Taipei Liaison Office in the RSA SA- eNews JULY 31ST, 2019 PUBLISHER: MATTHEW CHOU ISSUE 7

I, and the South African Government, have enormous appreciation for the contribution that the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made to the commitment of the Government sector in the economic development in Africa. The ROC (Taiwan) further, made a generous and much ap- preciated contribution to South Africa's transition to democracy .

Statement by President Nelson Mandela—27 November 1996

President Tsai Ing-wen honoured the five a system to help citizens better understand Taiwan winners of the Presidential Hackathon, legal terms in adjudications, as well as an praising the teams’ efforts in harnessing the artificial intelligence solution to assist judges power of innovation and open government to with sentencing for dangerous driving offens- tackle social challenges and advance sustaina- es. Government Data Opener was recognised ble development. for proposing a new method of processing information requests. Through promoting cutting-edge solutions and strengthening collaboration among the The hackathon also featured an international academic, public and private sectors, their category, with 23 teams from 13 countries projects can enhance the efficiency and quali- and territories contesting this portion of the ty of government services, Tsai said during the President Tsai Ing-wen (second row, 10th event. The two victors, CoST from Honduras award ceremony at the Presidential Office left) and Minister without Portfolio Audrey and Mentadak from Malaysia, received their (PO) in Taipei City. Tang (second row, ninth left) join other awards from Vice President Chen Chien-jen during a ceremony at the PO. officials and this year’s finalists in giving the The nation is committed to sharing its exper- thumbs-up to the Presidential Hackathon in tise in social innovation and open government The former proposed an initiative to enhance Taipei City. (Courtesy of ) with the rest of the world, Tsai said, adding environmental evaluation transparency and that the hackathon demonstrates how Taiwan optimise resource allocation for infrastructure Can Help fast-track global efforts to achieve projects, while the latter designed an online the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. a civil servant at the Ministry of Finance and procurement system to strengthen clean developed with support from the private governance in the public sector. (Source: Organised by the Executive Yuan under the sector, the team’s project conducts analysis of Taiwan Today) auspices of the PO, the second edition of the economic and corporate open data to flag annual competition saw 10 finalists short- businesses facing possible financial challenges listed from more than 100 local entries. and offers early warnings of credit defaults or other issues. Among the five winners is Rounding Team. The group of palliative care professionals was Angels of the Aged, a collaborative team from recognised for designing a smart platform for the Ministry of the Interior and the MOHW, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) won for a program using big data from the that can offer medical and other resources to two agencies to identify at-risk seniors living terminal patients who opt to remain at home. in isolated locations.

Equally impressive is Loan Alert. Proposed by Team Judicial Yuan was honoured for devising

Left: Red-and-blue lories rest on a perch in their habitat at Taipei Zoo. The endangered birds native to Indo- nesia were recently rescued from smugglers and relocated to the enclosure. (Courtesy of Taipei Zoo) Centre: A hot air balloon of Taiwan’s beloved mascot Oh Bear is on show at the Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons festival running through Aug. 4 in Metz, France. (Courtesy of Tourism Bureau) Right: (from left) Taiwan students Wang Yu-hsiang, Shen Chih-en, Kuo Lun-hsin and Wu Tsung-hung show off their medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad July 29 in Paris. The team won two golds and two silvers in the annual competition. (Courtesy of Ministry of Education) ISSUE 7

