Liaison Office in the RSA SA- eNews OCTOBER 25TH 2019 PUBLISHER: MATTHEW CHOU ISSUE 10

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 Govern- ment sector in the economic development in Africa. The ROC (Taiwan) further, made a gener- ous and much appreciated contribution to South Africa's transition to democracy .

Statement by President Nelson Mandela—27 November 1996 Tsai Praises Taiwan’s Human Rights Progress at 40th FIDH Congress

President Tsai Ing-wen said that the into local laws so as to further en- government is leaving no stone un- trench associated core concepts into turned in promoting human rights the fabric of society. and making Taiwan a more fair and just country. Tsai said the government will not budge an inch in ensuring human Safeguarding human rights remains a rights progress remains on the fast top priority for the government, Tsai track, and has set up a unique volun- said. Real progress has been achieved tary assessment process involving in removing job restrictions and President Tsai Ing-wen delivers her academics from around the globe eliminating discrimination against conducting reviews and communicat- opening address at the 40th FIDH women in the workplace, as well as ing with civic groups and government initiating judicial reform to create a Congress in Taipei City. (Courtesy of agencies. legal system better reflecting the Presidential Office) wishes of the people, she added. Taiwan’s nongovernmental organisa- tions also play a central role in this Tsai made the remarks while opening outstanding venue for Taiwan to process, Tsai said, citing invaluable the 40th Congress of the Interna- share its democratic journey while contributions in assisting the govern- tional Federation for Human Rights learning from other countries’ experi- ment improve protection of the peo- (FIDH) in Taipei City—the first time ences. The country’s hosting of the ples’ rights and public communica- the triennial event has been staged in congress is particularly meaningful as tion. Asia. Co-organised by Taiwan Associa- Taiwan became the first in Asia to tion for Human Rights, the five-day legalise same-sex marriage in May, Established in 1922 and headquar- congress involves 450 participants she said. tered in Paris, FIDH is an international discussing responses and strategies NGO federating 184 member organi- to emerging challenges in related Although Taiwan is not a member of sations from 112 countries and aims areas. the U.N., Tsai said, the government at defending civil, culture, economic, has incorporated many of the world political and social rights as set out in According to Tsai, the event is an body’s major human rights treaties the Universal Declaration of Human

