TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung announced the second annual Sunshine Island Vibe Fest in partnership with representative offices from the US, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The cultural event will be held from March 6-8 at the city’s Central Park and Kaohsiung Main Station, per a city government press release. Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said “island culture” is an important bridge connecting Kaohsiung with the US, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. As a harbor city, Kaohsiung has maintained close exchanges with other countries in areas such as education and culture, while sharing core values such as democracy and freedom.

Chen said he hopes the festival will provide a relaxed space where residents and international friends can interact, deepening city diplomacy and people-to-people friendships. The event focuses on the cultures of migrant workers and new immigrants to create content that is diverse and inclusive, according to the release.

Neil Gibson, director of the American Institute in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung office, praised the festival as a platform for cultural exchange and an important event for strengthening mutual friendships.

Masafumi Oku, director of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association’s Kaohsiung office, said he hopes the event’s popularity will boost cooperation among participating countries.

Karina B. Perida-Trayvilla, director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office’s Kaohsiung office, said Kaohsiung is a special place for the local Filipino community and is regarded as a second home. She said the festival has an inspiring ability to bring communities together.

Nutchyawach Sanguanchaiyakrit, head of labor affairs at the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Kaohsiung, said more Thai brands will be brought to this year’s festival, allowing Kaohsiung residents to enjoy Thai cuisine and handmade crafts.