Snapshots November / December 2024
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titleSnapshots November / December 2024的pubDate是2024/10/24, description是President Lai receives new AIT director President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) received Raymond Greene, the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan, at....
| title | Snapshots November / December 2024 |
| link | https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=4,8,12,17,20&post=260473 |
| guid | 260473 |
| pubDate | 2024/10/24 |
| pic | 圖1 : |
| enclosure | (空) |
| description | President Lai receives new AIT director President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) received Raymond Greene, the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan, at the Presidential Office July 10, expressing his belief that the Taiwan-U.S. partnership will continue to grow across the board with Greene’s experience and strong support. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, Lai said. He conveyed gratitude to the U.S. government for continuing to fulfill its commitments to Taiwan, as evidenced by the 16 military sales announced by the Biden administration over the past four years. In response, Greene reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to backing Taiwan and helping enhance its self-defense capabilities. Greene said he looks forward to enhancing the already rock-solid bilateral ties, citing the ongoing U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative and Fulbright Program. 
Premier Cho receives British Office Taipei Rep.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) met with British Office Taipei Rep. John Dennis Sept. 2 in Taipei City and expressed hope that Taiwan could join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to further contribute to cross-strait and Indo-Pacific security. According to Cho, Taiwan is the U.K.’s fifth largest trading partner in Asia, while the U.K. is the country’s third largest trading partner in Europe. Bilateral partnership is going from strength to strength, he said, citing the Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement inked last year and the recent U.K.-Taiwan energy dialogue, as well as the 40-plus British offshore wind power companies that have established bases in Taiwan. The meeting followed Dennis’ meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) Aug. 26 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City, during which Lai thanked him for contributing to Taiwan-U.K. ties and the U.K. government and Parliament for supporting Taiwan.
President Lai pledges to strengthen disaster prevention system
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Sept. 21 that the government is committed to strengthening the national disaster prevention system, raising public awareness and working with partners at home and abroad to build a more resilient society. The president made the remarks while visiting the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan in the central city of Taichung on National Disaster Prevention Day. The day has been observed since 2000 on the anniversary of a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that hit the central county of Nantou Sept. 21, 1999. Lai thanked rescue teams from countries including Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the U.S. for the immediate assistance they provided following the temblor. The people of Taiwan showed great perseverance as they recovered from the calamity, he said, adding that the country continues to learn and improve measures to reduce impacts from such natural disasters. The government has since improved the seismic safety standards of buildings, set up earthquake warning systems, held drills every year and spared no effort to promote disaster prevention education, he added.
Foreign Minister Lin receives Swedish delegation
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) received a cross-party delegation from the Swedish Parliament Aug. 28 in Taipei City and anticipated the further deepening of ties between the two countries. According to the MOFA, the group comprised Lotta Johnsson Fornarve, John Weinerhall and Göran Hargestam, all members of the Swedish-Taiwan Parliamentarian Association. The minister thanked the legislators for their support for Taiwan and said he hoped to see the two sides expand exchanges in areas such as clean energy development, trade and economic cooperation and joint work to fight disinformation. In response, Fornarve said the Russian-Ukraine war and conflict between Israel and Hamas underlined the importance of democracies working together against authoritarianism. The group’s first visit to Taiwan also includes calls on the Ministries of Environment and National Defense, Mainland Affairs Council, Civil Aviation Administration and Centers for Disease Control.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tien outlines Taiwan’s UN79 campaign
Ahead of the opening of the United Nations’ 79th General Assembly Sept. 10 in New York City, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) held a press event Sept. 3 in Taipei City to detail Taiwan’s annual U.N. campaign. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the theme of the U.N.G.A. general debate kicking off Sept. 24 is “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.” Ironically, Taiwan’s 23.5 million people are still excluded from the global organization, it said. A short film entitled “IC You” was launched the same day to showcase Taiwan’s technology and semiconductor manufacturing prowess, emphasizing the country’s key role in global development. A number of sideline events will also be staged to elucidate the case for Taiwan’s U.N. participation, the ministry said.
