The two-day 2025 Sunshine Island Vibe Fest brought together visitors from different countries and all age groups, receiving overwhelming praise and sparking a wave of discussion online. The event successfully concluded on the evening of February 23 at Kaohsiung Central Park, drawing over 140,000 visitors in total. Chang Yen-ching, Director-General of the Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, noted that this was the first time the City Government had co-hosted the event with the Kaohsiung Extension Office of Manila Economic and Cultural Office, the Kaohsiung Branch Office of American Institute in Taiwan, the Kaohsiung Office of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office. Centered on the theme of “Island Images Linking Cultures, Showcasing Inclusiveness,” the festival featured a rich program of food, cultural and creative markets, music, talks, interactive photography exhibitions, and sepak takraw experience sessions. She expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by international friends and noted that many participants were already wishing: “Can’t wait to get hyped again next year!”
“It was joyful, exciting, and full of fun!” said Taiwanese participants. Foreign visitors from Paraguay, India, and Eswatini also joined the crowds at Central Park, praising the festival: “The weather in Kaohsiung is so bright and sunny. This is our first time joining such a warm and welcoming island festival—it’s truly amazing!”
Blending cultural elements from Kaohsiung, the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Thailand, the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest created a cross-cultural international celebration. Through food, culture, music, talks, and photography exhibitions, the festival broke down barriers and embodied Kaohsiung’s spirit of diversity and inclusion, while deepening Taiwanese people’s understanding of New Southbound countries and fostering greater care and recognition of new immigrants and migrant workers. A Vietnamese new immigrant who participated throughout shared emotionally: “Thank you to the Taiwanese people for supporting us new immigrants. We are so happy to put down roots here.”
The stage program featured popular performers from seven countries, including Filipino jazz singer Roxanne Barcelo, U.S. jazz ensemble Andy Jaffe Septet, Thai superstar James Alyn, Taiwanese Golden Melody Award winner Joanna Wang, Paiwan singer Abao, Indonesian band The Black Cloak, and several other migrant worker and new immigrant groups. Their passionate performances filled Central Park with cheers and brought the festival to one climax after another.
The international brand market also proved a huge draw. Many visitors exclaimed: “Walking around Central Park felt like travelling the world in a single trip — and enjoying it to the fullest!” Kaohsiung Metro’s beloved mascot, Station Master Mikan, joined in the fun, interacting warmly with children and families. Outdoor talks on new immigrants and migrant workers, an interactive inclusive photography exhibition, a multicultural pop-up store by FamilyMart, and a Southeast Asian mobile library all attracted lively participation. Attendees commented: “Migrant workers and new immigrants are an integral part of our society. It was wonderful to learn about their lives through the talks.” Some even publicly thanked migrant workers for their contributions to Taiwan.
The NGO One-Forty partnered with Taiwan Fu Hsing to present a multicultural and inclusive photography exhibition, telling stories through the eyes of migrant workers and new immigrants. A variety of novel and engaging interactive mirror installations with multi-national island themes drew crowds to stop and take part, sparking warm exchanges with migrant workers and new immigrants, and becoming one of the festival’s most popular photo spots.
Kaohsiung’s friendship partners in Japan—including the cities of Hachioji, Sado, and Mutsu, as well as Kumamoto and Aomori Prefectures—joined the celebration from across the sea. Their booths were packed with visitors eager to pick up cultural and tourism information, taste Japanese foods, and take photos with mascots such as the Namahage—demonlike figures traditionally portrayed by men. Japanese participants said they were moved by the vibrant atmosphere: “It’s wonderful to exchange with so many countries here at the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest in Kaohsiung. We hope Taiwanese friends will get to know Japan even better!”
Special thanks go to sponsors ASE Holdings, Taiwan Fu Hsing Foundation, Quilter International Enterprise Co., Ltd., iPASS, PhilMoney, Union Bank of Taiwan, FamilyMart, and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation. Their support, together with that of all participating citizens and partners, ensured the success of the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest, further establishing Kaohsiung as Taiwan’s most passionate and welcoming international city.