Today, the 2023 Taiwan Popular Science Train embarked on its voyage from Taipei Main Station, the hub of the island's century-old railway system, heralding a new era in tech education in Taiwan. Esteemed guests, including Premier Chen Chien-jen, National Science and Technology Committee Minister Tsung-Tsong Wu, Taiwan Railways Administration Director-General Victor Tu, Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang, and Administration for Digital Industries Director-General Jang-Hwa Leu, graced the opening ceremony. They also joined students in interactive space technology activities aboard the train.

The 2023 Taiwan Popular Science Train aims to ignite students' inquisitive spirits and sharpen their practical application of knowledge, sowing the seeds of science and technology in young minds across Taiwan. Spearheaded by the National Science and Technology Committee (NSTC), it is a collaborative effort among multiple governmental bodies, industry partners, and academic institutions. The train offers a series of engaging game-based experiences, with each carriage dedicated to one of six pivotal scientific and technological themes.

Setting off from Taipei, the train will journey southward along the Western Line to Linbian Station in Pingtung County, before continuing on the Eastern Line from Taitung to Keelung. Throughout this journey, high school students from across Taiwan will take turns boarding and disembarking and mentor their younger counterparts in elementary school, guiding them through various challenges. Together, they'll explore the boundless opportunities that technology presents. The Cybersecurity carriage, meticulously planned by the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda), focuses on information security as its central theme, disseminating advanced technology knowledge and Internet security awareness to children throughout Taiwan.

The moda stated that with the concerted interdepartmental effort, they are jointly advancing science education and nurturing talent in digital technology—essential for Taiwan's transformation into a digital nation. Establishing a deep understanding of advanced and safe Internet practices is key to developing digital expertise, underscoring the urgency of promoting education in ICT and cybersecurity. The moda’s endeavor with the Taiwan Popular Science Train seeks to instill an early awareness of the development of Internet technology and cybersecurity among the youth of Taiwan. The initiative ensures that children can navigate the digital world securely, laying the groundwork for cultivating their digital capabilities needed for the future.

The five-day event is set to immerse elementary school students in the exciting realm of Internet security. Under the guidance of Dr. Q, the train conductor, along with a cadre of high school mentors, young learners will be introduced to critical cybersecurity concepts. The fifth carriage of the train—the Cybersecurity Carriage—is staffed by 10 T Ambassadors and 30 high school volunteers from Tamkang Senior High School and Tainan First Senior High School, selected by the Administration for Digital Industries, who will serve as guides.

Four interactive activities are designed by the moda. First, the Detective Decryption Team activity offers a glimpse into a hacker's mindset and allows students to grasp foundational cybersecurity principles as they engage in code-breaking exercises. The Search for X-man game will immerse students in the zero-trust concept, emphasizing the importance of verification with the principle of "never trust, always verify." Other activities like the Cryptex and Encrypted Diary will offer hands-on learning about secure password practices and the basics of encryption and decryption, providing the building blocks for understanding digital security.

The underlying belief is that by merging learning with engaging challenges, we can both educate and entertain Taiwan's future trailblazers, instilling in them a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and knowledge. The interactive experiences aim to imprint these concepts deep within the young minds, setting Taiwan on a steadfast course to digital nationhood. This approach not only fosters a new generation well-versed in ICT cybersecurity but also lays a robust groundwork for the country’s technological education.