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 2 VP Chen Reaffirms Taiwan’s Commitment to Combating Human Trafficking tus in the Trafficking in Persons Report border collaboration. As a champion of issued by the U.S. Department of State, freedom, democracy and human rights, he added. Taiwan is actively involved in related global efforts and initiatives, he said, Chen made the remarks during the open- adding that the country will continue ing of the International Workshop on taking a key role in tackling this pressing Combating Human Trafficking in Taipei global issue. City. Organised by the Ministry of the Interior, the two-day event involved 250- Recent examples in this regard, Chen plus experts and officials from nearly 40 said, include pledging US$500,000 in Vice President Chen Chien-jen ad- countries. June to the Nadia’s Initiative, a non- dresses participants at the opening of profit organization founded by Nobel the International Workshop on Com- Participants included members of the Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad in bating Human Trafficking in Taipei Taiwan diplomatic corps, representatives 2018, as well as signing cooperation City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office) of global nongovernmental organizations agreements with other countries to fight like Rome-based Caritas Internationalis cross-border crime. and South Korean Kim Jong-chul—one of Taiwan is willing and able to work with the heroes honoured in the U.S. State Quoting Pope Francis from the pontiff’s like-minded partners around the world Department’s 2018 TIP report. They video message released in February, to combat human trafficking and ensure attended keynote speeches and panel Chen said no one can turn a blind eye to the well-being and safety of all, accord- discussions on corporate social responsi- human trafficking without being an ac- ing to Vice President Chen Chien-jen. bilities, major international trends and complice to a crime against humanity. regional cooperation, as well as shared Taiwan will continue staging the work- Protecting human rights is a key compo- respective experiences and strategies. shop and implementing other initiatives nent of the government’s policy to promote cooperation and eradicate platform, Chen said. Taiwan’s achieve- According to Chen, human trafficking is this scourge, he added. (Source: Tai- ments in this regard are best evidenced an internationally condemned practice wan Today) by its 10 consecutive years of Tier 1 sta- that can only be halted through cross- MOFA Stages Climate Change, Sustainable Development Seminar

A seminar on climate change and sus- include initiating environmentally friend- tainable development wrapped up in ly antipollution technology transfers, Taipei City, underscoring the govern- promoting medical care projects and ment’s commitment to advancing U.N. offering scholarship programs for young Sustainable Development Goals. people from Taiwan’s allies and develop- ing countries. Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in conjunction with Taipei Hsieh said the seminar would serve as a -based Taiwan Institute for Sustainable world-class opportunity for enhancing Energy, the event also aimed to bring public awareness and generating policy- participants up to speed on government Deputy Minister Kelly Wu-chiao Hsieh making suggestions. It would also spot- efforts to expand Taiwan’s international light the importance of Taiwan’s partici- delivers opening remarks at the cli- participation. pation in the 25th Conference of the mate change and sustainable develop- Parties to the U.N. Framework Conven- During the seminar’s two-day run, more ment seminar in Taipei City. (MOFA) tion on Climate Change set for Dec. -2 13 than 100 representatives from Taiwan’s in Santiago, Chile, he added. (Source: academic, public and private sectors building diversified partnerships to pro- Taiwan Today) attended keynote speeches and panel mote the SDGs is a central plank in Tai- discussions spanning topics like the im- wan’s foreign diplomacy platform. pact of climate change on education, medical care and youth development. This approach is further reflected in the various international assistance and hu- Deputy Minister Kelly Wu-chiao Hsieh manitarian projects implemented by the said during his opening address that MOFA, Hsieh said, adding that these ISSUE 7

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Business and Economics Page 3 Taiwan-EU Relations Report Spotlights Flourishing Economic Ties Taiwan-EU economic ties are going from to leave her post in August. She pointed to strength to strength, with bilateral trade the legalisation of same-sex marriage May 17 hitting a record 51.9 billion euros (US$58.1 as underscoring Taiwan’s status as a human billion) in 2018, according to the latest EU- rights leader in the region. Taiwan Relations report published. Relations with the EU have grown closer in The briefing compiled by the European Eco- recent years as evidenced by new bilateral nomic and Trade Office (EETO in Taiwan events and high-level discussions. These in- showed that the nation rose one spot year clude the inaugural Taiwan-EU human rights on year to become the EU’s 15th largest trad- consultation held in March last year, as well ing partner in 2018 and sixth biggest in Asia. as the annual Industrial Policy Dialogue first convened in 2015, according to the report. Taiwan offers an attractive business environ- ment and market for EU countries due to its Taiwan was removed from the European respect for intellectual property and relative- Commission’s warning list for illegal, unre- ly low level of state interference, the EETO ported and unregulated fishing June 27. Go- said. The EU also remains Taiwan’s greatest ing forward, the two sides will establish a source of foreign direct investment, totalling joint working group for cooperation on fish- US$51.4 billion last year, it added. ery-related matters at the multilateral, re- The latest Taiwan-EU relations re- gional and sub regional levels, the EETO said. The two sides share common values such as port released by the EETO highlights (Source: Taiwan Today) freedom, democracy and the rule of law, said strengthening ties over the past EETO head Madeleine Majorenko, who is set year. (Courtesy of EETO)

