President Tsai commits to strengthening Taiwan-Haiti ties
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said May 29 that she will continue working with Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise to promote mutually beneficial collaboration across the board and deepen the friendship between Taiwan and its Caribbean ally. Tsai made the remarks while receiving Moise, first lady Martine Moise, Foreign Minister Antonio Rodrigue and other members of the Haitian delegation at the Office of the President in Taipei City. In response, Moise said Haiti is committed to taking ties with Taiwan to a new high. It is hoped the two nations will continue injecting fresh momentum into the relationship so as to create a diverse and strategic partnership, he added. Later in the day, Tsai and Moise signed a communique reiterating a joint commitment to bolstering exchanges and bestowed state honors on each other for respective efforts in promoting the two-way ties.
Taiwan pledges US$1 million to WHO Ebola campaign
Taiwan plans to contribute US$1 million to a campaign by the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Announced by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) May 26, the donation will help the WHO reach its goal of raising US$26 million to fight the deadly virus within three months. The ministry said the pledge demonstrates Taiwan’s resolve to expand its pragmatic, professional and substantive contributions to global health care. Disease knows no borders and Taiwan will continue showing goodwill in raising medical standards worldwide, the MOFA added.
WHA delegation received by Tsai at Office of the President
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said May 26 that the delegation led by Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) to the 71st World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva strengthened awareness of Taiwan’s commitment and contributions to global health security. Tsai made the remarks while meeting with Chen and members of the representation at the Office of the President in Taipei City following their return to Taiwan earlier the same day. According to Tsai, the group held a record 60 meetings and five technical forums on the sidelines of the WHA, facilitating substantive exchanges between officials, medical experts and researchers from home and abroad. Chen also received the prestigious Diplomat of the Global Charter award from the World Federation of Public Health Associations, she said, adding that this represents wider international recognition of Taiwan’s health care achievements. Although the decision to shut Taiwan out of the WHA due to pressure from China is regrettable, Tsai added, the government will continue working to expand the nation’s international space and safeguard its dignity and sovereignty.
MOFA launches Indo-Pacific Affairs Section
The Indo-Pacific Affairs Section was launched by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) May 11 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding exchanges and strengthening relations between Taiwan and countries throughout the region. Overseen by the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the section is tasked with formulating Indo-Pacific region strategies in sync with those of like-minded nations like the U.S., as well as advancing the New Southbound Policy (NSP). Its establishment is one of Wu’s eight main objectives during his first 100 days in office. The section is the latest in a series of ministry measures aimed at maintaining the pace of NSP progress.
Tsai, King Mswati III ink joint communique in Eswatini
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini signed a joint communique April 17 in the diplomatic ally’s capital Mbabane, pledging to advance exchanges and mutual cooperation for the benefit of both countries. Under the pact concluded in Mandvulo Grand Hall at Lozitha Royal Palace, the two sides agreed to enhance collaboration across areas spanning agriculture, education, public health, tourism, trade and investment, and women’s employment. Tsai is in Eswatini on a four-day state visit for celebrations marking 50 years of official ties, the king’s 50th birthday and 50 years of independence from Great Britain for the landlocked southern African nation. It is her first trip to the continent as president since taking office in May 2016. Looking ahead, Tsai said, Taiwan-Eswatini ties are set to go from strength to strength on the back of enhanced medical and technical exchanges, as well as greater bilateral cooperation focusing on education and talent cultivation.
Taiwan ranks 4th in global investment report
Taiwan is fourth among 50 countries and territories in the latest Profit Opportunity Recommendation report by U.S.-based Business Environment Risk Intelligence SA. Finishing equal with the Netherlands but behind first-placed Switzerland, Singapore and Germany in that order, Taiwan trumped its Asian neighbors South Korea, eighth; Japan, ninth; and China, 13th. This strong performance was tempered by a drop of one spot from the final edition of the triannual report in 2017. Taiwan’s combined score of 68 earned it a second-best investment rating of 1B, indicating that conditions merit sustained commitment of equity. This was the same for Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Singapore, with only Switzerland achieving the top 1A rating. Of the three rankings comprising the combined score, Taiwan finished 13th alongside the Netherlands in political risks. Concerning operations risk, it was assessed on par with Australia and trailed only Switzerland, Germany and Canada in that order. In terms of remittance and repatriation risks, Taiwan tied for first with the Netherlands.
