ROC, the official mascot for the Republic of China’s centennial celebration throughout 2011, was introduced to the world Dec. 27 by the Council for Cultural Affairs in Taipei City.
“The CCA reviewed around 2,500 submissions as part of its two and a half month selection process,” CCA Minister Emile Chih-jen Sheng said. “These came from across Asia, including Hong Kong, Macao and Malaysia.”
ROC is the brainchild of 30-year-old Keelung-based designer Li Kai-an. “The mascot’s friendly face was inspired by the white sun on the ROC flag and its glasses form the number 100,” he said.
Set to appear in various centennial celebrations throughout the year, ROC will sport various seasonal wardrobes, including wooly scarves in winter and clinging swimsuits in summer, the CCA said.
ROC will also star at a centennial celebration torch relay beginning March 29, 2011 in Honolulu. Passing through 100 cities worldwide, the “Torch of Peace” event is organized by Taiwan’s Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission. (JSM)
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw