One organization and two individuals have won the 2020 Presidential Innovation Award, according to organizer the Ministry of Economic Affairs Aug. 11.
State-backed Taiwan Design Research Institute won in the group category of the biennial award, while Taipei City Hospital Superintendent Dr. Huang Sheng-jean and Gogolook Co. Chair and CEO Jeff Kuo were named winners of the individual and youth categories, respectively.
Founded in 2003 by the MOEA and formerly known as Taiwan Design Center, Taipei City-based TDRI has successfully enhanced the country’s global presence as a design powerhouse by promoting the local cultural and creative sectors.
Serving as a platform integrating both public and private sector resources, the institute has helped create sector output totaling NT$22.5 billion (US$761.91 million) and generate NT$110 billion in potential economic benefits, the MOEA added.
One of the architects behind Taiwan’s Patient Right to Autonomy Act, promulgated in 2019 as the first law of its kind in Asia allowing patients to provide advance directives and refuse treatment, Dr. Huang is also known for promoting hospice care for the elderly and pioneering advance care planning. His efforts have led to savings in medical care and other social costs of NT$100 billion a year, the MOEA said.
Youth prize winner Kuo developed Whoscall, an innovative caller ID and number management app used by 80 million users in more than 30 countries. By filtering out suspicious numbers, the app is designed to protect individuals from fraudulent calls.
Launched in 2014, the Presidential Innovation Award attracted 223 submissions this year. Winners will each receive a medal, diploma and cash prize of NT$2 million during a ceremony Sept. 1 at the Presidential Office. (SFC-E)
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