Taipei invests NT$1.1 billion in public school facilities

台北市投資11億新台幣用於公立學校設施建設

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei City Government Department of Education announced a three-year, NT$1.1 billion (US$34 million) plan to upgrade classrooms and facilities at public junior high and senior high schools, aiming to create more comfortable, student-centered learning environments.

The initiative aims to transform classrooms from cold, impersonal teaching spaces into aesthetically pleasing environments that support learning focus through spatial redesign and smart technology upgrades, according to a press release.

In the first year of the program, Taipei invested NT$332 million in 2025 to renovate 973 classrooms at 63 public secondary schools across the city. The funding was used to optimize school environments, including the installation of expanded lockers to help students focus better on their studies.

Officials said an additional NT$390 million will be allocated in 2026 and 2027 to continue similar upgrades, bringing the total investment to NT$1.1 billion.

Taipei Department of Education Commissioner Tang Chih-min (湯志民) said classroom color schemes and layouts are closely linked to students’ learning efficiency. He said the renovations include removing exposed and cluttered piping and replacing outdated furniture with custom-made cabinets that meet green building standards.

“These changes not only advance sustainability goals but also create a better learning environment for students,” Tang said.

To address long-standing concerns from parents and students about the weight of school backpacks, the project significantly expands personal locker space, encouraging students to leave non-essential textbooks and reference materials on campus.

At Neihu Vocational High School, smart sensor lockers have been introduced, allowing students to open lockers by scanning their student ID cards. Dazhi High School enhanced classroom spaciousness by removing the original ceilings and upgrading the lighting fixtures, thereby improving overall lighting quality for teaching and learning.

Yongji Junior High School replaced traditional flooring with wood-grain tiles, improving classroom texture and atmosphere. Wanhua Junior High School created a “Global Reading Corridor,” drawing upon international landmarks and landscapes to foster a global outlook among students.

City officials said the renovation project reflects the belief that investing in schools is an investment in Taipei’s future competitiveness. By transforming ordinary classrooms into smart, healthy, and visually engaging learning spaces, authorities aim to provide students with greater motivation and support to succeed.