy the flowers and festivities while experiencing Penghu’s uniquely warm winter holiday atmosphere.　　Magistrate Chen noted that this year marks the 11th edition of the Lunar New Year floral sea. Building on years of experience and cross-agency collaboration, the county government partnered with the Penghu County Industrial and Commercial Development Investment Promotion Committee and multiple county departments to introduce a creative market, inviting local youth and cultural and creative entrepreneurs to showcase local creativity and industry vitality amid the floral setting. Centered on the concept of a “Floral Wonderland,” the event also features attractions such as a pirate ship ride and an inflatable playground, along with family-oriented stage performances and interactive programs. Together, these elements create a family-friendly recreational environment where children can play freely while parents enjoy quality time with their families.　　Magistrate Chen emphasized that the county government will continue to enrich winter tourism offerings, ensuring that Penghu can showcase a different and equally charming side even during the off-season. The goal is to attract more visitors, stimulate local economic growth, and gradually realize the vision of “year-round tourism with highlights everywhere.”　　The county government added that while Penghu is known for its expansive ocean views and striking geological landscapes, long-term planning and dedicated efforts have also enabled the successful creation of large-scale winter flower fields. Since taking office in 2015, Magistrate Chen has actively promoted the Lunar New Year floral sea initiative, overcoming harsh winter conditions such as strong winds and high salinity. Through accumulated planting experience and technical improvements, the floral sea has become one of Penghu’s most iconic Lunar New Year attractions, drawing large numbers of residents and visitors year after year.

The second session of Penghu’s winter signature event, the 2025 Penghu Grand March, officially kicked off on the morning of the 13th with the sounding of a whistle by Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu. The event attracted a large number of participants, who set out in a grand procession from the Xiyu side alongside hundreds of servicemen. Battling strong headwinds, they marched on foot across the 2.5-kilometer-long Penghu Great Bridge, embodying the indomitable and forward-moving “three-drops-of-water spirit.”Chen Kuang-Fu noted that Penghu has long held strategic military importance, leaving behind numerous battlefield heritage sites such as the Dongwei Tunnels, the Longmen Underground Bunker, the Xiyu “Copper Wall and Iron Bastion,” and the Dongchang Military Camp. These historical imprints not only testify to Penghu’s past military significance but are also being actively integrated by the county government into winter tourism. Through the Grand March, Penghu’s deep-rooted military and cultural heritage is highlighted.Chen expressed his appreciation to the Armed Forces for their strong support of the event. In addition to actively participating in the march, they also carefully showcased a wide range of military equipment, fully demonstrating the “Unity of Military and Civilians.” He paid the highest tribute to the brave warriors who have long borne the responsibility of safeguarding Taiwan’s security, and commended the Armed Forces for their continued efforts to engage with local communities and contribute to regional development while protecting the homeland.Chen further pointed out that the Penghu Grand March has gradually become a signature winter tourism brand, with registration filling up quickly every year. In response to public enthusiasm, two sessions were specially arranged this year, each offering 1,500 slots, including 500 reserved for non-Penghu visitors. The initiative aims to stimulate the local autumn and winter economy while creating a distinctive travel experience for both residents and tourists. He also announced plans to further expand the event next year.The event opened with a powerful war drum performance by the Penghu Defense Command, its resounding beats energizing the crowd. Children from Mingyuan Kindergarten, dressed in camouflage uniforms, delivered a focused and lively performance that showcased their “mini soldier” spirit, delighting the audience and underscoring the importance of foundational national defense education.Another highlight was the exhibition of military equipment, featuring 155mm howitzers, CM21 armored vehicles, Sky Bow missile launch vehicles, and circuit rebreather systems used by amphibious frogmen. These displays allowed the public to view the equipment up close, gain a deeper understanding of the Armed Forces’ capabilities and professionalism, and personally experience the strength of national defense, thereby further strengthening public awareness of national defense.After completing the Grand March, participants proceeded to Tongliang Fishing Harbor to attend the “Three Gold Feast” organized by the Baisha Township Hall. There, they enjoyed authentic local seafood delicacies prepared with Penghu’s renowned specialties—“black gold” red algae, “green gold” green algae, and “white gold” mackerel—bringing this winter march that blended history, culture, and tourism to an unforgettable close.

In celebration of International Migrants Day, the Penghu County Government held a multicultural promotional event today (29th) at the Xiwei Community and Farmers and Fishermen Activity Center under the theme “New Voices on Stage: Connecting Stories of the Heart.” The event brought together 350 new immigrants and their families, who showcased the charm of multiculturalism through music, dance, traditional attire, and cuisine—symbolizing Penghu’s spirit of inclusion and shared prosperity.　　Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu attended the event in person, joining new immigrant friends in the festivities and presenting awards to seven outstanding new immigrant volunteers in recognition of their contributions in safeguarding cultural heritage, community service, and educational support.　　Chen Kuang-Fu noted that International Migrants Day falls on December 18 each year and that Penghu is now home to approximately 1,700 new residents. They are not only part of the Penghu community but also important partners in Penghu’s progress. He emphasized that regardless of where one comes from, everyone who arrives in Penghu becomes part of the family, and that working hard for a better life, striving for the next generation, and growing together represents the truest form of happiness.　　Chen Kuang-Fu added that today, new residents confidently took the stage in their traditional attire, sharing their stories through singing, dancing, drama, and expression, while the audience sang and danced along, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and a sense of family—a scene he described as the most beautiful landscape of Penghu.　　Today’s event was jointly organized with the Penghu County Service Center of the National Immigration Agency, the New Immigrant Integrated Community Service Center, and new immigrant associations. A variety of multicultural experiences were arranged, including international performances, family runway showcases, and global cuisine. Through music, dance, drama, food, and art, participants deepened their understanding of different cultures and traditions, nurturing an appreciation for multiculturalism rooted in acceptance and respect.

