Organized by locally based General Association of Chinese Culture, the biennial award saw Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation named charity of the year. TWRF established the country’s first domestic violence helpline in 1996 and is a staunch advocate of cracking down on the exploitation of minors in the sex trade.
The other group winner was Taipei-based nongovernmental organization Chinese Wild Bird Federation for boosting environmental protection and wildlife education.
Individual recipients are Chang Tso-chin, a veteran journalist with United Daily News, in the arts and culture category; graphic designer Chen Jun-liang, winner of the 2002 Grand Prix Savignac at Paris-based International Poster Salon, in the creativity category; and Rev. Yves Moal, a Catholic priest from France, in the humanitarian category.
Chang was praised as an example for all journalists by upholding the values of humanistic concerns, objectivity and social justice throughout a career spanning 50-plus years, while Chen garnered accolades for promoting global recognition of a unique contemporary art style based on local culture.
Moal, who founded St. Andrew Training Center for the Disabled in Hualien County’s Fuli Township 17 years ago, was recognized for helping preserve indigenous cultures and languages through compiling a Bunun-French dictionary, as well as English and French glossaries for the Amis.
GACC said this year’s honorees were selected from a 101-strong field. “They all represent the pinnacle of achievement in their respective areas, characterized by years of unceasing devotion with unwavering faith.”
The awards, along with NT$1 million (US$30,548) in cash prizes, are to be presented by President Ma Ying-jeou during a special ceremony at the Presidential Office later this year. (YHC-JSM)
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