Taipei Liaison Office in the RSA SA- eNews SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2018 PUBLISHER: MATTHEW CHOU ISSUE 9

“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 devel- opment in Africa. The ROC (Taiwan) further, made a generous and much appreciated contribution to South Africa's transition to democracy.” Statement by President Nelson Mandela—27 November 1996

President Tsai Receives European Parliament Delegation, Eyes Closer Taiwan -EU Ties

President Tsai Ing-wen said that the tional organisations, start bilateral government welcomes closer and investment agreement talks, and more frequent exchanges with the urge China to “refrain from further European Parliament as part of over- military provocation towards Tai- all efforts to strengthen Taiwan-EU wan” and endangering cross-strait ties. peace and stability.

The relationship between the two These sentiments were shared by sides has gone from strength to Tsai during a recorded speech deliv- President Tsai Ing-wen (second strength since the past two years, ered earlier in the month during an Tsai said. The Administrative Ar- right) greets MEP Ivo Vajgl and his EP seminar in Brussels. China is jeop- rangement on Cluster Cooperation European Parliament delegation at ardising the peaceful status quo of concluded in June, as well as record the Office of the President in Taipei cross-strait relations, she said, add- two-way visit and trade numbers last City. (Courtesy of Office of the ing that such actions only make Tai- year, is testament to this healthy wan more determined and resolved President) state of affairs, she added. to safeguard its democracy and con- tribute to global society. It is sincerely hoped, Tsai said, Tai- fense, economic and foreign affairs wan and the EU will capitalise on fact-finding mission. In addition to thanking the delega- these achievements and work to- tion for the EP’s support of Taiwan, gether in identifying new opportuni- According to Tsai, the EP’s adoption Tsai reaffirmed the government’s ties for cooperation in areas of of the report on the state of EU- commitment to collaborating with shared interest. China relations and its parts pertain- the EU and those member states ing to Taiwan is sincerely welcomed sharing similar experiences as Tai- Tsai made the remarks while wel- by the government and the people. wan in promoting democracy. Croa- coming an EP delegation at the Of- tia, Czech Republic and Slovenia are fice of the President in Taipei City. Authored by long-time Taiwan friend also nations that successfully transi- Led by Ivo Vajgl of Slovenia, a mem- MEP Bas Belder of the Netherlands, tioned to a democratic and peaceful ber of the EP and Committee on For- the report calls on the EU and its way of life, she added. (Source: Tai- eign Affairs, the group is in Taiwan member states to back Taiwan’s wan Today) Sept. 16-21 on a civil society, de- meaningful participation in interna-

