News

Taiwan research sheds light on cure for spine-affecting arthritis

2019-12-09   Academia Sinica

A collaborated research led by Dr. Kuo-I Lin of Genomics Research Center has successfully bridged insights of basic research and medical practice, analyzed clinical data from Taiwan and UK, and unveiled the mystery of Ankylosing Spondylitis, a disease that could be making the lives of a significant number of people miserable. Their work was published online in the Journal of Clinical Investigation website early November, 2019. A review regarding their publication was released by Nature Reviews Rheumatologyalso shortly after.

Taiwanese designs a big winner at Golden Pin Design Award

2019-12-09   Focus Taiwan

The design work “The Guidebook of Marine Debris” by a Taipei-based environmental conservation organization on Thursday won two 2019 Golden Pin design awards, a top design award in the global Mandarin-speaking market.

Taiwanese swimmer wins silver medal at U.S. Open Championships

2019-12-09   Focus Taiwan

Wang Kuan-hung (王冠閎) on Saturday became the first Taiwanese to win a medal at the U.S. Open Swimming Championships when he finished second in the men’s 200-meter butterfly competition.

VP Chen vows to advance human rights, transitional justice in Taiwan

Advancing human rights and transitional justice in Taiwan through historical research is the best...

EU foreign and security policy highlights support for Taiwan

2019-12-06   Focus Taiwan

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved a resolution on its annual foreign and security policy, part of which highlighted the European Union’s (EU) support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and activities.

MOST, MOEA Team Up with Janssen to Foster Bio-Star in Taiwan

2019-12-06   Ministry of Science and Technology

The Collaboration Project between the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Taiwan and Janssen Biotech, Inc. (one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson), the first academia-industry collaboration that Taiwan has forged with a global pharmaceutical company, is bringing funding and focus to specific disease areas. Zooming in on cancer research, it solicited project proposals from Taiwan’s academic and research institutions in a bid to identify technologies that hold promise for development into drugs or medical and diagnostic equipment. Funds jointly offered by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and Janssen will be distributed to academic and research institutions as R&D grants and assistance to advance projects of mutual interest. For the MOST, this project is an important international academia-industry collaboration for the year. But equally significant is its marking a milestone in Taiwan’s bringing R&D achievements in biotech to the international community.

Taiwan pushing 5G innovations to improve daily life

2019-12-06   Executive Yuan

At the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said Taiwan should get an early jump on 5G technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as these star industries of the future are being driven by society’s needs. The premier already approved a four-year, NT$20.5 billion (US$672 million) nationwide action plan this May to transform Taiwan into an environment for innovative 5G applications.

New Trends for Holistic Cancer and Cardiovascular Care Taiwan International Healthcare Pavilion Grand Opening

2019-12-05   Ministry of Health and Welfare

Healthcare industry represents a country’s technological and medical competitiveness. With the development of healthcare industry, disease management is no longer difficult. Looking for cross-border medical treatment has also become a common scene. For example, Lina, a little Vietnamese girl with congenital heart disease, journeyed to Taiwan for medical treatment. Outstanding medical technique and professional team made it possible for her to welcome a healthier life. Such stories are going on and on here in Taiwan.

Taiwan rated as only Asian country open to civil rights

2019-12-05   Focus Taiwan

Taiwan has been rated as the only Asian country with open civic space, in a global report that rates and tracks respect for fundamental freedoms in 196 countries worldwide, according to the results released Wednesday in Bangkok.

The 2019 31st APEC Automotive Dialogue Meeting (AD31) to be held from December 4 to 5 in Taipei

2019-12-05   Ministy of Economic Affairs

The 31st APEC Automotive Dialogue is going to be held from December 4 to 5, 2019 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1). More than one hundred policy officials and industrial representatives from the automotive industry of APEC economies including the United States, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Russia, Canada, Mexico, Peru will participate in this meeting.

2019 Taiwan International Student Design Competition Announces its Winners!

2019-12-04   Ministry of Education

The 2019 Taiwan International Student Design Competition, now in its 12^th year, is the largest-scale international student design contest in the world. It’s organized by the Ministry of Education and sponsored by iSee Taiwan Foundation, the Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation, and the Industrial Technology Research Institute. The theme this year was Empathy and the competition attracted 21,988 works by students at 810 design schools, located in 66 different countries or regions to compete for prizes in four categories: Product Design, Visual Design, Digital Animation, and Brand Specified.

