Chan Tak-wai and Wu Yih-min are winners of the 2019 Cabinet Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Contribution for respective efforts in advancing digital learning and earthquake warning systems.
Chan, chair professor of Graduate Institute of Network Learning Technology at National Central University in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City, developed an online learning platform in 2000 under Ministry of Education-backed project. He is presently working on a digital schools initiative for students in remote or outlying areas involving 600,000 users from 811 educational intuitions.
Wu, chairman and professor of Department of Geosciences at Taipei City-based National Taiwan University, created a low-cost earthquake early warning system capable of detecting epicenters and issuing alerts 10 to 30 seconds before seismic waves hit. The system is utilized by countries like Greece, India, Mexico, New Zealand and South Korea.
Vice Premier Chen Chi-mai said during the award ceremony Dec. 12 that Chan’s work helps ensure equal access to educational opportunities, while Wu’s contribution saves lives and showcases Taiwan’s scientific prowess on the international stage.
The government sincerely appreciates the contributions of the scientists, and is fully committed to expanding related funding and programs supporting technology development in Taiwan, Chen added.
Launched in 1976, the annual award is given to those excelling in such fields as agriculture, biology, engineering, human, natural and social sciences, and medicine. (YCH-E)
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