Taiwan Start-ups Secure Deals Worth Over US$20 Million at Singapore Taiwan companies secured orders worth Two Taiwan firms also shined in competi- NT$640 million (US$20.5 million) at Inno- tions at the event. Yallvend, a provider of vfest Unbound in Singapore, spotlighting mobile payment solutions for vending the success of government efforts to machines, was among the top 20 in a promote emerging enterprises, the Min- contest hosted by multinational con- istry of Science and Technology (MOST) glomerate Unilever’s start-up collabora- said. tion platform. Luggage delivery service firm LuggAgent placed on the Unbound Organised by Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), 50, a selection by festival organisers of the country’s pavilion at Southeast Asia’s the top emerging businesses worldwide. largest innovation trade show spotlight- ed 28 new ventures in fields such as arti- Business representatives and officials Launched last year, TTA is a Taipei-based ficial intelligence, Internet of Things and incubation hub supported by the MOST. give the thumbs-up in the Taiwan health care. It aims to foster high-tech entrepreneur- pavilion at Innovfest Unbound, which ship in sectors like semiconductor manu- According to the ministry, smart city so- ran in Singapore. (Courtesy of MOST) facturing, mobile communications and lutions provider NADI System Corp. was software development, as well as con- the first local firm to seal a deal, securing nect Taiwan companies with overseas a US$1 million order at the opening of counterparts the two-day event June 27. The Taipei for transportation businesses can pro- City-based company has developed soft- vide users with analytics reports and Innovfest Unbound began in 2015 and is ware integrating 3D visualisation and fleet status updates. co-organized by National University of data management technology to en- Singapore Enterprise and London- hance security systems in large venues Global industry heavyweights including headquartered Unbound Innovations such as airports and power plants. Netherlands-headquartered oil and gas Ltd. This year’s festival brought together company Royal Dutch Shell expressed more than 4,000 start-ups as well as Another enterprise to receive backing interest in local businesses, paving the small and medium enterprises from over was mobility services outfit 3drens, way for future collaborations in numer- 80 countries and territories. (Source: which concluded three agreements ous fields, the MOST said. Taiwan Today) worth over US$200,000. Their solutions ISSUE 7

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Science & Technology Page 4 Taipei, Taoyuan, New Taipei Cities Win Big at IDC Smart City Asia Pacific Awards

en Transportation Management. These ment, the city government hosted workshops topped the education and transport infra- and held online voting last year before gener- structure categories, respectively. ating proposals to expand card functionality.