BIO Asia-Taiwan opens in Taipei
The 2024 BIO Asia-Taiwan exhibition got underway July 26 in Taipei City, with around 900 flagship companies from 19 countries showcasing their latest offerings at 2,200 booths for biomedical industry professionals hailing from around the world. Themed “Global View with Asian Touch,” this year’s exhibition is jointly organized by Washington, D.C.-headquartered Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Taipei-based Taiwan Bio Industry Organization. While the opening ceremony was delayed by two days due to Typhoon Gaemi, the innovation and technology forum, investment summit and regional cooperation forum were held on schedule July 24-25 and attracted participants from around 50 countries, the organizer said. Highlights included a speech during the innovation and technology forum by Zhang Feng (張鋒), Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor and winner of the 2016 Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science, and the participation of 30-plus businesses and industry associations from Australia, Belgium, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand in the regional cooperation forum.
MOEA showcases technology project achievements in Tainan
Technology projects implemented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the past three years have helped more than 400 firms in Tainan City upgrade their operations and generate an output value of around NT$15 billion (US$455 million), the MOEA said July 30. During an event staged at the Tainan-based Southern Taiwan Innovation and Research Park, Chiou Chyou-huey (邱求慧), director-general of the MOEA’s Department of Industrial Technology, said the impressive results were achieved through collaboration with MOEA-sponsored entities to help small- and medium-sized enterprises and firms in traditional sectors accelerate their digital and net-zero transformations. Thanks to these efforts, Chiou said Tainan has successfully repositioned itself as a new technology hub, as evidenced by the NT$1.58 trillion in output reported by the Southern Taiwan Science Park in 2023, the highest among the three such parks in the country.
Premier Cho opens SEMICON Taiwan in Taipei
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) attended the opening ceremony of SEMICON Taiwan Sept. 4 in Taipei City, reiterating the government’s commitment to promoting the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors through policy adjustment, regulatory easement and new guidelines. Jointly organized by U.S.-based global industry association SEMI and Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association, this year’s event features more than 1,100 exhibitors operating 3,700 booths, 12 country pavilions and over 200 featured speakers from corporate powerhouses around the world. During his opening remarks, Cho said the event’s theme of “Breaking Limits: Powering the AI Era” is directly in keeping with President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) initiative, adding that the government will spare no effort in cultivating AI professionals and building a friendly business environment to attract investment and related production from overseas.
MOEA reports strong results from Taiwan’s three investment projects
The government’s three major investment promotion projects, which help local firms upgrade their operations, delivered impressive results in 2023 despite global uncertainties, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said Aug. 5. According to the MOEA, the negative impacts of sustained high inflation around the world, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war continued to be felt in 2023. These challenges caused labor shortages and an increase in raw material prices, subsequently raising construction costs 20 to 30 percent and keeping many investment projects from coming to fruition. Launched in 2019 in response to trade friction between the U.S. and China, the three initiatives are the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan, Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Domestic Corporations and Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Small and Medium Enterprises.
Premier Cho unveils strategies to advance economy
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said that the government would continue introducing artificial intelligence technology to government agencies and various industries to benefit the entire society. Cho made the remarks while attending the joint opening ceremony for the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show 2024 and Automation Taipei 2024 Aug. 21 in Taipei City. He mentioned that hotels and senior care centers have begun adopting smart robots with increasingly diverse services and functions, noting that robotic equipment is also applied in the national security arena. Taiwan is at the forefront of development in smart industries and hardware manufacturing even as it continues to make progress in software applications, the premier said, adding that the government intends to provide comprehensive assistance to traditional industries and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises in recognition of their key position in Taiwan’s economy.
Taiwan, Germany deepen collaboration on smart manufacturing
The ninth Taiwan-Germany Smart Machinery Forum was staged Aug. 22 in Taipei City, highlighting the commitment on both sides to strengthening cooperation and exchange in advanced smart production, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said. The MOEA co-hosted the event with the German Trade Office Taipei, in cooperation with the Hsinchu City-based Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Taipei-based Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association. According to the MOEA, discussions at the forum focused on making use of artificial intelligence in applied technologies, carbon reduction techniques, smart robots and system integration in smart manufacturing. Businesses from the two countries also shared their experiences developing and utilizing digital platforms, the MOEA said. In 2023 bilateral total trade volume reached US$22 billion, making Germany Taiwan’s eighth-largest trade partner, its 10th-largest export market and sixth-largest import market, the ministry added.