Left: Two large mooncakes made from fruits and vegetables were given as a festive treat for the Taipei Zoo’s giant pandas in celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival. (Courtesy of Taipei Zoo) Centre: Taiwan expatriates, legislators and supporters march through Times Square in New York to urge the U.N. to deliver equal treatment to Taiwan’s 23 million people and resolve the issue of the nation’s exclusion from the U.N. system. (CNA) Right: Gymnast Lee Chih-kai is one of 17 Taiwan athletes who earned gold at the Asian Games in Indonesia. Taiwan athletes brought home the largest medal haul in 20 years from Asian Games. (UDN) ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 2 Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini Sets Record Straight on Bilateral Ties Liang, who assumed his post late last South Asian countries have quickly come month in the capital Mbabane, was re- to discover, is a one-way ticket to pov- sponding to a letter questioning the wis- erty and servitude,” Liang said. “It is also dom of Eswatini’s longstanding ties with a sure-fire way of surrendering sover- Taiwan and urging the people of the eignty forever.” landlocked nation in southern Africa to clamour for massive infrastructure pro- Liang said the people of Africa are cele- jects dangled by China. brated the world over for casting off the shackles of colonialism. “It would be a A Times of Swaziland letter to the “It is true China’s financial promises glit- tragedy to turn back time for nothing editor penned by Ambassador Jeremy ter like gold in the midday sun,” Liang more than the promise of a so-called H. S. Liang.(Courtesy of Times of Swa- said, adding that at first blush they bene- free lunch.” ziland) fit the people and position the recipients on the fast track to the promised land of According to the MOFA, Taiwan works Taiwan’s new ambassador to the King- high gross domestic product. “But not all closely with Eswatini in areas like agricul- dom of Eswatini, Jeremy H. S. Liang, set that glitters is gold.” ture, education, health care, information the record straight on bilateral relations and communication technology, renew- in a letter to the editor recently pub- According to Liang, highways, ports and able energy and vocational training. lished by the Times of Swaziland, accord- railways built in “partnership” with Chi- ing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nese firms quickly become bankrupting In June, the two sides signed a broad- (MOFA). burdens. “In no time, they are handed based agreement strengthening eco- back to China and take on a new function nomic, environmental protection, invest- “Taiwan is Eswatini’s loyal friend and as conduits for efficiently exporting a ment, technical, tourism and trade coop- perfect partner in advancing prosperity country’s natural resources and import- eration. The pact is expected to further and sustainable national development,” ing low-quality goods and cheap labour,” enhance the well-being of the people Liang said. “It is also a country where he said. and create mutually beneficial outcomes freedom and democracy are cherished, for both nations, the MOFA said. as is informed and spirited debate.” “There is no question that China’s debt- (Source: Taiwan Today) trap diplomacy, as African, Balkan and Royal Opening for Taiwan Pavilion at Eswatini International Trade Fair The Taiwan Pavilion at the 50th Eswatini special tasting zone offering a selection ment is committed to assisting local International Trade Fair was opened by of Taiwan’s signature snacks like craft companies cultivate win-win opportuni- King Mswati III and new Ambassador beer, pork jerky and pineapple cakes. ties across the continent. Jeremy H. S. Liang. According to TAITRA, the tasty tempta- tions will open the eyes of consumers to This move is also in line with President Organised by Taiwan External Trade De- a world of exciting food possibilities pro- Tsai Ing-wen’s goal of enhancing com- velopment Council (TAITRA), the pavilion duced in Taiwan. mercial and investment exchanges with features seven businesses from Taiwan Eswatini and neighbouring countries showcasing their latest wares at nine Liang said he was honoured to take part following her state visit to the kingdom booths during the 11-day event in in the pavilion’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in April, the MOFA added. Manzini, the Kingdom of Eswatini’s sec- alongside the king. “His majesty’s atten- ond-largest city. dance illustrates the deep friendship Statistics from the Bureau of Foreign between Taiwan and Eswatini. Trade under the Ministry of Economic The products include costume jewellery, Affairs show that bilateral trade with food products, information and commu- “It also shows a sincere appreciation at Eswatini hit US$7.6 million in 2017, up nication technology devices and light- the highest levels in the kingdom for 15.95 percent year on year. Leading Tai- emitting diode, or LED, fixtures. All are Taiwan firms and their top-notch prod- wan exports include aquaculture prod- expected to generate great interest ucts.” ucts, electronics, electrical machinery, among visitors to the annual fair at Ma- iron, plastics, rubber and steel. (Source: vuso Trade Centre in the landlocked na- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Taiwan Today) tion in southern Africa. which sent a Taiwan business delegation to South Africa and Eswatini on an 11- One of the highlights of the pavilion is a day mission last month, said the govern- ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Business and Economics Page 3

Tsai Targets Taiwan’s Circular Economy, Green Energy Sector for Upgraded Promotion

President Tsai Ing-wen said that the gov- According to Tsai, ongoing investment in ernment is redoubling efforts to advance wind power generation off the coast of Taiwan’s circular economy and renew- Changhua County in central Taiwan and able energy through astute policymaking establishment of a logistical support hub and promoting public-private sector co- at nearby Port of Taichung show the operation. synergies on offer from innovative col- laboration between government agen- The government’s circular economy cies and businesses in developing green mantra centres on sustainability and energy. deriving maximum value from scarce President Tsai Ing-wen reiterates the resources, Tsai said. This successful ap- This progressive approach carries over to government’s commitment to fast- proach is making a difference in nearly solar energy, Tsai said, citing the 140 tracking promotion of Taiwan’s circu- every industry, with one of the best ex- percent increase in installed capacities lar economy and green energy sector amples jerseys made from yarn featuring from 936 megawatts to 2,238 MW since in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Office of recycled polyethylene terephthalate, or 2016. It is anticipated this number will the President) PET, at the World Cup in Russia, she reach 20 gigawatts by 2025 as projected, added. and Energy Taiwan exhibitions in Taipei she added. City. Top priorities in further tapping the po- The circular economy and green energy tential of this area, Tsai said, include The development experiences of Taiwan are part of the government’s five-plus- lifting water reuse rates for related sec- over the past two years demonstrate two innovative industries initiative. This tors, reducing air pollution and environ- that economic growth can go hand in farsighted initiative targets the other mental waste, and spurring exports of hand with environmental protection and high-growth sectors of biotech and phar- high-quality and innovative green prod- sustainability, Tsai said. The time is ripe maceuticals, national defence, smart ucts. for businesses at home and abroad to machinery and Internet of Things, as invest in the country and capitalize on its well as the promotion of a new para- Tsai made the remarks during the joint economic and industrial transformation, digm for agricultural development. opening ceremony of Circular Economy she added. (Source: Taiwan Today)