Under the smart education plan, Taipei is New Taipei’s integrated disaster prediction working to enhance information and commu- and response platform was launched in 2018. nication technology deployment in elemen- The system can provide weather forecasts, tary and high schools. ICT also lies at the flood predictions and real-time crisis map- heart of its transportation project, which uses ping, helping officials more effectively plan AI to analyse traffic surveillance data and can and deploy response measures. conduct automatic number-plate recognition Two smart while providing information on real-time Established in 2015, the SCAPA recognize parking availability. public and private organisations that excel projects are among the first-prize across such categories as administration, civic winners at this year’s SCAPA an- Joining the successful schemes from the capi- engagement, public health and urban plan- nounced by U.S.-headquartered IDC. tal, Taoyuan City Government’s civic partici- ning. This year’s winners were selected based pation initiative to improve its citizen card on company analyst benchmarking, public (Staff photo/Chin Hung-hao) took gold in the digital equity and accessibil- voting and expert judging, according to IDC. ity classification. An integrated emergency (Source: Taiwan Today) Taiwan is the big winner in the 2019 IDC data platform created by New Taipei City Smart City Asia Pacific Awards, claiming four Government also triumphed in the disaster first-place prizes in the 12-category competi- response and emergency management cate- tion, according to organiser U.S.- gory. headquartered International Data Corp. Launched in 2015, the Taoyuan Citizen Card Among the winning projects were two Taipei can be used by residents for numerous tasks City Government initiatives—Crossing Learn- within the northern metropolis, such as pur- ing Barriers: Omni Smart Education and chasing fares on public transport and tracking Transportation 2.0: Artificial Intelligence Driv- exercise facility usage. To boost civic involve- SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launches, Taiwan-US Formosat-7/COSMIC-2 Deployed

and Atmospheric Administration, the Formosat-7 is set to take over from For- satellite constellation was carried into mosat-3, another Taiwan-U.S. develop- orbit on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. It ment. It can capture 4,000 atmospheric is designed to improve meteorological and ionospheric profiles of tropical and forecasting accuracy and space weather subtropical regions each day, three to monitoring. four times the amount of the older sys- tem. Speaking at the launch broadcast event at NSPO in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu Established in 1991, NSPO is adminis- City, President Tsai Ing-wen said For- tered by the National Applied Research A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket carry- mosat-7 comprises the most advanced Laboratories under the Ministry of Sci- ing Formosat-7, a group of six satel- climate monitoring satellites in the ence and Technology. It is committed to lites jointly developed by Taiwan and world. The collaborative project is the becoming a centre of innovation for the U.S., blasts off from Kennedy largest of its kind between Taiwan and space science and conducting domestic the U.S., with the data collected by the and international space programs. Space Center in Florida. (Courtesy of constellation set to aid research on cli- (Source: Taiwan Today) mate change, disaster preparedness and Formosat-7/COSMIC-2, a group of six sustainable development, she added. satellites jointly developed by Taiwan and the U.S., was launched at 2:30 a.m. According to American Institute in Tai- EST from Kennedy Space Centre in Flori- wan Director Brent Christensen, the pro- da, marking a milestone for the country’s gram highlights Taiwan’s advanced tech- space technology industry. nological capabilities and underscores the strength of bilateral ties in the 40th An initiative between the National Space year of the Taiwan Relations Act. Organisation and U.S. National Oceanic ISSUE 7

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Art and Culture Page 5 Yilan International Children’s Folk Festival to Kick off in North-eastern Taiwan ter activities and workshops. ther bolster the ’s tourism envi- ronment going forward, she added. Organised by Yilan County Government, the event runs through Aug. 18 and fea- According to YCG, this year’s closing time tures 25 troupes from 18 countries and has been extended from 7 p.m. to 9 territories. p.m., during which a water-themed light show will be staged every 30 minutes. Among those spotlighting local tradition- Other highlights include a canoeing area, al performing arts are Lan-Yang Taiwan- as well as themed pavilions for glove ese Opera Company and acrobat group puppetry, laser tag and virtual reality Members of Poland’s Puppet Clinic New Image Theatre. Overseas partici- games. Theatre showcase the group’s dis- pants include Italy’s Corona Events and tinctive giant puppets at an event Poland’s Puppet Clinic Theatre, organiz- First held in 1996, YICFFF has grown into promoting the 2019 YICFFF in north- ers of the Carnival of Venice grand open- one of the region’s premier cultural cele- eastern Taiwan’s Yilan County. (LTN) ing in 2017 and 2018, respectively. brations, last year attracting more than 400,000 visitors. It is the only event in Yilan County Magistrate Lin Zi-miao said Taiwan recognized by the International The Yilan International Children’s Folk- that through its exhibitions, markets and Council of Organizations of Folklore Fes- lore and Folkgame Festival is set to com- shows, the festival provides a great tivals and Folk Arts, a UNESCO-affiliated mence at Dongshan River Water Park in platform for introducing the region’s body working to protect and promote north-eastern Taiwan, offering visitors distinct culture and natural landscapes. folk traditions worldwide. (Source: Tai- an eclectic mix of art performances, wa- It is expected that these efforts will fur- wan Today)