Left: Celebrated Taiwan-born director Ang Lee (right) keeps a close eye on U.S. actor Will Smith as he demonstrates his calligraphy skills during a news conference for the duo’s new film “Gemini Man” in Taipei City. (CNA) Centre: Chen Forng-shean, one of Taiwan’s top miniature sculptors, shows off his handiwork during an open workshop session in New Taipei City. (LTN) Right: Presi- dent Tsai Ing-wen (right) pays tribute to ROC (Taiwan) military personnel killed during the Battle of Guningtou 70 years ago during a ceremony in outlying Kinmen County. (Courtesy of Presiden- tial Office) ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 2 VP Chen Returns From Holy See Visit At a news conference following his return Chen also attended the canonisation of to Taiwan, Chen said bilateral coopera- late British Cardinal John Henry Newman tion between the allies in recent years and four other holy figures at St. Peter’s has yielded significant results in areas Basilica. He was accompanied by senior such as combating human trafficking and government officials including Deputy delivering humanitarian assistance. Tai- Minister of Foreign Affairs Kelly Wu-chiao wan will continue to support Pope Fran- Hsieh. cis in his efforts to promote religious freedom, democracy and human rights The ROC (Taiwan) and Holy See have had worldwide, he added. formal diplomatic relations for 77 years, Vice President Chen Chien-jen (right), with the two sides enjoying close ties and his wife Lo Fong-ping (left) and Dep- Serving as the special envoy of President cooperation in many areas. Recent high- uty Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-chiao Tsai Ing-wen, Chen presented the pontiff lights include staging the World Congress Hsieh (second row, centre) attend a with two gifts: a documentary on Matteo of the Apostleship of the Sea in October canonization ceremony in St. Peter’s Ricci, one of the leading figures of the 2017 in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Square, Vatican City. (Courtesy of Jesuit China missions, and a Taiwan City, as well agreeing a memorandum of Presidential Office) magazine spotlighting Catholic priests understanding on strengthening coopera- and nuns working in the country’s re- tion in combating money laundering, mote areas. terrorism financing and associated of- Vice President Chen Chien-jen has fenses in May the same year. (Source: wrapped up a successful four-day visit to Pope Francis in turn asked Chen to con- Taiwan Today) the Holy See designed to foster ex- vey his greetings to Tsai, adding that he changes across a variety of fields. would pray for Taiwan. Taiwan’s Interpol Bid Wins Global Support The staunch backing of allies and like- wan Can Help build a safer and more minded partners for Taiwan’s meaning- secure world by Huang Ming-chao, com- ful participation in Interpol is sincerely missioner of the Criminal Investigation appreciated by the government and peo- Bureau Commissioner under the Minis- ple, according to the Ministry of Foreign try of the Interior, has been carried by 49 Affairs (MOFA). international media outlets, the ministry said. Allies Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kingdom of Eswatini, Marshall Islands, As an important stakeholder in the Nauru, Paraguay, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. global community, Taiwan is willing and Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grena- able to make greater contributions, the The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is dines sent letters to Interpol President MOFA said, adding that it is imperative Kim Jong-yang urging Taiwan’s participa- grateful for allies and like-minded Interpol upholds its constitution and tion in the international police organisa- partners backing Taiwan’s bid for makes proper and swift arrangements tion as an observer, the MOFA said. meaningful participation in Interpol. for Taiwan to take part in its activities, mechanisms and meetings. During Interpol’s general assembly in network on the grounds of politics. Santiago, Chile, representatives from Established in 1923 and headquartered Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Kingdom Support for Taiwan was received from in France, Interpol is the world’s second of Eswatini, Paraguay and St. Kitts and officials, lawmakers and legislative bod- largest intergovernmental organisation Nevis also voiced support for Taiwan, the ies from 14 countries. These include a after the U.N. with 194 member states. It ministry added. statement by Patrick Murphy, then act- facilitates borderless police cooperation ing deputy assistant secretary for South- to enhance public safety and battles This strong backing underscores the le- east Asia with the Bureau of East Asian such criminal activities as corruption, gitimacy of Taiwan’s Interpol participa- and Pacific Affairs under the U.S. Depart- human trafficking and money launder- tion, the MOFA said, adding that it fur- ment of State, and the passage of the ing. (Source: Taiwan Today) ther reflects the discontent of the inter- Taiwan Assurance Act of 2019 in May by national community with the exclusion the U.S. House of Representatives. of the country from the global security In addition, an op-ed outlining how Tai- ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 3 The ROC Celebrates Its 108th Birthday The 108th birthday reception of the Re- cover Taiwan’s political, economic, cul- public of China (Taiwan) was held at the tural and diplomatic achievements. Centurion Golf Estate Clubhouse on the 7th of October 2019. Hundreds of distin- According to the MOFA, the film show- guished local guests and members of the cases Taiwan’s liberal, democratic and Diplomatic Corps joined Taiwanese ex- multicultural society. Highlights include pats in the vibrant celebrations to com- scenes of the country’s religious festivals memorate the National Day of the ROC. and indigenous culture, as well as its sporting and technological achieve- Representative Matthew Chou Representative Matthew W. Chou of the (centre), Mrs Chou (third from right) ments. This includes the government’s Taipei Liaison Office, said that while Tai- and other distinguished guests cut- landmark five-plus-two innovative indus- wan had achieved many accomplish- ting the cake at the 108th birthday tries program, the ministry said. ments and suffered many setbacks in its celebrations of the Republic of China 108 years of existence, the values of de- (Taiwan). The farsighted initiative targets the other mocracy and freedom had always high-growth sectors of green energy, grounded the Taiwanese people and who combined traditional Taiwanese folk national defence, smart machinery and been the guiding force behind the coun- dances with modern pop music and tra- Internet of Things, as well as the promo- try. ditional outfits with up-to-the-minute tion of a circular economy and a new components . (Dominique Spalovsky) paradigm for agricultural development. "The country and our people have never sacrificed or deviated from the democ- Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts are also ratic ideals people had 108 years ago," showcased, the ministry said, including Representative Chou said. President Tsai Ing-wen’s Journey of Free- dom, Democracy, Sustainability state "No matter what kind of trials the world visit to the country’s Caribbean allies will throw at us in the future, the people Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and in Taiwan will always be able to pick our- the Grenadines, and St. Lucia, as well as selves up and worked together to over- Vice President Chen Chien-jen’s audience come various challenges. It is in this sen- with Pope Francis and MOFA Minister timent and conviction that will propel ’s keynote speech at the 2019 Taiwan into the future," Representative Democracy Summit in Copenhagen. Chou went on to say. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) released a short film in the lead-up to The short is available on the MOFA’s Representative Chou said that Taiwan Double Tenth National Day spotlighting YouTube channel with subtitles in Arabic, and South Africa had been on similar Taiwan’s successes at home and abroad. French, German, Indonesian, Italian, journeys in their pursuit of equality, de- Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, mocracy and freedom and that these Titled “Brave and Confident: One with Thai and Vietnamese. (Source: Taiwan principles cemented their relationship. the World,” the 8-minute work is split Today) into four segments—Defending Free- Guests dined on a wonderful selection of dom, Safeguarding Democracy; Innova- Taiwanese food and were entertained by tive Economy, Upgraded Technology; performers from the Nan Hua Temple, Multifaceted Society, Cultural Accep- students from the Pretoria Chinese tance; and Steadfast Diplomacy, Mutual School and electric techno-neon dancers, Assistance for Mutual Benefit—that ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Business and Economics Page 4 President Tsai Welcomes Microsoft Expansion of AI Centre in Taipei The expansion of an artificial intelligence taken by the Ministry of Science and R&D centre in Taipei City by Microsoft Technology (MOST) with support from Taiwan Corp. shows that international the public and private sectors, initiatives firms recognise the talent and technical include establishing a home-grown R&D prowess on offer in the country, Presi- centre and the Grand Challenge, a com- dent Tsai Ing-wen said. petition to find the next generation of AI talents. At a ceremony to mark the centre's ex- pansion and to celebrate 30 years of Microsoft’s AI centre was set up under a Microsoft in Taiwan, Tsai said the com- President Tsai Ing-wen (front, fifth memorandum of understanding on AI pany has chosen the ideal location for its left) gives the thumbs up alongside development the multinational inked global AI hub. Taiwan’s well established American Institute in Taiwan head with MOST’s National Applied Research supply chain and expertise in informa- William Brent Christensen (front, sixth Laboratories in December 2017. The first tion and communication technology are right), government officials and Mi- of its kind in Taiwan, the centre focuses perfect complements to the growing AI crosoft Taiwan Corp. executives at the on R&D relating to audience intent rec- industry, she added. opening ceremony of the expanded ognition, integrating AI in vertical indus- Microsoft AI R&D centre in Taipei trial applications and improving its Swift- According to Tsai, homemade talent also City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office) Key Chinese character input method. makes Taiwan an attractive option, with (Source: Taiwan Today) almost all of Microsoft’s 600 domestic staff being local employees. This under- Particular examples include the govern- scores the success of government efforts ment’s AI innovation and talent cultiva- to improve the nation’s human capital, tion plan, which involves spending NT$16 she said. billion (US$0.5 billion) from 2017 to 2021 to build the required ecosystem. Under-