EY welcomes passage of fraud-fighting regulations
The Executive Yuan welcomed the Legislative Yuan’s passage of a fraud prevention draft bill and draft amendments to the Communication Security and Surveillance Act July 12 in Taipei City. According to the EY, the new bill strengthens measures pertaining to the finance, telecommunications and digital economy sectors to prevent scams, combat fraud rings and better protect victims. Businesses operating in the three sectors will be required to monitor and report suspected fraud, while those guilty of committing crimes will face steeper penalties, the EY said. The legislation also sets up a mechanism to provide victims with assistance and compensation for lost assets. Amendments to the Communication Security and Surveillance Act include legal procedures to apply for internet traffic records, the EY said, adding that the analysis of digital footprints is expected to greatly enhance law enforcement’s investigative capacity.
MOFA short film promotes Taiwan’s Paris Olympic participation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a short film July 17 to spotlight Taiwan’s commitment to engaging the world through participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics set to kick off July 26 in Paris. Titled “Taiwan: Win Over the World,” the film is a montage of the rigorous training athletes undergo in preparation for global sporting events, the general public engaging in daily sport activities, and images depicting the country’s social developments and high-tech achievements. The video echoes the spirit of the current administration’s policy of integrated diplomacy as it portrays Taiwan’s prosperity and vibrant democracy. With subtitles in Chinese, English and French, the film is available on the MOFA’s official Facebook page, X account and YouTube channel, as well as the ministry’s Trending Taiwan YouTube channel and related social media accounts.
Team Taiwan wraps up 2024 Paris Olympics
Team Taiwan concluded its 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris with two gold and five bronze medals from the world’s most important sporting event, the Ministry of Education Sports Administration said Aug. 13. According to the SA, the results are the second-best in Taiwan’s Olympic history and much appreciated by the government and people. The gold in women’s 57kg boxing won by Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) on the last day of the games is especially inspiring amid the malicious attacks on her, the agency said. As a token of appreciation, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will host an “Our Heroes! Team Taiwan” party at the Presidential Office Aug. 16 in Taipei City. The athletes will take part in a parade later in the day, the PO said, inviting the public to join the celebration and adding that the event will be streamed on various social media platforms.
Taiwan athletes gear up for Paralympic Games
The National Sports Training Center held a media day July 20 in the southern city of Kaohsiung to spotlight preparation by members of Team Taiwan who are set to compete in the Paralympic Games kicking off Aug. 28 in Paris. During the event, Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅) expressed his support and gratitude to the athletes on behalf of the government. Their hard work and sacrifices made to represent Taiwan in the biggest sporting event of its kind are sincerely appreciated, he added. According to the MOE, 13 local athletes have qualified for seven sports in the Paralympics, including badminton, powerlifting, taekwondo and table tennis. In the previous edition of the quadrennial games, Tien Shiau-wei won a bronze medal in the women’s individual class 10 table tennis competition.
Executive Yuan passes draft of national development plan
The Executive Yuan approved a national development blueprint from the National Development Council for 2025 through 2028, highlighting the government’s commitment to actively promoting policies benefiting the whole of society. According to the EY, the draft was accepted Aug. 15 in Taipei City to move toward the goals of creating an innovative economy, inclusive growth and a balanced country. The scheme targets an average economic growth rate of 2.8 percent to 3.6 percent as well as an unemployment rate of 3.2 percent to 3.5 percent. The plan proposes strategies to carry out President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) National Project of Hope, including the expansion of social investment, green growth and a transition to net-zero emissions by 2050; the enhancement of medical investment to forge a healthy Taiwan; and the cultivation of soft power through the establishment of national branding, among others, the EY added.
 President Lai presents flag to Team Taiwan ahead of Paralympics
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) presented a team flag to Paralympic athletes at the Sports Administration Aug. 23 in Taipei City, urging them to represent their country with courage and honor at the Paris Paralympic Games. On behalf of the government and people, Lai thanked the athletes for their commitment and rigorous training over the years in preparation for the global event. The dedication and services of the accompanying coaches, trainers, and logistics and administrative staffers are also sincerely appreciated, he added. According to the SA, Team Taiwan paralympic athletes will contest in archery, athletics, judo and other sports at the quadrennial games taking place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 in the French capital.