The Penghu County Government hosted the “International Conference on the Sustainable Development of Marine Culture at the Penghu World Heritage Potential Site,” inviting Felicity Somers Eve, great-granddaughter of renowned British engineer David Marr Henderson (DMH), to Penghu. She personally brought invaluable reproduction drawings of the design manuscripts for the Xiyu Lighthouse (Yuwengdao Lighthouse) and presented them to the Penghu County Government, received on behalf of the county by Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu.　　Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu, accompanied by Zhang Yu-Chuang, Chief Secretary of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture; Chen Yu-Yun, Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Penghu County Government; National Penghu University of Science and Technology Professor Yu Hsi-Liang and Assistant Professor Lin Yu-Chen; Lighthouse Heritage Research Connections founder Professor Ching Hsiang-Hu; Association advisor Professor Hsieh Ying-Hsing; and City University of Hong Kong Professor He Zhou, accepted this century-spanning historical treasure. He stated that the gift is not only a precious set of drawings but also an important testament to the renewed intersection of maritime civilizations between Taiwan and the United Kingdom.　　Chen Kuang-Fu expressed his gratitude to Felicity Somers Eve for traveling such a long distance to bring historically significant design documents, and he paid tribute to her great-grandfather Henderson for his remarkable contributions to the safety of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. With professionalism and foresight, Henderson laid the foundation for maritime safety across East Asia and illuminated the seafaring path of generations of Penghu residents.　　He also thanked Professor Ching Hsiang-Hu for his long-standing dedication to lighthouse literature collection and field research. From traveling the world to promoting navigation aid culture, Professor Ching has been not only a practitioner of lighthouse heritage but also a vital bridge that made this meaningful exchange possible.　　Chen Kuang-Fu emphasized that the Xiyu Lighthouse is not only a key landmark for maritime safety but also a witness to the historical significance of Penghu as a crossroads of maritime civilizations. Finally, he expressed appreciation to Assistant Professor Lin Yu-Chen of the Department of Tourism and Leisure at the National Penghu University of Science and Technology and her team for facilitating the successful hosting of this conference, bringing together domestic and international scholars to jointly explore the sustainable development of marine culture. Their efforts enable more people to recognize Penghu’s pivotal role in global maritime history and its stone weir culture.　　The Xiyu Lighthouse (Yuwengdao Lighthouse), located on the cape of Wai’an Village in Xiyu Township, Penghu County, is the first lighthouse built in Taiwan and the Penghu archipelago, laying the foundation for the modern lighthouse system. The earliest structure was built in 1778 (Qing Dynasty, Qianlong era), a seven-tier octagonal stone tower jointly funded by government and civilians, known as the “Xiyu Pagoda Lighthouse.” It served as a crucial navigational aid for mariners of the time. With the development of maritime routes and increasing safety needs, the lighthouse was rebuilt between 1874 (Tongzhi era) and 1875 (Guangxu era) into what is now the Xiyu Lighthouse (Yuwengdao Lighthouse), equipped with the latest fourth-class rotating lens and fog cannon technology of that period.　　The birth of this new lighthouse is inseparable from the contributions of British engineer David Marr Henderson (DMH). Beginning in 1872, he visited Xiyu in Penghu multiple times to conduct on-site surveys of the original Xiyu Pagoda Lighthouse and its ancillary structures, carrying out detailed measurements of the tower, lantern room, and lighting apparatus. He identified design flaws and proposed improvement solutions. He submitted his in

To mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Penghu County People with Disabilities Service Association held the “Move for Inclusion” community walk and fun challenge event today (26th) at the International Plaza. Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu and County Council Speaker Chen Yu-jen attended the event in person to express their encouragement and support for persons with disabilities, their families, and the wider community. Through walking, performances, public awareness activities, and interactive games, the event aimed to deepen understanding and acceptance and to foster a more inclusive society.Magistrate Chen expressed his appreciation to the Association for organizing such a meaningful event. He emphasized that this activity was not only part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities series but also a key initiative under the county government’s policy to “understand invisible disabilities and eliminate misunderstanding and discrimination.” He hoped that community integration events like this would allow every individual with a disability to participate freely and walk proudly in society.Chen further noted that the county government has long been committed to improving accessibility and promoting inclusive services, while continuing to connect local community resources to provide comprehensive support for persons with disabilities in education, employment, and daily life. He called on society to replace prejudice with understanding and discrimination with acceptance, joining hands to build an environment of equality, friendliness, and inclusion.Speaker Chen Yu-jen remarked that for many persons with disabilities, stepping outside their homes can be a great act of courage. He shared insights from his recent meeting with an inspiring dance group dedicated to public service, noting how the performers exemplify independence, confidence, and self-reliance. He affirmed that the County Council will continue to collaborate closely with the county government to create a more accessible and barrier-free living environment.The event drew more than 130 participants, including members from Happiness Station, Sunshine Clubhouse, Elderly Recreation Center, Huimin Opportunity Center, Penghu Marine & Fishery Vocational High School Special Education Class, and the Penghu County Slow-Flying Angels Service Association. Also in attendance were Deputy Speaker Lan Kai-yuan, Councilors Su Yu-te and Hsu Kuo-cheng, Magong City Mayor Huang Chien-chung, and Hong Chang-ching, demonstrating society’s care and collective support for persons with disabilities in Penghu.