Taiwan Ranks 12th in WEF Global Competitiveness Report Taiwan ranks 12th among 141 econo- According to Chen, the government will mies in the latest Global Competitive- prioritise fostering an even more vibrant ness Report released by Geneva-based start-up environment, as well as deepen- World Economic Forum (WEF). ing the talent pool and strengthening the education sector. These steps are ex- Scoring 80.2 out of 100, Taiwan finished pected to ensure the country’s long-term ahead of neighbours South Korea, 79.6; competitiveness and keep it firmly on Malaysia, 74.6; and China, 73.9, but be- the development fast track, she said. hind Singapore, 84.8; Hong Kong, 83.1; and Japan, 82.3. Singapore topped the Launched in 1979, the report provides an survey ahead of the U.S. in second and annual assessment of the drivers of pro- Hong Kong in third. Taiwan ranks 12th in the latest Global ductivity and economic growth. The Competitiveness Report released Oct. 2019 edition evaluates countries and Among the 12 categories used to assess 9 by Geneva-based World Economic territories across 103 indicators in a competitiveness, Taiwan earned full dozen categories. (Source: Taiwan To- Forum. (Staff photo/Chin Hung-hao) marks in macroeconomic stability and day) outperformed in financial system with 88. It was also lauded as a “super innova- comed the result and said it demon- tor” by WEF and one of only four econo- strates international recognition of Tai- mies, alongside Germany, the U.S. and wan’s reputation as a smart country and Switzerland, to receive more than 80 in can-do problem solver. Recent invest- innovation capability. ment in the country’s start-ups from firms based in Japan, Singapore and the Minister Chen Mei-ling of the Cabinet- U.S. further illustrates this healthy state level National Development Council wel- of affairs, she added. ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Science & Technology Page 5