Taiwan Moves up to 3rd in BERI’s Latest Global Investment Report Business Environment Risk Intelligence improve under President Tsai Ing-wen’s (BERI) SA. leadership.

Finishing equal with Germany and Nor- Concerning operations risk, Taiwan way but behind Switzerland and Singa- topped Asia and ranked sixth globally on pore in that order, Taiwan outpaced its par with Canada and trailing Switzerland, Asian neighbours South Korea in sev- Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and enth; Japan, 10th; and China, 15th. U.S. in that order.

Taiwan’s combined score of 68 earned it The report described the local banking Taipei City is one of the jewels in Tai- a second-best investment rating of 1B, industry as stable and strong, citing its wan’s equity investment crown as indicating that conditions merit sus- 44.3 percent surge in gross profits in tained commitment of equity. This was 2017. BERI also projected Taiwan’s real assessed by U.S.-based Business Envi- the same for Singapore, Germany, Nor- gross domestic product to increase by ronment Risk Intelligence SA in its way, the Netherlands and South Korea, 2.7 percent this year on the strength of latest Profit Opportunity Recommen- with only Switzerland achieving the top “healthy economic activity.” dation report. (Courtesy of Hsinchu 1A rating. Science Park Administration) In terms of remittance and repatriation Of the three rankings comprising the risks, Taiwan continued to top the world, combined score, Taiwan finished 13th in with BERI tipping the nation to retain its Taiwan moved up one spot to third political risks globally. According to BERI, leadership position in the following four among 50 major countries and territories the country’s political ratings are stable years. (Source: Taiwan Today) surveyed in the latest Profit Opportunity and economic conditions are expected to Recommendation report by U.S.-based ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Science & Technology Page 4

President Tsai Pledges to Make Taiwan a Global Smart Machinery Hub industrial revolution, refers to the devel- arms developed by state-backed Indus- opment of digitally connected manufac- trial Technology Research Institute in turing that combines artificial intelli- Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan. gence, big data management, smart automation and the Internet of Things. A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the economic Tsai, who made the remarks while open- revitalisation program targets the three ing the Taiwan Automation Intelligence other high-growth sectors of biotech and and Robot Show at Taipei Nangang Exhi- pharmaceuticals, national defence and President Tsai Ing-wen orders a cof- bition Centre, said the local machinery smart machinery, as well as the promo- fee made with a dash of high-tech industry plays a central role in the coun- tion of two concepts: the circular econ- flair at Taiwan Automation Intelli- try’s economic development, with pro- omy and a new paradigm for agricultural gence and Robot Show in Taipei City. duction value exceeding NT$1 trillion development. (US$32.57 billion) last year. (Courtesy of Office of the President) Another important part of the event is President Tsai Ing-wen said that the gov- A total of 152 companies and institutions the MOEA-organised Taiwan-Japan ernment is making solid progress in from home and abroad are taking part in Smart Manufacturing Forum, which transforming Taiwan into a global hub the event organised by Taipei City-based seeks to establish ties and deepen exist- for smart machinery and intelligent nongovernmental organisation Taiwan ing connections between firms from the manufacturing. Automation Intelligence and Robotics two sides. Association and supported by the minis- Local firms are receiving assistance from tries of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Educa- The show, one of five held concurrently the government in the form of expert tion, and Science and Technology. The at the same venue under the umbrella of advice and subsidies in upgrading their show spotlights the latest technologies the Series of Asia Industry 4.0 and Intelli- manufacturing models, Tsai said. This will and trends in AI, smart manufacturing gent Manufacturing Exhibition, also en- enable them to make the transition from and robotics. compasses 3-D printing, Internet of manual labour to smart production in Things, the mold and die industry, and line with Industry 4.0, she added. Some of the highlights include aerospace mechanical components. (Source: Tai- Industry 4.0, also known as the fourth robot applications and mobile robotic wan Today)

President Tsai Reaffirms Commitment to Growing Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry tional high-tech companies. wan running in Taipei.