NPM, Wikimedia Taiwan sign MOU to promote open use data
The National Palace Museum inked a cooperative memorandum of understanding with Wikimedia Taiwan Sept. 26 in Taipei City, highlighting government initiatives to raise global public access to the facility’s digital collections. Signed by NPM Deputy Director Huang Yung-tai (黃永泰) and Dennis Raylin Chen (陳瑞霖), chair of the Taiwan chapter of Wikimedia Foundation, the MOU facilitates incorporation of the NPM’s open data into Wikimedia projects and paves the way for future artificial intelligence applications. Since 2013, the NPM has provided over 410,000 picture files from its collection for free public use, the museum said, adding that the two bodies will hold joint editing activities for Wikipedia and Wikidata, a collaboratively edited multilingual knowledge database, to encourage more public participation. During the signing ceremony, Huang said the NPM is actively responding to the government’s open data policies and the global trend for museums to enhance public access to their collections. The museum is committed to upholding transparency and will continue to introduce its collections to countries around the world, he added.
Tainan counts down to 2024 Creative Expo Taiwan
The southern city of Tainan makes final preparations for the 2024 Creative Expo Taiwan, an event that highlights the country’s dynamic cultural and creative industry, as well as the spirit of innovation. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the 10-day event features around 700 stalls from 570 brands at venues around the city including the Tainan Cultural and Creative Park, 321 Art Alley Settlement and ICC Tainan. The expo has sections focused on licensing intellectual property, sharing the history and culture of Tainan and building new brands, among others. During a news conference Aug. 5 in Tainan to outline the expo, Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang (王時思) said that hosting the event in Tainan for the first time underlines the city’s historical significance. CET’s 2024 theme, “Hundred Faces of the Treasure Island,” also emphasizes Taiwan’s diverse and inclusive society, she added.
Culture Minister Li wraps up successful Japan tour
Minister of Culture Li Yuan (李遠) Sept. 7 concluded his first visit to Japan since taking office in May and said it had successfully deepened cultural exchanges and Taiwan’s friendship with its East Asian neighbor. According to the Ministry of Culture, Li met with Shinji Ono, executive director of the Yokohama Arts Foundation, Sept. 6 in Tokyo, and the two jointly announced that Taiwan would take part in the Yokohama Jazz Promenade set to occur in October next year. Ono mentioned that arrangements are also being made for Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance Theatre to perform in the city next year, adding that he hopes to see even more future exchanges. The following day the minister called on the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation as a policy reference for Taiwan’s version of a similar future facility.
Dedicated Taiwan dance series stars at German Kunstfest Weimar
The Ministry of Culture and Taipei Representative Office in Germany’s cultural division collaborated with the German National Weimar Theatre to launch a series of dance performances, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing cultural exchange with the European country. According to the MOC, the event entitled “Taiwan Focus” will take place Aug. 24-Sept. 6 during the Kunstfest Weimar 2024. This is the first time the festival has arranged a solely Taiwan-themed series, in which five dance groups will perform six programs in a total of 19 performances. The theme of the series is to present an image of Taiwan’s technological aspect through dance, with pieces whose stage design includes laser lights and VR. The series is curated by the festival’s artistic director, Rolf C. Hemke, who has previously invited Taiwan artists to attend the festival and was himself invited by the MOC to Taiwan in 2023, facilitating the current program.
MOC awards national treasure status to 5 Buddhist texts
Five Buddhist sutras in the National Palace Museum’s collection have been designated national treasures by the Ministry of Culture, the Taipei City-based museum said Aug. 14. According to the NPM, the sacred texts comprise 108 cases containing the Kangxi Manuscript Kangyur in Gold Tibetan Script, also known as the Tibetan Dragon Sutra; 12 cases with the Qianlong Manuscript Kangyur in Gold Tibetan Script; 32 cases of the Kangyur in Manchu Script; and one case each of the Collection of Various Mantras and Sutras in red and black ink. One of the TDS cases is on permanent display at the “Imprints of Buddhas: the Buddhist Art in the National Palace Museum Collection” exhibition at the NPM’s Southern Branch in Chiayi County. The Qianlong Manuscript Kangyur in Gold Tibetan Script and the Kangyur in Manchu Script are exhibited alternately every year and will be moved to a new wing of the Chiayi museum when it opens to the public at the end of 2027. |
titleSnapshots November / December 2024 |
linkhttps://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=4,8,12,17,20&post=260473 |
guid260473 |
pubDate2024/10/24 |
pic圖1 : |
enclosure(空) |
descriptionPresident Lai receives new AIT director President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) received Raymond Greene, the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan, at the Presidential Office July 10, expressing his belief that the Taiwan-U.S. partnership will continue to grow across the board with Greene’s experience and strong support. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, Lai said. He conveyed gratitude to the U.S. government for continuing to fulfill its commitments to Taiwan, as evidenced by the 16 military sales announced by the Biden administration over the past four years. In response, Greene reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to backing Taiwan and helping enhance its self-defense capabilities. Greene said he looks forward to enhancing the already rock-solid bilateral ties, citing the ongoing U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative and Fulbright Program.