President Tsai Vows to Continue Advancing Taiwan’s 5G Development President Tsai Ing-wen said that the gov- applications, establishing a platform for ernment will continue prioritising 5G enhanced interindustry cooperation, technology development so as to secure growing Taiwan’s 5G footprint, strength- Taiwan a key position in the potential- ening support and protection for home- laden mobile services sector. grown products and operational cyber security, and bringing relevant laws and A long-established hardware manufac- regulations more in line with interna- turing supply chain, as well as extensive tional standards. expertise in information communication technology, gives the country the cre- It is expected the plan will significantly dentials to lead the way globally, Tsai President Tsai Ing-wen settles into an assist local firms in upgrading market- said. Additional 5G licenses set for re- e-sport device during a 5G demon- place competitiveness while boosting lease by the end of January next year Taiwan’s 5G ecosystem, Tsai heralds the dawn of a new era for next- stration event staged by telecommu- said. (Source: Taiwan Today) generation technology in Taiwan, she nications provider Chunghwa Telecom added. Co. Ltd. in New Taipei City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office) Tsai made the remarks during a 5G dem- onstration event staged by telecommuni- ernment's 5G strategy. One of the most cations provider Chunghwa Telecom Co. exciting initiatives in this regard is the 5G Ltd. in New Taipei City. Featured devices Action Plan, she said. include e-sport equipment, unmanned vehicles and warship bridge arrays. Launched in May by the Cabinet, the four -year, NT$20.5 billion (US$660 million) According to Tsai, spurring digital trans- undertaking focuses on cultivating high- formation is a central plank in the gov- profile opportunities for testing vertical Academia Sinica Gears up for Open House Event tions world-class facilities open to all. research institution’s 90th anniversary last year, which received a record- The main attraction at this year’s Open breaking 160,000 visitors. (Source: Tai- House is a special exhibition on the Event wan Today) Horizon Telescope, a large global array that in April produced the first ever im- ages of a black hole. AS’s Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics was among the 13 stakeholders from around the world that led the project. Academia Sinica is set to host its Open House event in Taipei City’s According to AS, the exhibition will fea- Nangang District. (Courtesy of AS) ture interactive displays and keynote speeches by people involved in bringing the telescope to fruition. There will also Academia Sinica (AS), Taiwan’s foremost be a games room and guided tours, the research institution, is gearing up for the institution said. annual Open House event at its base in Taipei City’s Nangang District, spotlight- Additional events are scheduled for ing the ground-breaking efforts of the those more interested in the social sci- country’s academics. ences, AS said, adding that it hoped the occasion would help inspire the next Staffers from 31 of AS’s research centres generation of academic talent. and museums are set to conduct over 300 demonstrations, lectures and hands- The inaugural AS Open House was held on activities for visitors, with the institu- in 1997. Last year's event celebrated the ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Art and Culture Page 6 Treasures of 17th Century Literati Featured in NPM Exhibition Life from the 17th Century” runs until the era was renowned for its refined Jan. 5 next year and features objects tastes and unique aesthetic, especially originating from China’s Jiangnan region. among the literati class. Wen’s work The exhibition is curated based on the bears some of the most detailed surviv- “Treatise on Superfluous Things” written ing descriptions of garden architecture by Ming dynasty (1368-1644) literati and interior design from that time, mak- Wen Zhenheng. ing it particularly noteworthy, he added.