Taiwan Launches Specially Adorned Train for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The Taroko Express locomotive, which gascar, Malaysia, Palau and the Philip- runs between New Taipei City and Tai- pines. tung County in south-eastern Taiwan, will remain in service until October 28. Indigenous peoples have lived in Taiwan for millenniums. The latest official statis- CIP Minister Icyang Parod said during the tics reveal that the population of Tai- launch ceremony that by spotlighting wan’s 16 officially recognised tribes elements of indigenous culture such as stands at around 567,000, or 2.4 percent customs and folklore, the train will help of the total 23.58 million. (Source: Tai- the public better appreciate the signifi- wan Today) cance and immense value of Taiwan’s A Taroko Express train sporting imag- tribal communities. es inspired by elements of Taiwan’s indigenous culture idles near a TRA According to the CIP, the train’s interior depot in Taipei City. (Courtesy of TRA) is decorated with indigenous artefacts, as well as booklets and QR codes linking to websites offering information on Tai- A train bearing iconic images repre- wan’s aboriginals and the history of In- senting Taiwan’s aboriginal culture was digenous Peoples’ Day. launched in Taipei City as part of celebra- tions leading up to Aug. 1 Indigenous Other activities and events planned for Peoples’ Day. next month as part of Indigenous Peo- ples’ Day include a special exhibition and A collaboration between Taiwan Rail- related forum on aboriginal activism at ways Administration and the Cabinet- National Central Library and the Grand level Council of Indigenous Peoples, the Hotel, respectively, in Taipei, as well as train’s livery is inspired by the 16 winning the as the Taiwan Pasiwali Festival in works from an aboriginal children’s Taitung. The latter features performanc- painting contest held in October 2018. es by singers from Bolivia, Japan, Mada- ISSUE 7

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Medical & health care Page 6 Taiwan’s Biomedical Development Praised by VP Chen eign experts as on par with similar plans tion of a circular economy and a new in Germany and Japan, he added. paradigm for agricultural development.

Chen made the remarks during an event Taiwan is deeply committed to sharing in Taipei City marking the sixth anniver- its expertise in related fields with like- sary of the Ministry of Health and Wel- minded partners, Chen said. The MOHW fare (MOHW) and recognising outstand- plays a front-line role in this regard by ing individual contributions in providing helping New Southbound Policy target health care services and social welfare countries enhance the quality of medical development. care and organizing medical missions, he added. Vice President Chen Chien-jen cele- According to Chen, Taiwan is also a front brates the sixth anniversary of the -runner in the medical tourism stakes. A key plank in the government’s national MOHW in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Around 410,000 foreigners visited last development strategy, the NSP seeks to Presidential Office) year for health check-ups or treatment, enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, he said, adding that this is further proof cultural, education, tourism and trade Vice President Cheng Chien-jen said that of the country’s status as a regional bea- ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Taiwan’s biomedical prowess is helping con of medical care and promotion. Asian Nations member states, six South create a better and healthier future for Asian countries, Australia and New Zea- the world. Chen said biomedical development is a land. (Source: Taiwan Today) key component of the government’s five Taiwan is among the leading countries -plus-two innovative industries initiative. when it comes to medical treatment and The farsighted initiative targets the other social welfare, Chen said. For example, high-growth sectors of green energy, the government’s community-based long national defence, smart machinery and -term care system is seen by many for- Internet of Things, as well as the promo-