Premier Cho receives British Office Taipei Rep.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) met with British Office Taipei Rep. John Dennis Sept. 2 in Taipei City and expressed hope that Taiwan could join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to further contribute to cross-strait and Indo-Pacific security. According to Cho, Taiwan is the U.K.’s fifth largest trading partner in Asia, while the U.K. is the country’s third largest trading partner in Europe. Bilateral partnership is going from strength to strength, he said, citing the Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement inked last year and the recent U.K.-Taiwan energy dialogue, as well as the 40-plus British offshore wind power companies that have established bases in Taiwan. The meeting followed Dennis’ meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) Aug. 26 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City, during which Lai thanked him for contributing to Taiwan-U.K. ties and the U.K. government and Parliament for supporting Taiwan.
President Lai pledges to strengthen disaster prevention system
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Sept. 21 that the government is committed to strengthening the national disaster prevention system, raising public awareness and working with partners at home and abroad to build a more resilient society. The president made the remarks while visiting the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan in the central city of Taichung on National Disaster Prevention Day. The day has been observed since 2000 on the anniversary of a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that hit the central county of Nantou Sept. 21, 1999. Lai thanked rescue teams from countries including Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the U.S. for the immediate assistance they provided following the temblor. The people of Taiwan showed great perseverance as they recovered from the calamity, he said, adding that the country continues to learn and improve measures to reduce impacts from such natural disasters. The government has since improved the seismic safety standards of buildings, set up earthquake warning systems, held drills every year and spared no effort to promote disaster prevention education, he added.
Foreign Minister Lin receives Swedish delegation
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) received a cross-party delegation from the Swedish Parliament Aug. 28 in Taipei City and anticipated the further deepening of ties between the two countries. According to the MOFA, the group comprised Lotta Johnsson Fornarve, John Weinerhall and Göran Hargestam, all members of the Swedish-Taiwan Parliamentarian Association. The minister thanked the legislators for their support for Taiwan and said he hoped to see the two sides expand exchanges in areas such as clean energy development, trade and economic cooperation and joint work to fight disinformation. In response, Fornarve said the Russian-Ukraine war and conflict between Israel and Hamas underlined the importance of democracies working together against authoritarianism. The group’s first visit to Taiwan also includes calls on the Ministries of Environment and National Defense, Mainland Affairs Council, Civil Aviation Administration and Centers for Disease Control.
Deputy Foreign Minister Tien outlines Taiwan’s UN79 campaign
Ahead of the opening of the United Nations’ 79th General Assembly Sept. 10 in New York City, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) held a press event Sept. 3 in Taipei City to detail Taiwan’s annual U.N. campaign. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the theme of the U.N.G.A. general debate kicking off Sept. 24 is “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.” Ironically, Taiwan’s 23.5 million people are still excluded from the global organization, it said. A short film entitled “IC You” was launched the same day to showcase Taiwan’s technology and semiconductor manufacturing prowess, emphasizing the country’s key role in global development. A number of sideline events will also be staged to elucidate the case for Taiwan’s U.N. participation, the ministry said.