It is split into four sections: Wen Zhen- Established in 1965, NPM is home to the heng and Treatise on Superfluous Things world’s largest collection of Chinese im- “The Literati’s Ordinaries - A Pro- outlines the scholars’ life through his perial art, boasting nearly 700,000 antiq- posal of Life from the 17th Century” collection of rare books and paintings, uities spanning 7,000 years from the runs until Jan. 5 2020 at the National Taste of Literati presents the opinions of prehistoric Neolithic period to the end of Palace Museum in Taipei City. Wen and others in his circle regarding the Qing dynasty. The institution’s (Courtesy of NPM) different works, Applicable Things show- Southern Branch in Chiayi County cases objects that reflect the apprecia- opened in 2015 to showcase artefacts An exhibition featuring artefacts from tion criteria listed by Wen in his treatise, from diverse Asian civilisations. (Source: 17th century China kicked off at the Na- and In Pursuit of Curios in the Market Taiwan Today) tional Palace Museum (NPM) in Taipei displays mass-produced items made to City. copy the styles popularized by Wen.

“The Literati’s Ordinaries - A Proposal of According to NPM Director Wu Mi-cha,

Taiwan Design Expo Gets Underway in Pingtung The Taiwan Design Expo kicked off in the island since its founding in 2003 to pro- southern county of Pingtung, bringing mote creative design ideas with a local together top talents and products to twist. (Source: Taiwan Today) showcase the country’s prowess as a global centre of innovation.

Organised by the Taiwan Design Centre under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Pingtung County Government, the exhibition attracted over 200,000 people on its opening day, The annual Taiwan Design Expo, run- the most since its inception in 2003, ac- ning through Oct. 20, is staged in the cording to PCG’s Cultural Affairs Depart- ment. southern county of Pingtung for the first time. (Courtesy of Taiwan Design The expo is spread over several loca- Center) tions, with the main 6,600 square-meter space at Taisugar County Park trans- formed to resemble a giant supermarket. According to Pingtung County Magistrate Further satellite venues are at Pingtung Pan Men-an, the theme perfectly em- County Tobacco Factory and Pingtung bodies the aim of this year’s exhibition, Art Museum. emphasising the importance of the cul- tural, agricultural and human needs of At a promotional press conference, exhi- southern Taiwan. The event will help bition design team head Joe Fang said increase Pingtung’s international expo- the supermarket concept was chosen to sure, he added. represent Pingtung’s status as one of Taiwan’s agricultural strongholds, giving The annual Taiwan Design Expo has been rise to this year’s theme “Super South.” staged in various locations across the ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Medical & health care Page 6 Taiwan Steps up ASF Prevention Measures Council of Agriculture (COA). ing devices.