Taiwan Unveils Smart Mosquito Trap to Fight Disease

Taiwan’s National Health Research Insti- ual inspections of mosquito populations, tutes unveiled a smart mosquito trap according to NHRI. capable of identifying virus-carrying spe- cies within 0.07 seconds, underscoring Chen Chun-hong, deputy executive sec- government efforts to prevent outbreaks retary of NHRI’s National Mosquito- of serious infectious diseases like dengue Borne Diseases Control Research Centre, fever. said the system of smart traps is de- signed to alert the government to poten- According to Miaoli County-based NHRI tial risk areas before people fall sick so in northern Taiwan, the device takes that outbreaks can be prevented. images of each captured mosquito and Liao Lun-de, lead researcher of the employs artificial intelligence and cloud NHRI team that developed the smart The device is currently undergoing trials computing technologies to determine mosquito trap, introduces the system in Miaoli and the southern cities of Tai- whether it is a potential disease vector of at its launch Jan. 4 in Taipei City. (CNA) nan and Kaohsiung before it is rolled out dengue, chikungunya or Zika with an in districts and townships that have ex- accuracy of greater than 90 percent. The perienced outbreaks.( Source: Taiwan real-time geolocation data will be used by the equipment. News) to flag up potential risk areas for out- breaks. Scientists can test the blood of the cap- tured insects to determine whether they Researchers have built an image data- are carrying any of the viruses. Since base of mosquito specimens—each one each device costs only around NT$3,500 shot 10,800 times and from 720 different (US$113.60) to NT$4,000, this will be angles—the NHRI said, adding it will be cheaper than the current system of peri- refined and updated with photos taken odically dispatching teams to make man- ISSUE 7

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Entertainment Page 7 MOC Workshop on Making Arts Venues, Theatres More Inclusive Wraps speeches and roundtables attended by executive and artistic director of NTCH; around 150 industry professionals. Dis- Yi Chun-shan, a doctoral candidate in cussions centred on topics spanning ac- disability and human development at the cessible facilities, inclusive performance University of Illinois at Chicago; and Cy- programs and welcoming environments mie Yeung, universal accessibility project for all. coordinator for West Kowloon Cultural District Authority in Hong Kong. Liang Jin-zhi, deputy director-general of the MOC’s Department of Arts Develop- The seminar is part of a series of events ment, said the ministry is committed to aimed at enhancing facilities and man- Ann Yi-ruu Liu (second left), executive upgrading amenities and offering com- agement at arts venues nationwide. prehensive services at Taiwan arts ven- Funded by the MOC under the urban- and artistic director of National The- ues. The 3D-printed models and specially rural component of the government’s ater and Concert Hall, speaks along- designed audio guides provided at Na- Forward-looking Infrastructure Develop- side industry professionals and a sign tional Taiwan Fine Arts Museum in cen- ment Program, this program will contin- -language interpreter at the NTCH tral Taiwan’s Taichung City are examples ue with a workshop on promoting local Inclusive Arts Workshop in Taipei of measures taken to improve inclusivity, arts development at the National he added. Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts in south- City. (Courtesy of MOC) ern Taiwan in October. The keynote speakers at the workshop The National Theatre and Concert Hall included visually impaired radio broad- Launched in 2017, the FIDP is targeted at Inclusive Arts Workshop concluded July caster Hsu Jia-feng and hearing-impaired meeting Taiwan’s development needs 11 in Taipei City, spotlighting govern- TV producer Chen Li-yu. Both shared for the next 30 years. It covers eight cat- ment efforts to ensure equal access to their personal perspectives on living with egories: aquatic environments, child care cultural resources. disabilities and expertise in producing facilities, digital infrastructure, food safe- specialized content. ty, green energy, human resources, rail- Co-organized by the Ministry of Culture, ways and urban-rural projects. (Source: the one-day event featured keynote Also in the lineup were Ann Yi-ruu Liu, Taiwan Today) MOC Spotlights Taiwan Artists at Comic-Con International

