A museum dedicated to late Premier Sun Yun-suan officially opened Oct. 30 in Taipei City, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to Taiwan’s scientific and technological development.
In a ceremony attended by former Vice President Vincent C. Siew and Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin, President Ma Ying-jeou praised Sun for helping guide the nation through one of the most challenging periods in its history.
“During the 1960s and 1970s when Sun entered public service, Taiwan underwent a series of setbacks, including losing the U.N. seat and the ending of formal diplomatic ties with Japan and the U.S.,” Ma said.
“Serving as minister of transportation and communications, as well as economic affairs, Sun dedicated himself to the country with his engineering expertise, passion and vision. He is a role model for all civil servants.”
One of Sun’s most remarkable achievements is that he helped set up electricity networks in mainland China during the 1930s and later restored power in Taiwan after World War II.
Sun is also considered the father of Industrial Technology Research Institute, the cradle for high-tech professionals in Taiwan. Together with late K. T. Li, former minister of finance, he helped create the country’s semiconductor industry and implement the Ten Major Construction Projects during the 1970s that paved the way for Taiwan’s modernization.
Located in downtown Taipei City on Chongqing South Road, Sun Yun-suan Memorial Museum was converted from the ex-premier’s old residence. It also contains Sun’s manuscripts, personal items and photographs on permanent display.
To celebrate the facility’s grand opening, ITRI is staging a special exhibition at the venue showcasing innovations of the state-sponsored research organization. The event runs until March 15, 2015. (SFC-JSM)
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