BIO Asia-Taiwan opens in Taipei
The 2024 BIO Asia-Taiwan exhibition got underway July 26 in Taipei City, with around 900 flagship companies from 19 countries showcasing their latest offerings at 2,200 booths for biomedical industry professionals hailing from around the world. Themed “Global View with Asian Touch,” this year’s exhibition is jointly organized by Washington, D.C.-headquartered Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Taipei-based Taiwan Bio Industry Organization. While the opening ceremony was delayed by two days due to Typhoon Gaemi, the innovation and technology forum, investment summit and regional cooperation forum were held on schedule July 24-25 and attracted participants from around 50 countries, the organizer said. Highlights included a speech during the innovation and technology forum by Zhang Feng (張鋒), Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor and winner of the 2016 Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science, and the participation of 30-plus businesses and industry associations from Australia, Belgium, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand in the regional cooperation forum.
MOEA showcases technology project achievements in Tainan
Technology projects implemented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the past three years have helped more than 400 firms in Tainan City upgrade their operations and generate an output value of around NT$15 billion (US$455 million), the MOEA said July 30. During an event staged at the Tainan-based Southern Taiwan Innovation and Research Park, Chiou Chyou-huey (邱求慧), director-general of the MOEA’s Department of Industrial Technology, said the impressive results were achieved through collaboration with MOEA-sponsored entities to help small- and medium-sized enterprises and firms in traditional sectors accelerate their digital and net-zero transformations. Thanks to these efforts, Chiou said Tainan has successfully repositioned itself as a new technology hub, as evidenced by the NT$1.58 trillion in output reported by the Southern Taiwan Science Park in 2023, the highest among the three such parks in the country.
Premier Cho opens SEMICON Taiwan in Taipei
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) attended the opening ceremony of SEMICON Taiwan Sept. 4 in Taipei City, reiterating the government’s commitment to promoting the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors through policy adjustment, regulatory easement and new guidelines. Jointly organized by U.S.-based global industry association SEMI and Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association, this year’s event features more than 1,100 exhibitors operating 3,700 booths, 12 country pavilions and over 200 featured speakers from corporate powerhouses around the world. During his opening remarks, Cho said the event’s theme of “Breaking Limits: Powering the AI Era” is directly in keeping with President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) initiative, adding that the government will spare no effort in cultivating AI professionals and building a friendly business environment to attract investment and related production from overseas.
MOEA reports strong results from Taiwan’s three investment projects
The government’s three major investment promotion projects, which help local firms upgrade their operations, delivered impressive results in 2023 despite global uncertainties, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said Aug. 5. According to the MOEA, the negative impacts of sustained high inflation around the world, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war continued to be felt in 2023. These challenges caused labor shortages and an increase in raw material prices, subsequently raising construction costs 20 to 30 percent and keeping many investment projects from coming to fruition. Launched in 2019 in response to trade friction between the U.S. and China, the three initiatives are the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan, Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Domestic Corporations and Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Small and Medium Enterprises.
Premier Cho unveils strategies to advance economy
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said that the government would continue introducing artificial intelligence technology to government agencies and various industries to benefit the entire society. Cho made the remarks while attending the joint opening ceremony for the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show 2024 and Automation Taipei 2024 Aug. 21 in Taipei City. He mentioned that hotels and senior care centers have begun adopting smart robots with increasingly diverse services and functions, noting that robotic equipment is also applied in the national security arena. Taiwan is at the forefront of development in smart industries and hardware manufacturing even as it continues to make progress in software applications, the premier said, adding that the government intends to provide comprehensive assistance to traditional industries and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises in recognition of their key position in Taiwan’s economy.
Taiwan, Germany deepen collaboration on smart manufacturing
The ninth Taiwan-Germany Smart Machinery Forum was staged Aug. 22 in Taipei City, highlighting the commitment on both sides to strengthening cooperation and exchange in advanced smart production, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said. The MOEA co-hosted the event with the German Trade Office Taipei, in cooperation with the Hsinchu City-based Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Taipei-based Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association. According to the MOEA, discussions at the forum focused on making use of artificial intelligence in applied technologies, carbon reduction techniques, smart robots and system integration in smart manufacturing. Businesses from the two countries also shared their experiences developing and utilizing digital platforms, the MOEA said. In 2023 bilateral total trade volume reached US$22 billion, making Germany Taiwan’s eighth-largest trade partner, its 10th-largest export market and sixth-largest import market, the ministry added.