The World Organisation for Animal Premier Su Tseng-chang has also di- Health has so far confirmed ASF out- rected the Ministry of the Interior and breaks across Asia in Cambodia, China, to strengthen bor- East Timor, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, der inspections. North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam and Last month, 17 pork products originating the Philippines. from China seized at customs were found to be infected with ASF, the CEOC At a press conference, COA head and said. Central Emergency Operation Centre COA head and Central Emergency (CEOC) Director Chen Chi-chung said that First-time offenders illegally importing Operation Centre Director Chen Chi- given the continuing ASF epidemic across meat products into Taiwan from these chung (centre) speaks during a press East Asia, even stricter bio security areas or any others affected by ASF conference at the in measures have been implemented on within the past three years will be fined Taipei City. (Courtesy of COA) hog farms. GPS tracking devices are also NT$200,000 (US$6,483), with the penalty now being used for all transportation of increasing to NT$1 million for repeat live pigs and pork products, he added. offenders. A total of 88 fines for first- Taiwan has strengthened its measures time violations have been issued in the for preventing an outbreak of African According to the CEOC, these upgrades last month. (Source: Taiwan Today) swine fever (ASF) and remains on high are in effect at 753 hog farms, and 2,984 alert, according to the Cabinet-level vehicles have been installed with track- VP Chen Vows to Deepen Taiwan’s Asia -Pacific Medical Ties Taiwan is a vital member of the global ing local laws and regulations for phar- public health community and is working maceuticals and medical devices more in to expand medical collaboration and line with the international standards, information sharing with countries Chen said, citing the country’s participa- throughout the Asia-Pacific, Vice Presi- tion as an official member in the recently dent Chen Chien-jen said. staged biannual meeting of International Council for Harmonisation of Technical The country is leading the way in many Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for aspects of health care, Chen said. This is Human Use. illustrated by the success of the National Vice President Chen Chien-jen delivers Health Insurance system and its top-spot Chen said the New Southbound Policy ranking in a related advisory released by his opening address at the Global (NSP) is another important platform for respected Ceoworld Magazine in August, Health Forum Oct. 20 in Taipei City. Taiwan to share its medical know-how he added. (Courtesy of Presidential Office) and build a seamless regional disease prevention network. Going forward, Chen made the remarks at the opening ment is leaving no stone unturned in greater efforts will be dedicated to culti- ceremony of the 2019 Global Health Fo- promoting the Long-term Care Plan 2.0, vating more mutually beneficial opportu- rum in Taiwan. Organised by the Minis- he said. nities for Taiwan and the 18 target coun- tries of Health and Welfare and Foreign tries, he added. Affairs, the two-day event involved 1,500 The 10-year initiative is a community- experts and officials from 33 countries based services network integrating medi- A key plank in the government’s national and territories discussing key issues such cal care and preventative health care development strategy, the NSP seeks to as aging societies, chronic disease, data resources. It aims to establish a compre- deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, analysis and technology applications, hensive care system that promotes aging cultural, education, tourism and trade urban environments and public health. in place—the ability to live safely and ties with the 10 Association of Southeast independently in one’s home or commu- Asian Nations member states, six South According to Chen, Taiwan is expected to nity regardless of age, ability or income Asian countries, Australia and New Zea- become a super-aged society with 20 level. land. (Source: Taiwan News) percent of the population aged 65 years or older by 2026. This is why the govern- Taiwan has also made headway in bring- ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Entertainment Page 7 Nuit Blanche Taipei to Kick off in Dazhi, Neihu Districts tural sites of the north-eastern districts. Organised by Taipei City Government (TCG) in partnership with French Office Originating in France in 2002, Nuit (FO) in Taipei, the fourth edition of the Blanche takes place annually on the first festival is themed “Double-Face Ballet” Saturday of October in cities around the based on the concept that every person world, with art galleries, museums and in the city is multifaceted. cultural organisations open throughout the night and free of charge. Taipei was At a promotional press conference, FO the second city in Asia to stage the event Thousands of light-emitting diodes Director Jean-François Casabonne- in 2016 after Kyoto in Japan. (Source: that illuminate on contact with water Masonnave said that 30 cities worldwide Taiwan Today) have hosted their own Nuit Blanche are part of “Waterlight Graffiti,” an since the inaugural event was held in interactive artwork by French artist Paris in 2002. The festival has endured Antonin Fourneau that is on display and spread globally thanks to its ethos of at Nuit Blanche Taipei in Taiwan’s encouraging attendees to interact with capital city. (Courtesy of NBT) artists and artworks, he added.