Biotech industry training tie-up launched by VP Chen
A training initiative by state-backed Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Germany-headquartered firm Merck was launched May 7 by Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁). Aimed at producing 120 research professionals in 12 months, the undertaking is expected to expand the role of Taiwan enterprises in pharmaceutical supply chains, generate job opportunities and spur economic growth. According to Chen, the partnership between ITRI—based in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu County—and the pharmaceutical giant is a milestone for the local biotech sector. It is anticipated that the initiative will enhance the country’s technical knowledge in disciplines like precision medicine, as well as bring the industry in line with global standards, he added.
Premier Lai touts 10-year plan for Taiwan’s science parks
The 10-year development plan for Taiwan’s three science parks will foster growth in innovative sectors by strengthening networking among industry clusters and promoting the facilities as proving grounds for emerging technologies, Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said April 26. Under the initiative, Hsinchu Science Park (HSP) in northern Taiwan, Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) in Taichung City and Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) in Kaohsiung and Tainan cities will receive additional support in boosting industrial upgrades, deepening academic-public-private sector collaboration and enhancing talent cultivation, he added. The plan also aims to transform the parks into hubs of next-generation technologies by leveraging their unique advantages. HSP will be promoted as a base for software development in fields spanning artificial intelligence (AI) and medical systems. CTSP is to establish a world-class R&D ecosystem for AI, Internet of Things and robotics manufacturing, while STSP will foster industry clusters in sectors such as aviation, smart robotics and semiconductors, according to Lai.
Solar, wind power generation hits new high in Taiwan
Solar and wind power generation reached a record high in Taiwan for 2017, reflecting the effectiveness of government policies aimed at transforming the nation into a nuclear-free homeland. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) April 16, solar power climbed 49.4 percent year on year to 1.69 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), while wind power surged 17.1 percent to 1.71 billion kWh. Solar and wind accounted for a greater share of Taiwan’s renewable energy mix in 2017. The former was 13.6 percent, up from 8.9 percent the year before, with the latter, 13.7 percent, up from 11.4 percent. Hydro remained the top source at 43.5 percent, followed by waste materials at 27.7 percent. MOEA statistics reveal that in 2017, 46.8 percent of Taiwan’s energy was generated from coal, 34.7 percent from natural gas, 8.3 percent from nuclear power and 4.5 percent from renewable sources. By 2025, these numbers are forecast to be 50 percent for natural gas, 30 percent for coal and 20 percent for renewable sources. According to the MOEA, the 20 percent target will be reached through increasing the respective installed capacities for solar and wind power to 20 gigawatts (GW) and 4.2 GW.
NSP fast-tracks exchanges, regional integration
The New Southbound Policy (NSP) is expanding Taiwan’s exchanges with target countries and ensuring the nation is included in regional integration, according to the Cabinet’s Office of Trade Negotiations April 24. Total trade with NSP countries climbed 15.61 percent year on year to US$110.9 billion in 2017; Taiwan investment in the region surged 54.51 percent to US$3.68 billion; and inbound investment moved up 15.8 percent to US$270 million. On the education front, the number of students from NSP nations enrolled in Taiwan institutions during the first semester of 2017 increased 18 percent to 37,999. A similar rise of 19.7 percent to 19,269 was recorded for locals studying in the region. Tourism metrics also trended upwards. Arrivals from NSP nations climbed 27.65 percent to 2.28 million, while Taiwan departures to the region gained 10.77 percent to 2.47 million.
Draft immigration bill focuses on attracting foreign talent
A draft economic immigration bill relaxing work visa and residency requirements for skilled professionals, mid-level technicians, investors and overseas citizens and their children was unveiled April 15 by the Cabinet. Under the legislation aimed at strengthening industrial development and tackling challenges related to Taiwan’s low birthrate, capital requirements will be lifted for employers seeking to recruit foreign professionals in emerging sectors. Another measure is boosting retention of mid-level foreign technical personnel in fields like engineering, manufacturing, and information and communication technology. In addition, the bill adjusts capital limits on foreigners applying for residency as investors, as well as enables such immigrants to access financial products designated by the government as critical to national development. A streamlined points-based evaluation system enabling foreign workers to determine eligibility to pursue employment and permanent residency in Taiwan is also part of the legislation, which is seen as playing a major role in promoting the country as a leading destination for top-tier overseas talent.
