New demographic strategy: Student loan interest rate cut and repayment extension

According to CNA, President Lai Ching-te announced today the latest 18 strategic directions to address the challenges of low birth rates and demographic structure. Executive Yuan Secretary-General Zhang Dunhan reported that to reduce the burden of student loans on young people, interest rates will be reduced by another 1 percentage point and repayment periods will be extended by one year, with the government covering the difference. The government will also continue to promote free tuition for high schools and vocational schools, a maximum annual subsidy of NT$35,000 for private college students, and housing subsidies of NT$5,000 to NT$7,000 per semester. President Lai held a press conference to announce the 'Taiwan Population Strategy—Family Support' initiative, which includes 18 measures such as growth allowances for children aged 0-18, expanded subsidies for artificial reproduction, tax cuts for families with children, and extended leave policies.