According to the TCG’s Department of This year’s Nuit Blanche Taipei festival Cultural Affairs, the 12-hour celebration will kick off in the capital city’s Dazhi and is set to feature 22 art installations and Neihu districts for an atmospheric night over 44 interactive performances and full of artistic displays. programs staged in the streets and cul-

Taiwan Biennial Film Festival Kicks off in Los Angeles

edy, documentary, drama, experimental, In addition to the screenings, a number romance and satire. of cinephile-friendly activities are sched- uled on the sidelines. These include film- According to the MOC, the second edi- maker Q&A sessions and a special forum tion of the festival comes at a time of in which luminaries such as Michael significant societal change in Taiwan fol- Berry, director of UCLA’s Centre for Chi- lowing the country’s legalisation of same nese Studies, share ideas and insights on -sex marriage earlier in the year. The the need to include more women in the event draws the curtain back on how the industry and strategies to raise the global local movie industry is taking the mile- profile of Taiwan films. (Source: Taiwan “Heavy Craving” by director Hsieh stone development on board, the minis- Today) try said. Pei-ju opens the Taiwan Biennial Film

Festival running at Billy Wilder Thea- Yang Ting-zhen, director of Taiwan Acad- ter in Los Angeles. (UDN) emy, said almost half of the line-up was directed by women filmmakers. These talents infuse the eclectic offerings with A film festival showcasing Taiwan’s suc- a boldness and creativity certain to leave cess in advancing gender equality and festival-goers clamouring for more, she LGBTQ rights kicked off at Hammer Mu- said. seum’s Billy Wilder Theatre in Los Angles. One of the highlights is the opening se- Co-presented by Taiwan Academy under lection “Heavy Craving.” Directed and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in written by Hsieh Pei-ju, the 2019 Taipei Los Angeles, the Ministry of Culture Film Festival Audience Choice Award (MOC) and UCLA Film and Television winner examines the hot-button issues Archive, the 11-day event features a of body image, fat-shaming and the dozen movies spanning genres like com- darker side of self-discovery. ISSUE 9

E EWS SA-TAIWAN N Tourism Page 8 Muslim-Friendly Certification Given to 6 Taipei Tourist Spots

ing efforts to cement Taiwan as a desti- Taiwan’s freedom, diversity and open- nation for visitors from the Islamic world. ness are the main features that make Taipei an attractive destination for visi- The six spots are Discovery Centre of tors, Tsai said, adding that the city will Taipei, , Na- continue to refine its services to improve tional Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, tourist satisfaction. Taipei 101, Taipei Children’s Amusement Park and Zhishan Cultural and Ecological Issued by Taipei-based Chinese Muslim Garden. Association, Muslim-friendly environ- ment certification verifies that a location Taipei City Deputy Mayor Tsai Ping- According to the Department of Informa- or institution offers a variety of Halal tion and Tourism under TCG, a survey of eating options and comfortable areas for kun (centre) is all smiles alongside foreign tourists’ revealed that one of the Muslims to pray. (Source: Taiwan Today) representatives of six tourist attrac- locations, Taipei 101, is among the most tions displaying their Muslim- popular sightseeing locations for Muslim friendly environment certificates in visitors. the capital of Taiwan. (Courtesy of TCG) At a ceremony presenting the certifi- cates, Taipei Deputy Mayor Tsai Ping-kun said Taiwan continues to grow in popu- larity among Muslim tourists, ranking Taipei City Government (TCG) an- equal third with Japan and the U.K. nounced that six popular tourist spots in among non-Organisation of Islamic Co- the capital have earned certification as operation members in MasterCard’s Muslim-friendly environments, highlight- 2019 Global Muslim Travel Index. Taiwan, Italy Announce E - G a t e D e a l The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) offi- creased demand, he said. cially announced an agreement between Taiwan and Italy giving reciprocal access Travellers from Australia, South Korea for both country’s citizens to automated and the U.S. have had access to Taiwan’s immigration clearance services, spot- e-gate system for the past two years. lighting government efforts to expand More than 210,000 travellers from these exchanges between the two sides and countries have registered to use the ser- increase inbound tourism. vice so far, according to the latest MOI statistics. (Source: Taipei Times) At the announcement ceremony in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City, MOI Minister Hsu Kuo-yung said the scheme MOI Minister Hsu Kuo-yung (left) pre- enables low-risk travellers from the two sents a gift to Davide Giglio, head of countries to use the e-gates at passport the Italian Economic, Trade and Cul- control after completing registration. tural Promotion Office in Taiwan, at Taiwan is the eighth non-EU country to an event announcing reciprocal access reach such an agreement with Italy, join- for both country’s citizens to auto- ing Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New mated immigration clearance services Zealand, South Korea, and the U.S., he Sept. 26 in the northern metropolis of added. Taoyuan. (Courtesy of MOI) According to Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office head Davide and Italy is a popular destination with Giglio, the number of flights between the Taiwan tourists. Expanding the e-gate two sides is set to increase next year, program is a logical step given the in- ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Sport Page 9