Lam Research SVP Jennings awarded Medal of Economic Contribution

2019-12-04   Ministy of Economic Affairs

Economic Affairs Minister Mr. Jong-Chin Shen conferred the Medal of Economic Contribution on Lam Research Senior Vice President Mr. Kevin Jennings on the afternoon of December 3, 2019 in recognition of promoting Lam's investment in Taiwan, establishing a semiconductor processing equipment supply chain, assisting in improving the level of technology provided by Taiwanese suppliers, as well as the outstanding contribution towards promoting the semiconductor industry development in Taiwan.

President Tsai meets Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi

2019-12-04   Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi on the morning of December 3. She mentioned that the 44th Taiwan-Japan Economic and Trade Meeting held a month ago in Tokyo achieved outstanding results, and the two countries signed four MOUs covering areas such as environmental protection and promotion of the import and export of organic foods. She expressed hope that with Chairman Ohashi’s assistance and support, we can realize the discussion of Taiwan’s admission to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), so that the Taiwan-Japan partnership will grow deeper and more comprehensive, and we can jointly respond to the various challenges we face within our region.

Noted Taiwanese American researcher praises Taiwan’s research strength

2019-12-03   Focus Taiwan

An image of a Taiwan blue magpie in full flight graces the cover of the latest issue of the scientific journal Cell, in what a Taiwanese American researcher has described as a nod to Taiwan’s strength in scientific research.

President Tsai meets Singapore Trade Office in Taipei Representative Simon Wong Wie Kuen

2019-12-03   Office of the President

During a meeting with Singapore Trade Office in Taipei Representative Simon Wong Wie Kuen on the morning of December 2, President Tsai Ing-wen praised Representative Wong’s support for Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy and contributions to Taiwan-Singapore relations. She also expressed hope that by building on our existing foundation, we will take our bilateral relations to the next level.

Taiwan-Japan hold dialogue on maritime cooperation in Taipei

2019-12-03   Focus Taiwan

Taiwan and Japan on Monday held their annual dialogue on maritime cooperation in Taipei, focusing on such topics as maritime safety, scientific research, ocean environment protection and fisheries cooperation.

Children of immigrants break down cultural barriers at Sunday show

2019-12-02   Focus Taiwan

Close to 90 children from new immigrant families showcased their talents and skills at a presentation in Taipei on Sunday that validated classes held by local foundations designed to help them avoid being marginalized.

President Tsai attends opening of FinTech Taipei 2019

2019-12-02   Office of the President

While attending the opening ceremony of FinTech Taipei 2019 on the morning of November 29, President Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that in response to the arrival of FinTech, changes in the international sphere, and challenges the new state of financing has brought for domestic financial firms, the government will help drive industry and help it grow, transforming Taiwan into Asia’s center for enterprise capital management and high-end asset management. We are going to learn from the experiences of other advanced countries to create a national financial guarantee system for major economic development projects, she said.

President Tsai meets French Office in Taipei Director Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave

2019-12-02   Office of the President

During a meeting with French Office in Taipei Director Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave on the morning of November 29, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that Taiwan and France have maintained close ties in such areas as culture, education, human rights, science, and technology. She said that earlier this month, the Meet La French Tech event helped link the French and Taiwanese innovation ecosystems. The president then expressed hope that Taiwan and France will step up exchanges and cooperation so that together, we can seize upon emerging opportunities to help our industries thrive.

Agencies cooperate to preserve and bring cultural assets to life

2019-11-29   Executive Yuan

At the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said Taiwan’s unique political and economic history has given rise to a diverse array of priceless and precious cultural expressions. Tangible or intangible, all cultural assets are foundational to the establishment of the nation’s cultural subjectivity, serving to trace the development of society and record the people's collective memory.

Second batch of medical interpreters for immigrants complete training

2019-11-29   Focus Taiwan

Twenty-six interpreters graduated recently from a training program offered by the New Taipei government with the goal of facilitating better communication between healthcare professionals and migrant workers who require psychological counseling, a labor official in the city said Thursday.