EY welcomes passage of fraud-fighting regulations
The Executive Yuan welcomed the Legislative Yuan’s passage of a fraud prevention draft bill and draft amendments to the Communication Security and Surveillance Act July 12 in Taipei City. According to the EY, the new bill strengthens measures pertaining to the finance, telecommunications and digital economy sectors to prevent scams, combat fraud rings and better protect victims. Businesses operating in the three sectors will be required to monitor and report suspected fraud, while those guilty of committing crimes will face steeper penalties, the EY said. The legislation also sets up a mechanism to provide victims with assistance and compensation for lost assets. Amendments to the Communication Security and Surveillance Act include legal procedures to apply for internet traffic records, the EY said, adding that the analysis of digital footprints is expected to greatly enhance law enforcement’s investigative capacity.
MOFA short film promotes Taiwan’s Paris Olympic participation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a short film July 17 to spotlight Taiwan’s commitment to engaging the world through participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics set to kick off July 26 in Paris. Titled “Taiwan: Win Over the World,” the film is a montage of the rigorous training athletes undergo in preparation for global sporting events, the general public engaging in daily sport activities, and images depicting the country’s social developments and high-tech achievements. The video echoes the spirit of the current administration’s policy of integrated diplomacy as it portrays Taiwan’s prosperity and vibrant democracy. With subtitles in Chinese, English and French, the film is available on the MOFA’s official Facebook page, X account and YouTube channel, as well as the ministry’s Trending Taiwan YouTube channel and related social media accounts.
Team Taiwan wraps up 2024 Paris Olympics
Team Taiwan concluded its 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris with two gold and five bronze medals from the world’s most important sporting event, the Ministry of Education Sports Administration said Aug. 13. According to the SA, the results are the second-best in Taiwan’s Olympic history and much appreciated by the government and people. The gold in women’s 57kg boxing won by Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) on the last day of the games is especially inspiring amid the malicious attacks on her, the agency said. As a token of appreciation, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will host an “Our Heroes! Team Taiwan” party at the Presidential Office Aug. 16 in Taipei City. The athletes will take part in a parade later in the day, the PO said, inviting the public to join the celebration and adding that the event will be streamed on various social media platforms.
Taiwan athletes gear up for Paralympic Games
The National Sports Training Center held a media day July 20 in the southern city of Kaohsiung to spotlight preparation by members of Team Taiwan who are set to compete in the Paralympic Games kicking off Aug. 28 in Paris. During the event, Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅) expressed his support and gratitude to the athletes on behalf of the government. Their hard work and sacrifices made to represent Taiwan in the biggest sporting event of its kind are sincerely appreciated, he added. According to the MOE, 13 local athletes have qualified for seven sports in the Paralympics, including badminton, powerlifting, taekwondo and table tennis. In the previous edition of the quadrennial games, Tien Shiau-wei won a bronze medal in the women’s individual class 10 table tennis competition.
Executive Yuan passes draft of national development plan
The Executive Yuan approved a national development blueprint from the National Development Council for 2025 through 2028, highlighting the government’s commitment to actively promoting policies benefiting the whole of society. According to the EY, the draft was accepted Aug. 15 in Taipei City to move toward the goals of creating an innovative economy, inclusive growth and a balanced country. The scheme targets an average economic growth rate of 2.8 percent to 3.6 percent as well as an unemployment rate of 3.2 percent to 3.5 percent. The plan proposes strategies to carry out President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) National Project of Hope, including the expansion of social investment, green growth and a transition to net-zero emissions by 2050; the enhancement of medical investment to forge a healthy Taiwan; and the cultivation of soft power through the establishment of national branding, among others, the EY added.
President Lai presents flag to Team Taiwan ahead of Paralympics
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) presented a team flag to Paralympic athletes at the Sports Administration Aug. 23 in Taipei City, urging them to represent their country with courage and honor at the Paris Paralympic Games. On behalf of the government and people, Lai thanked the athletes for their commitment and rigorous training over the years in preparation for the global event. The dedication and services of the accompanying coaches, trainers, and logistics and administrative staffers are also sincerely appreciated, he added. According to the SA, Team Taiwan paralympic athletes will contest in archery, athletics, judo and other sports at the quadrennial games taking place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 in the French capital.