files. tales and deities in a complementary seminar at the Taiwanese American According to the MOC, the showcase is Community Centre in San Diego. the first focused on Taiwan artists in the convention’s history. Running through Established in 1970, Comic-Con Interna- July 21, the booth—titled “The Eastern tional: San Diego is one of the most an- Power: Taiwan Superhero League”— ticipated events in the graphic novel in- highlights action and adventure stories dustry. Held in July, the event draws aimed at young adults that contain ele- about 130,000 visitors from around the ments of the nation’s culture. world each year. Nine graphic novels by Taiwan artists The display is curated by graphic novelist The MOC is dedicated to the promotion are on display in an MOC-organised Wei Liang-cheng, director of the Taiwan of the country’s animation, comics and booth at Comic-Con International in Comic Association. It features nine titles gaming industries. It established the gov- San Diego. (Courtesy of MOC) by local artists including “Sword Lion” by ernment-run graphic novel museum Tai- Barz, “Who Great Hero” by Tseng Chien- wan Comic Base Jan. 24 to cultivate re- hua and “Task Ranger” by Wei, who is lated talents and provide a platform to An exhibit organised by the Ministry of also known by his pen name Chen Wind. showcase local creations. (Source: Tai- Culture (MOC) spotlighting works by Tai- wan Today) wan graphic novelists opened at Comic- All three will take part in signings at the Con International: San Diego in the U.S., booth. In addition, the trio will be dis- underscoring the government’s commit- cussing how they created their charac- ment to raising local creators’ global pro- ters by taking inspiration from local folk ISSUE 7

E EWS SA-TAIWAN N Tourism Page 8

Taiwan Extends Visa Waiver for Brunei, Philippines, Russia, Thailand Passport Holders

Citizens from the four countries can con- nications showing that arrivals from Rus- tinue enjoying visa waiver privileges sia grew 83 percent year on year to through July 31, 2020. Applicants must 3,974 in the first quarter of 2019. have a standard passport valid for at least six months, verifiable local contact A key plank in the government’s national information, a return or onward ticket development strategy, the NSP is en- with required visas, confirmation of ac- hancing Taiwan’s agricultural, business, commodation and finances, and a clean cultural, education, tourism and trade criminal record. ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Passport holders from Brunei, the According to the MOFA, the trial has Asian countries, Australia and New Zea- yielded positive results since its introduc- land. (Source: Taiwan Today) Philippines, Russia and Thailand can tion as part of the government’s New continue enjoying visa-free entry to Southbound Policy (NSP). Total arrivals Taiwan for up to 14 days through from the 18 NSP target countries in- July 31 next year, according to the creased 13.61 percent year on year to MOFA. (Staff photo/Chuang Kung- 2.67 million in 2018, the ministry added.

Commenced last September, the waiver A trial program offering passport holders for Russian citizens expanded the from Brunei, the Philippines, Russia and scheme beyond NSP countries. The Thailand visa-free entry to Taiwan for up MOFA said the change has helped pro- to 14 days will be extended for another mote tourism and trade ties, with statis- year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tics from the Tourism Bureau under the (MOFA) said. Ministry of Transportation and Commu- Taiwan’s Passport Ranked 30th Strongest Globally Taiwan’s passport is the 30th strongest based on data from Montreal-based In- in the world, with holders enjoying visa- ternational Air Transport Associa- free and visa-on-arrival access to 146 tion. Source: Taiwan News) countries and territories, according to London-headquartered citizenship and residency advisory firm Henley and Part- ners.