Two biophysical chemists win Franco-Taiwanese Science Prize

2019-11-29   Focus Taiwan

Two biophysical chemists were awarded this year’s Franco-Taiwanese Scientific Grand Prize in Paris Wednesday for their research on the application of fluorescent nanodiamonds in the medical field.

President Tsai meets American Legion National Commander James W. Oxford

2019-11-28   Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by American Legion National Commander James W. Oxford on the morning of November 27. She stated that the best way to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific is to maintain strong Taiwan-US relations, so that together, we can defend democracy and freedom. She expressed hope that Taiwan and the American Legion will continue to closely cooperate and strive for the wellbeing of veterans so that our comrades can all enjoy a sense of security and dignity in retirement.

President Tsai meets Paraguayan Minister of Defense Bernardino Soto Estigarribia

2019-11-28   Office of the President

While meeting with Paraguayan Minister of Defense Bernardino Soto Estigarribia and Mrs. Soto on the morning of November 27, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that deepening the friendship between Taiwan and Paraguay is the shared objective of our entire government. She also expressed her firm belief that with the staunch support of Minister Soto, our two countries will achieve even more breakthroughs.

TTA Leverages Global Startup Resources during Meet Taipei 2019

2019-11-28   Ministry of Science and Technology

During 2019 MEET Taipei (November 14th to 16th), Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), presented 70 startups’ best in mind, and hosted several events to enhance Taiwan’s startup ecosystem.

Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs held the “Renewable Energy Week 2019-Cooperation among Central and Local Governments to scale up Green Energy”

2019-11-27   Ministy of Economic Affairs

Bureau of Energy (BOE) held the Renewable Energy Week 2019-Cooperation among Central and Local Governments to scale up Green Energy at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 for three consecutive days, from October 16 to 18. President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Economic Affairs, Shen Jong-Chin, Director-General of the Bureau of Energy, Yu Cheng-Wei, and other VIPs have addressed at the opening ceremony and kicked off joint exhibition activities for “Taiwan International Smart Energy Week”, “Taiwan International Electronics Show”, and “Taiwan International AIoT Show”.

Majority satisfied with national health insurance system: poll

2019-11-27   Focus Taiwan

Most people in Taiwan are satisfied with the country’s national health insurance (NHI) system, a compulsory program that takes effect at birth for all citizens, according to the results of a government poll released Tuesday.

President Tsai meets US Congressmen Bill Flores and Guy Reschenthaler

2019-11-27   Office of the President

During a meeting with US Congressmen Bill Flores and Guy Reschenthaler on the morning of November 26, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the situation in Hong Kong demonstrates the importance of Taiwan and the United States’ joint defense of free, democratic values. As the strategic forefront of the Indo-Pacific region, she said, Taiwan is the first line of defense for democratic values. We will continue to strengthen our cooperation with the United States in all fields, so that we can make greater contributions to regional stability, prosperity, and development, she stated.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs releases short film ‘Riding the Wind’, on Taiwan’s implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

2019-11-26   Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In order to galvanize friendly voices in the international community to call for Taiwan’s participation at this year’s UNFCCC Conference of Parties, which will open on December 2 in Madrid, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the short film ‘Riding the Wind’ on November 25. The video concerns Taiwan’s landmark construction of its first offshore wind farm, explaining that Taiwan not only shares the objectives of the UNFCCC, but also putting them into practice, and that Taiwan is fully implementing the reduction of global carbon emissions. The video is subtitled in 10 languages, Mandarin, English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian and Russian, and is now live and being broadcasted around the world.

Presidential Office statement regarding Hong Kong district council election results

2019-11-26   Office of the President

Addressing the results of the Hong Kong district council elections, where voter turnout surpassed 70% for the first time in history and handed pan-democratic candidates an overwhelming majority of seats, Presidential Office Spokesperson Ting Yun-kung (丁允恭) said today that, “The will of the people is unshakeable.” This election showed that the people of Hong Kong remain steadfast in their determination to pursue freedom and democracy, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, the Office of the President expressed its utmost admiration and support.