World’s deepest underwater mailbox starts service off Green Island
The world’s deepest underwater mailbox was inaugurated May 4 in Taitung County’s Green Island, southeastern Taiwan. Situated 60 meters offshore and 11 meters below the surface, the 1.8-meter-high mailbox is shaped like a Hippocampus colemani, a rare species of tiny seahorse found locally. Letter collection will be overseen by state-owned Chunghwa Post Co. and carried out by local dive operators three times a week from June to September. Services will be conducted every seven days at other times of the year. Egyptian Ahmed Gabr, who holds the Guinness World Record for deepest scuba dive, was among the first visitors to use the new mailbox. Green Island is home to a diverse marine ecosystem including coral reefs as well as a thriving scuba diving industry.
Local scientists uncover gene responsible for spread of cancer
A team of scientists from Academia Sinica (AS), Taiwan’s top research institution, has identified a key gene responsible for triggering the spread of cancer. In a study published online by Nature Cell Biology in March, the paraspeckle component gene, or PSPC1, was identified as the primary activator of metastasis in cancer cells. The gene is believed to hijack a protein called transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) that performs functions such as cell growth and proliferation. PSPC1 reprograms the protein to promote cancer cell duplication, invasion and metastasis. While the scientific community has been aware of the reprogramming of TGF beta 1 for many years, the gene responsible had proved elusive. The discovery was achieved through an integrated genomic approach that looked for abnormalities and gene mutations in malignant tumors of the breast, liver, lung and prostate, according to AS.
Taiwan tops Asia in press freedom for 6th straight year
Taiwan was ranked the top Asian nation for the sixth consecutive year in the 2018 World Press Freedom Index released April 25 by France-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In the survey of 180 countries and territories, Taiwan jumped three places to 42nd, one ahead of South Korea, with Japan in 67th; Hong Kong, 70th; Singapore, 151st; and China, 176th. Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands topped the rankings, in that order. On the scale of zero to 100, with zero the best possible result, Taiwan scored 23.36, improving by 1.01 from the previous edition. This placed it among the 26 percent of countries and territories worldwide considered to have “good” or “fairly good” media environments. Published annually since 2002, the RSF index assesses countries and territories based on environment and self-censorship, infrastructure, legislative framework, media independence, pluralism and transparency.
Taiwan, Indonesian universities sign cooperation agreements
A memorandum of understanding signing ceremony was held between Taiwan and Indonesian universities April 17 in Taipei City. Accords were inked by 40 local universities and 25 tertiary institutions in Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the Southeast Asian nation’s largest Islamic organization. Under the agreements, the universities will work to establish platforms for collaboration in talent cultivation. Business and medical cooperation pacts were also sealed the same day between Taipei-based Taiwan-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Council, Asia University Hospital and Taichung Veterans General Hospital in central Taiwan’s Taichung City with NU. The accords were announced during the April 12-18 visit to Taiwan by a 30-strong NU delegation. Comprising presidents of member universities and other higher education officials, the group toured several local tertiary institutions including Asia University and Tunghai University in Taichung as well as I-Shou University in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.
NPM ranked 13th most visited in the world
Taipei City-based National Palace Museum (NPM) was the 13th most visited worldwide in 2017, according to the Theme Index and Museum Index released May 17 by U.S.-headquartered project management firm AECOM and nonprofit industry group Themed Entertainment Association. NPM recorded about 4.43 million visits, down from 4.66 million in 2016. It placed third in the Asia-Pacific and is one of four Asian institutions to make the global top 20 along with three in China. Three other Taiwan museums ranked among the top 20 in the Asia-Pacific: National Museum of Natural Science in central Taiwan’s Taichung City, ninth; National Taiwan Science Education Center in Taipei, 12th; and National Science and Technology Museum in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City, 20th. First published in 2006, the index spotlights attendance figures and industry trends at museums, theme parks and water parks.
Exhibition on Taiwan comic icon set for National Palace Museum
An exhibition commemorating the life and career of late Taiwan comic book artist and writer Chen Uen (鄭問) gets underway June 16 at National Palace Museum in Taipei City. Organized by the Ministry of Culture (MOC), “The Legacy of Chen Uen: Art, Life and Philosophy” showcases more than 250 pieces spanning original illustrations, scripts and sculptures. Running through Sept. 17, the event aims to foster awareness of Chen’s achievements in art and computer game design as well as the ideals underpinning his works. Chen is widely seen as a trailblazer in Taiwan’s comic industry and had a profound influence on disciplines spanning literature, film and music across the region. This is the first MOC-organized exhibition focused on comics, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting the development of this creative sector.