Public and private sector collaboration Tsai also took the opportunity to ex- over the past year has seen ramped-up change views with the delegates on key foreign investment in the sector, Tsai issues such as foreign talent recruitment, said. This is evidenced by several top-line high-tech professional cultivation, think equipment and material suppliers show- tank development and opportunities for ing keen interest recently in raising their Taiwan stemming from the U.S.-China stakes, she added. trade war.

President Tsai Ing-wen (centre right) Tsai made the remarks while receiving a The production value of Taiwan’s semi- is joined by representatives of global delegation of representatives from U.S.- conductor industry stood at NT$2.46 based Semiconductor Equipment and trillion (US$80.09 million) in 2017, trail- semiconductor heavyweights and Materials International (SEMI) and Tai- ing only the U.S. and South Korea in that senior government officials at the wan Semiconductor Industry Association, order, according to statistics compiled by Office of President in Taipei City. as well as executives of industry heavy- the Industrial Economics and Knowledge (Courtesy of Office of the President) weights from home and abroad at the Centre under state-backed Industrial Office of the President in Taipei City. Technology Research Institute based in President Tsai Ing-wen said that the gov- Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan. ernment is committed to developing The delegates—including SEMI President (Source: Taiwan Today) Taiwan’s semiconductor sector so as to and CEO Ajit Manocha—are in Taiwan ensure the country remains one of the for the IC60 Master Forum, an event on top investment destinations for interna- the sidelines of the annual Semicon Tai- ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Art and Culture Page 5 Maori Tribes People Visit Taiwan to Explore Cultural Ancestry connected overseas communities along are enjoying every moment of their time the Polynesian migration pathway from in the country owing to its stunning Taiwan to New Zealand. natural beauty and the warm hospitality of its people, he said. Ten Maori teenagers are participating in the 11-day cultural exchange program. Major activities on the group’s itinerary CIP is also arranging for 10 young mem- include attending the annual harvest bers of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes to festival of the Amis tribe in eastern Tai- travel to New Zealand for next year’s wan’s . The participants CIP Minister Icyang Parod (front, sec- Waitangi Day, the Southern Hemisphere will also visit southern Taiwan to learn ond left) exchanges gifts with Ara- country’s national day celebrated Feb. 6. about the customs of the Paiwan tribe, peta Hamilton (front, left), heredi- as well as attend classes on traditional tary leader of the Ngati Manu tribe CIP Minister Icyang Parod said numerous music and dance and hunting and weav- in New Taipei City. (Courtesy of CIP) studies have indicated that Taiwan’s ing practices at the Indigenous Peoples indigenous tribes and the Maori people Cultural Development Centre in Pingtung A group of Maoris from the Ngati Manu share a cultural, genetic and linguistic County. tribe in New Zealand’s Karetu region is heritage. The Hawaiki Project is an excel- visiting Taiwan to explore their cultural lent platform for uncovering connections Indigenous Malayo-Polynesian peoples roots, according to the Cabinet-level between the Austronesian-speaking have lived in Taiwan for millenniums. Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP). groups, he added. The latest CIP statistics revealed that the population of the Taiwan’s 16 officially The tour is sponsored by the CIP and Arapeta Hamilton, hereditary leader of recognized tribes stands at around arranged under the Hawaiki Project, an the Ngati Manu tribe, thanked the minis- 530,000, or 2.3 percent of the nation’s initiative of the Maori tribe aimed at ter and CIP officials for their support of total of 23.5 million. (Source: Taiwan fostering awareness of indigenous iden- the program. While the journey from Today) tity among their young generations as New Zealand to the Maori’s ancestral well as bolstering ties with culturally land in Taiwan was long, the participants Top Taiwan Designs Take Centre Stage at New York Fashion Show Organised by the Taipei Cultural Centre His latest collection was inspired by the in New York under the Ministry of Cul- changes in dawn lighting in urban areas, ture (MOC), the show will feature works the ministry said. by five fashion designers—Joe Chan, Jes- sica Chen, Cheng Pai-cheng, Chelsea Liu The fashion event will be opened with a and Alexandra Peng Charton. dance, music and magic show by Wow Taiwan and feature Billy