Science ministry takes delivery of two new ocean research vessels

2019-11-26   Focus Taiwan

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) took delivery of Taiwan’s newest ocean research vessels Monday, the “R/V New Ocean Researcher 2” and the “R/V New Ocean Researcher 3.”

Smart city to lead transformation for a better future

2019-11-25   Ministy of Economic Affairs

In order to facilitate experience-sharing in smart city development across Taiwan and promote a prevalence of smart city solutions, the Industrial Development Bureau of the MOEA, along with the Taoyuan City Government co-organized the 2019 Smart City Development Symposium. Centered on transformation for a better future, the Symposium gathered delegates from thepublic and private sectors across Taiwan to share the changes brought about by smart city development, and to discuss the next step in achieving a sustainable future.

Taiwan-funded competition awards shelter idea to Syrian refugees

2019-11-25   Focus Taiwan

An international architectural design competition partially funded by the Taiwan government has awarded professional architects and students for their proposals for shelters and intercultural service centers for Syrian war refugees in Turkey.

Taiwan’s Lu Yi-hsuan wins world juniors 9-ball pool championship

2019-11-25   Focus Taiwan

Taiwanese pool player Lu Yi-hsuan (呂翊瑄) clinched the girls U/19 title Saturday at the 2019 WPA Juniors Cyclop World 9-ball Championships in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Premier promotes sustainable water resource environment

2019-11-22   Executive Yuan

Following a Thursday Cabinet meeting presentation by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on the successes and future outlook of efforts to develop sustainable water resources, Premier Su Tseng-chang affirmed that a stable water supply is a national priority. He also committed the government to building an encompassing environment for the sustainable and secure provision of water.

Taiwan students’ ASFV device wins silver at international competition

2019-11-22   Focus Taiwan

A team of students from National Chung Cheng University won a silver medal for developing a fast screening device that detects the African swine fever virus (ASFV) at the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) in the United States earlier this month, the school said Thursday.

UA Taipei station given silver award in safety rating

2019-11-22   Focus Taiwan

The Taipei station of United Airlines (UA) at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport won the airlines’ Silver Safety Excellence Award Wednesday, the first time it has been accorded the status.

Malaysian director seeks to raise awareness of LGBT issues

2019-11-21   Focus Taiwan

When a society fails to pay attention to a tragedy it is more likely such tragedies will be repeated.
It was that idea that inspired Malaysian director Lim Kean-hian (林峻賢) when he decided to focus his short film “Langit Budak Biru,” on the plight faced by LGBT students in Malaysian schools, despite knowing that it would likely court controversy in the conservative Muslim country.

President Tsai meets Tuvalu Foreign Minister Simon Robert Kofe

2019-11-21   Office of the President

While meeting with Tuvalu Foreign Minister Simon Robert Kofe and Mrs. Kofe on the morning of November 20, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu have always had an unshakeable cooperative partnership, are working together for mutual sustainable development, and fighting to expand our international participation. She also looks forward to continuing to cooperate with Tuvalu, fostering closer bilateral relations, and getting the global community to put more emphasis on sustainable development in the Pacific region.

Immigrant football competition kicks off in Taipei

2019-11-20   Focus Taiwan

A friendly immigrant football competition between eight teams comprised of migrant players was launched in Taipei on Sunday, with hundreds of people gathered at a local sports stadium for the opening ceremony and to watch the first four games.

President Tsai attends 2019 AmCham Taipei Annual General Meeting

2019-11-20   Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen attended the 2019 American Chamber of Commerce Taipei (AmCham) Annual General Meeting at noon on November 19. She stated that the government will work towards a new and improved version of the Taiwanese economic development model, transforming Taiwan into Asia’s high-end manufacturing and R&D center, a regional financial and wealth management center, and a base for high-quality talent. The president also expressed hope that AmCham will continue to support the signing of a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and the US, so that we can work together to spur growth, foster innovation, and bring greater economic prosperity to more people.

Taiwanese cyclist Feng Chun-kai qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

2019-11-20   Focus Taiwan

Taiwanese cyclist Feng Chun-kai (馮俊凱) has secured a place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Cycling Road Race, marking the first time in more than 20 years a Taiwanese male athlete has qualified for the event.