In the third quarter update of the Henley Passport Index featuring 199 countries and territories, Taiwan was named one of the “biggest climbers since 2009.” Its plus-24 over the past decade placed it Taiwan’s passport is the 30th strong- equal second with Albania behind United est in the world as assessed July 2 by Arab Emirates in No.1 at plus-41. London-based citizenship and resi- dency advisory firm Henley and Part- Japan and Singapore topped the index ners. (UDN) with visa-free access to 189 destinations, while Finland, Germany and South Korea The latest tallies compiled by the Minis- came in second at 187. try of Foreign Affairs, which also take e- visas into account, indicate that Taiwan Among other Asian countries and territo- passport holders enjoy preferential visa ries, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Brunei, treatment in 169 countries and territo- Macao and China finished 13th, 19th, ries. 22nd, 36th and 74th respectively First published in 2006, the index is ISSUE 7

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Sport Page 9 Team Taiwan Bags 12 Medals at 30th Summer Universiade in Naples

pommel horse, silver in the team and In addition, Lin Ying-shin claimed silver in bronze in the all-around artistic gymnas- the 10-meter team air rifle along with tics discipline. The successful defence of partners Chen Yun-yun and Tsai Yi-ting, his pommel horse gold from the 29th and bronze in the women’s 10-meter air Summer Universiade in Taipei has Lee on rifle. track to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olym- pics at the 49th Artistic Gymnastics The country’s other medallists are Hsu World Championships in Stuttgart, Ger- Ping-chien, who earned silver in the many, later this year. men’s team artistic gymnastics; Liao Lee Chih-kai displays his pommel Cheng-ting, Peng Wang-wei, Wang Tai- horse gold medal at the 30th Sum- Similarly impressive is the injured Tang wei and Yang Heng-wei, silver in the Chia-hung’s gold in the men’s horizontal men’s team table tennis; Su Chia-en, mer Universiade in Naples, Italy. bar and silver in the team artistic gym- silver in the women’s taekwondo (Courtesy of CTUSF) nastics discipline. The former is the coun- poomsae; and Wang Hsing-hao, bronze try’s first in the category at the biennial in the men’s 200-meter medley swim- Team Taiwan has won 12 medals—four international university sports meet, and ming. gold, five silver and three bronze—for continues his winning ways from the seventh in the overall standings as of Day 2018 Asian Games. According to the Ministry of Education, 5 at the 30th Summer Universiade in Team Taiwan comprises 131 athletes Naples, Italy. Taiwan also fared well in shooting. Liu contesting 13 disciplines. At the 2017 Wan-yu and Yang Kun-pi collected gold edition in Taipei, homegrown athletes Lee Chih-kai is leading the charge in the in the women’s and men’s trap, respec- bagged 90 medals to finish third overall individual tally with gold in the men’s tively, as well as silver in the mixed trap. in the standings. (Source: Taiwan

Taiwan Badminton Ace Chou Wins Men’s Singles at Indonesia Open

triumph of the year and US$87,500 in minton World Federation Super 1000 prize money. The world No. 3 maintained series. He won in the BWF Super 750 the momentum he built through the series in 2014 at the Yonex French Open, competition’s earlier rounds, racing to a and also won titles last year in Germany, 12-3 lead and holding on to seal the Singapore and South Korea. (Source: opening set 21-18 despite a fierce re- Taiwan News) sponse from the Dane.

In the second set, Chou went up 5-1 be- fore Antonsen fought back to level the Taiwan badminton ace Chou Tien- tie. The decider saw the pair even at -7 7, chen savors the moment after win- but the 29-year-old proved too strong ning the men’s singles title at the for his opponent, and he won with a cleverly executed net point. Indonesia Open in Jakarta. (CNA)

During a post-tournament interview, Taiwan badminton ace Chou Tien-chen Chou said he felt the previous matches clinched the men’s singles at the Indone- had prepared him well for the final and sia Open in Jakarta, becoming the first helped him improve throughout the player from the country to achieve the event. He also thanked his supporters in honour. Taiwan, promising them he would con- tinue to improve. Chou outlasted his Danish opponent An- ders Antonsen 21-18, 24-26, 21-15 in 91 Chou’s victory is the first by a Taiwan minutes, bagging his first tournament player in the top-tier men’s singles Bad-