NPM, Wikimedia Taiwan sign MOU to promote open use data
The National Palace Museum inked a cooperative memorandum of understanding with Wikimedia Taiwan Sept. 26 in Taipei City, highlighting government initiatives to raise global public access to the facility’s digital collections. Signed by NPM Deputy Director Huang Yung-tai (黃永泰) and Dennis Raylin Chen (陳瑞霖), chair of the Taiwan chapter of Wikimedia Foundation, the MOU facilitates incorporation of the NPM’s open data into Wikimedia projects and paves the way for future artificial intelligence applications. Since 2013, the NPM has provided over 410,000 picture files from its collection for free public use, the museum said, adding that the two bodies will hold joint editing activities for Wikipedia and Wikidata, a collaboratively edited multilingual knowledge database, to encourage more public participation. During the signing ceremony, Huang said the NPM is actively responding to the government’s open data policies and the global trend for museums to enhance public access to their collections. The museum is committed to upholding transparency and will continue to introduce its collections to countries around the world, he added.
Tainan counts down to 2024 Creative Expo Taiwan
The southern city of Tainan makes final preparations for the 2024 Creative Expo Taiwan, an event that highlights the country’s dynamic cultural and creative industry, as well as the spirit of innovation. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the 10-day event features around 700 stalls from 570 brands at venues around the city including the Tainan Cultural and Creative Park, 321 Art Alley Settlement and ICC Tainan. The expo has sections focused on licensing intellectual property, sharing the history and culture of Tainan and building new brands, among others. During a news conference Aug. 5 in Tainan to outline the expo, Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang (王時思) said that hosting the event in Tainan for the first time underlines the city’s historical significance. CET’s 2024 theme, “Hundred Faces of the Treasure Island,” also emphasizes Taiwan’s diverse and inclusive society, she added.
Culture Minister Li wraps up successful Japan tour
Minister of Culture Li Yuan (李遠) Sept. 7 concluded his first visit to Japan since taking office in May and said it had successfully deepened cultural exchanges and Taiwan’s friendship with its East Asian neighbor. According to the Ministry of Culture, Li met with Shinji Ono, executive director of the Yokohama Arts Foundation, Sept. 6 in Tokyo, and the two jointly announced that Taiwan would take part in the Yokohama Jazz Promenade set to occur in October next year. Ono mentioned that arrangements are also being made for Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance Theatre to perform in the city next year, adding that he hopes to see even more future exchanges. The following day the minister called on the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation as a policy reference for Taiwan’s version of a similar future facility.
Dedicated Taiwan dance series stars at German Kunstfest Weimar
The Ministry of Culture and Taipei Representative Office in Germany’s cultural division collaborated with the German National Weimar Theatre to launch a series of dance performances, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing cultural exchange with the European country. According to the MOC, the event entitled “Taiwan Focus” will take place Aug. 24-Sept. 6 during the Kunstfest Weimar 2024. This is the first time the festival has arranged a solely Taiwan-themed series, in which five dance groups will perform six programs in a total of 19 performances. The theme of the series is to present an image of Taiwan’s technological aspect through dance, with pieces whose stage design includes laser lights and VR. The series is curated by the festival’s artistic director, Rolf C. Hemke, who has previously invited Taiwan artists to attend the festival and was himself invited by the MOC to Taiwan in 2023, facilitating the current program.
MOC awards national treasure status to 5 Buddhist texts
Five Buddhist sutras in the National Palace Museum’s collection have been designated national treasures by the Ministry of Culture, the Taipei City-based museum said Aug. 14. According to the NPM, the sacred texts comprise 108 cases containing the Kangxi Manuscript Kangyur in Gold Tibetan Script, also known as the Tibetan Dragon Sutra; 12 cases with the Qianlong Manuscript Kangyur in Gold Tibetan Script; 32 cases of the Kangyur in Manchu Script; and one case each of the Collection of Various Mantras and Sutras in red and black ink. One of the TDS cases is on permanent display at the “Imprints of Buddhas: the Buddhist Art in the National Palace Museum Collection” exhibition at the NPM’s Southern Branch in Chiayi County. The Qianlong Manuscript Kangyur in Gold Tibetan Script and the Kangyur in Manchu Script are exhibited alternately every year and will be moved to a new wing of the Chiayi museum when it opens to the public at the end of 2027. |