National Human Rights Museum inaugurated in Taiwan
The National Human Rights Museum (NHRM) was inaugurated with a series of events May 17-19 at Green Island White Terror Memorial Park in Taitung County, southeastern Taiwan, and Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park in New Taipei City. Administered by the Ministry of Culture (MOC), NHRM is the nation’s primary facility for collecting and preserving historical documents and materials relating to human rights from the end of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule Aug. 15, 1945, to the lifting of martial law five years after Taiwan proper in outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands Nov. 7, 1992. It is also responsible for researching and revitalizing sites where significant rights violations occurred as well as managing the two memorial parks, located at former jails for political prisoners. According to the MOC, the museum is the first institution in Asia transforming historic locations where rights abuses occurred into sites for human rights education. In addition to managing the Green Island and Jing-Mei parks, NHRM also comprises departments for archival research, educational affairs and exhibitions.
Youth-friendly Taiwan museum network kicked off
A youth-friendly museum network comprising 15 institutions around Taiwan was launched May 3 by Taipei City-based National Palace Museum (NPM). Part of NPM’s strategy for enriching grassroots culture, the initiative aims to foster cooperation among facilities in areas like access and marketing policies, advanced management practices, education programs, new technology adoption and staff training. It involves prestigious institutions such as Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology in New Taipei City, National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung City, central Taiwan, and Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts in southern Taiwan. One of the first network-related collaborative events is a two-day forum at NPM. Top topics on the agenda include designing display spaces and learning projects for children, as well as identifying and implementing future technology trends. Another worthwhile initiative is a self-evaluation system encompassing 21 indicators like exhibitions, human resources and services. One component of this approach is an eye-catching website providing access to online collections, easily understood facility information and a forum in which visitors are challenged with thought-provoking questions. The platform, which will be released in English, is expected to play a central role in boosting visit numbers by local and foreign museumgoers.
Tainan City releases English audio tours for 9 temples
English-language audio tours of nine temples in Tainan City are set for release in July as part of local government efforts promoting the southern Taiwan metropolis’s rich religious heritage with international tourists. The 30-minute audio guides are accessible via smartphones by scanning QR codes at the sites. Participating facilities include Anping Matsu Temple, Beiji Temple, Luermen Tienhogong, State Temple of the Martial God, Tainan Grand Matsu Temple and Taiwan Fu City God Temple. The recordings are produced in collaboration with five foreign writers and voice talents based in Taiwan: Piera Chen (陳思祥) and Joshua Samuel, tour guide authors for Lonely Planet; Robert Dawson, a DJ from International Community Radio Taipei; Andrew Jackson, an English teacher; and Monica Mizzi, a blogger from Australia. Creating an English-friendly environment for travelers from abroad is key to heightening awareness of the temples’ architectural artistry and distinctive aesthetics, according to Tainan City Government.
Taiwan’s LGBT artistic, cultural expression stars in New York
A series of artistic and cultural events encompassing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) topics in Taiwan is taking place in the run-up to and on the sidelines of New York’s LGBT Pride March in June, according to the Ministry of Culture (MOC) April 9. The initiative will help raise awareness of Taiwan’s LGBT topics while highlighting government efforts promoting gender equality and safeguarding freedom of speech, the MOC said. The first is a salon on late Taiwan author Qiu Miao-jin (邱妙津) during World Voices Festival. Qiu published three novels and a novella before her untimely death aged 26 in 1995. The next involves a script reading at Martin E. Segal Theatre Center, as well as film screenings and post-session discussions at Taiwan Academy in New York. The reading features excerpts from “The Possible Memoirs of a Traitor” by Taiwan playwright Chien Li-ying (簡莉穎) and “Solo Date” by Tsai Pao-chang (蔡柏璋). The screenings and post-session discussions center on “Looking for?” by Chou Tung-yen (周東彦) and “Alifu” by Wang Yu-lin (王育麟).
Photos: Academia Sinica, Centers for Disease Control, Chen Uen Studio, Huang Chung-hsin, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Palace Museum, Office of English as the Second Official Language, Office of the President, Reporters Without Borders, Taitung County Government