Team Taiwan Wins Asian Baseball Championship The victory is the first Asian champion- Ying-nan said he was proud of the play- ship title for the national baseball team ers, who worked extremely hard and since it last won the competition in 2001. gave their all in every match. The team was delighted to have won the title, he The final started with Japan taking an added. early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, but Taiwan’s Jhang Jin-de Organised by the Baseball Federation of promptly hit back with a second-inning Asia, the biennial Asian Baseball Champi- three-run triple. onship was first held in 1954. (Source: Taiwan Today) Members of Team Taiwan celebrate Although Japan moved ahead 4-3 in the winning the Asian Baseball Champi- bottom of the fourth, Taiwan again re- onship after defeating Japan 5-4 at sponded in the fifth inning with a two- Taichung Intercontinental Baseball run hit by first baseman Chiang Chien- ming to retake the lead 5-4. Stadium in the central metropolis.

(CNA) Backed by an aggressive defence, Wang Tsung-hao and Liu Chih-jung prevented Team Taiwan triumphed in the Asian further scoring from Japan’s batting line- Baseball Championship after defeating up. Liu was subsequently named the Japan 5-4 at Taichung Intercontinental tournament MVP. Baseball Stadium in the central metropo- lis. In a post-game interview, head coach Li Hualien Gears up for 8th Annual Taiwan KOM Challenge tures top athletes from elite cycling wan’s Nantou County and finishing at teams such as Astana, CCC-Liv, EF Educa- Wuling on Mt. Hehuan in Taroko Na- tion First and Katusha-Alpecin. tional Park.

Defending champion John Ebsen from The riders will ascend at an average rate Denmark and reigning silver medallist of 8 percent for the first 80 kilometres. Benjamin Dyball from Australia are to be This tops out at 27 percent during the challenged by big-name participants like final 10 kilometres en route to the high- Nathan Hass from Australia, Steff Cras est point of Taiwan’s highway system at from Belgium, Kenny Nijssen from the 3,275 meters above sea level. The country’s beloved Oh Bear is Netherlands and Morimoto Makoto from joined by Taiwan KOM Challenge Japan. First staged in 2012 as part of the annual competitors during a promotion for Taiwan Cycling Festival, the race was Taiwan is to be represented by home- voted among the world’s top 10 most the upcoming 105-kilometer hill climb grown talents such as Fan Yung-yi, Feng difficult cycling races in 2014 by French race in Taipei City. (Courtesy of TB) Chun-kai, Huang Wen-chung, Liu Shu- magazine “Le Cycle.” (Source: Taiwan ming and Peng Yuan-tang. Today) The eighth annual Taiwan KOM Chal- lenge gets underway in eastern Taiwan’s According to TCF, the event boasts a re- Hualien County, involving 730 cyclists cord 74 women cyclists like Marianne from 42 countries and territories con- Vos from the Netherlands, the 2012 testing one of the world’s toughest hill Olympic gold medallist and multiple climb courses. world champion.

Organised by Taiwan Cyclist Federation Starting at 6 a.m. from Qixingtan Beach, (TCF) and the Tourism Bureau under the entrants will race along the Pacific coast, Ministry of Transportation and Commu- through the spectacular Taroko Gorge nications, the 105-kilometre race fea- before spinning west into central Tai-