Taiwan ranks No. 23 among 102 countries with the largest number of think tanks, according to University of Pennsylvania’s “Global Go To Think Tank” report released Jan. 24.
In Asia, Taiwan’s 52 think tanks saw it finish ahead of South Korea and Hong Kong with 35 and 30, respectively.
Four of Taiwan’s think tanks were named among Asia’s top 40. These are Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, No. 8; Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, No. 17; Institute for Social and Environmental Transition, No. 20; and Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, No. 25.
“This recognition is such an honor for us, especially when there are so many outstanding think tanks in Taiwan,” TFD President Huang The-fu told Taiwan Today in a telephone interview. “TFD is not a run-of-the-mill research institute and will continue working harder to achieve higher standards.”
According to Huang, TFD is planning to hold a series of events marking its 10th anniversary this year. These include democracy and human rights seminars, and a June 17 reception in Taipei City featuring such high-profile participants as foreign dignitaries and political leaders.
TFD is a government-funded organization tasked with promoting the development of democracy. The TFD Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award, launched in 2006, is the highest honor of its kind in Taiwan, recognizing individuals and groups for their efforts in protecting human rights.
Recipients from 2006 to 2012 were Paris-based Reporter Without Borders, Mae Tao Clinic founder Cynthia Maung, Afghan human rights activist Sima Samar, Free North Korea Radio founder Kim Seong-min, India Rescue Foundation, U.S. nongovernmental organization Boat People SOS and Thailand-based ECPAT International. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw