30 Years of Service and Innovation: National Fire Agency Taiwan Celebrates Milestone Anniversary with Global Partners
The National Fire Agency (NFA) of Taiwan, operating under the Ministry of the Interior, is the nation’s leading authority on fire safety, emergency response, and disaster risk reduction. Established in 1995, the NFA has played a critical role in shaping Taiwan’s comprehensive disaster management system, ranging from firefighting and rescue operations to preparedness and training initiatives that support both professional responders and community-based volunteers.
Marking its 30th anniversary, the NFA hosted a grand celebration in Nantou County, it’s remarkable journey and reaffirming its commitment to building a safer, more resilient Taiwan. The occasion marked the opening of the newly upgraded National Fire Agency Training Center in Nantou, reportedly the largest firefighter training center in Asia and the third largest in the world. This facility is set to significantly enhance firefighting capabilities and disaster preparedness for Taiwan’s first responders. The ceremony was attended by the President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳), and NFA Director Hsiao Huan-chang (蕭煥章), highlighting the national significance of this milestone and the leadership’s dedication to enhancing the country’s disaster response capabilities.
Among the distinguished international participants was the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD), represented by Mr. Firzan Hashim, COO of A-PAD and Country Director of A-PAD Sri Lanka; Ms. Neki Kaori, Chairperson of Civic Force and Director of A-PAD Japan; and Mr. Huang Chun-Yuan, Chief of the Search and Rescue Team. Their presence underscored the strength of regional collaboration and the shared mission of building disaster resilience across borders.
This ongoing partnership was exemplified through the recently conducted 2024 Joint Indo-Pacific Region Swift Water and Rope Rescue Training Program, held from October 27 to November 8. The 14-day intensive training, co-hosted by NFA Taiwan and A-PAD, brought together regional responders, including A-PAD Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team, to build specialized rescue capabilities and foster cross-border cooperation in emergency response.
The anniversary also paid tribute to the sacrifices of fallen fire personnel through a gratitude concert and reinforced commitments to firefighter wellbeing with a signed Occupational Health and Safety Declaration, promoting mental and physical health safeguards for all responders.
A-PAD’s active engagement in this commemorative event highlighted the vital role of international partnerships in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and collective preparedness. As the NFA continues to evolve, its legacy of leadership and collaboration stands as a beacon for integrated disaster management across the Indo-Pacific region.