Chang—the first The centre said the fashion show, co- local dancer to perform in Cirque de hosted with online Asian networking Soliel—and Afu, guitarist from renowned platform AsianInNY, will enable New Taiwan band Sodagreen. Taiwan designers Joe Chan (left) and York audiences to appreciate the Cheng Pai-cheng are set to present strengths of Taiwan’s emerging fashion Wow Taiwan is a month-long program of designers while raising their profile on exhibitions and performances in New their 2019 spring and summer collec- the global stage. York run by a group of artists whose aim tions at the AsianInNY 10th Anniver- is to promote the diversity of the coun- sary Fashion Show. (CNA) Chan, who has his own menswear label, try’s cultural offerings. (Source: Taiwan fuses European fashion with Taiwan Today) techniques. His designs for this show are Taiwan designers are set to present their based on ideas he derived from illustra- 2019 spring and summer collections at tions of medieval surgical procedures, the AsianInNY 10th Anniversary Fashion according to the MOC. Show, drawing international attention to the country’s vibrant cultural and crea- Cheng, known for his designs with bold tive sector. colours and digital prints, draws his work from fairy tales and natural landscapes. ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Medical & health care Page 6 MOFA Minister Unveils US$2 Million Medical Fund at Pacific Islands Forum ister Jaushieh said at a sus- Wu, who is leading a delegation to Nauru tainable development goals roundtable for the four-day PIF, also hosted the Tai- during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in wan/ROC—PIF Forum Dialogue, met ally Nauru. with heads of state and representatives of like-minded countries, and visited Warmly welcomed by PIF member repre- Taiwan technical mission cooperative sentatives during the SDGs event, the projects. Taiwan has participated in the fund will significantly enhance the health annual PIF since 1993 and is considered and well-being of the people in the Pa- an important development partner. cific. It is seen as a natural extension of the extensive and long-standing collabo- Founded in 1971, Fiji-headquartered PIF MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu ration between Taiwan and Pacific na- is an intergovernmental grouping of 18 (fourth, right) announces a US$2 mil- tions in areas like agriculture, education, nations, including Taiwan’s Pacific allies lion medical fund during an SDGs health care and public infrastructure. Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, roundtable attended by Baron Waqa Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. Its goals (fifth right), president of PIF host According to the Ministry of Foreign Af- include boosting economic growth and nation Nauru, and representatives of fairs, the fund will support the deploy- enhancing political governance and secu- ment of Taiwan medical team tasked rity for the region. (Source: Taiwan To- other members of the annual forum. with tackling health issues specific to day) Pacific nations, as well as subsidise re- Taiwan is to establish a US$2 million lated efforts and programs initiated by fund aimed at boosting medical coopera- governments throughout the region. tion with Pacific countries, Foreign Min- BBC Credits Taipei’s Transport, Health Care for City’s Growing Appeal tions selected by the British news organi- Launched in 1995, Taiwan’s National sation as performing better in the Lon- Health Insurance system is a compulsory don-based Economist Intelligence Unit’s single-payer social insurance plan cover- Global Liveability Index released in Au- ing virtually every citizen and foreign gust. It rose two spots to 58th place in resident in Taiwan. It offers convenient the rankings based on five categories: access to inpatient and outpatient ser- stability, health care, culture and envi- vices, dental care, prescription medica- ronment, education, and infrastructure. tions and traditional Chinese treatments.

Describing the city as an “East Asian The other four cities selected by the BBC hub,” the BBC report praised the connec- were Auckland in New Zealand; Buda- Taipei’s health care system is cited as tivity of the capital’s metro system, pest in Hungary; Honolulu in the U.S.; one of the reasons the city has been which extends as far as the country’s and Kuwait City in Kuwait. (Source: Tai- climbing global liveability rankings in main international airport. The Taiwan wan Today) a BBC article published. (Photo cour- Taoyuan International Airport mass rapid tesy of Taiwan Healthcare) transit service is the longest MRT line in the country at 53 km.

The article also quoted overseas resi- dents who said they appreciated the Taipei is climbing in global liveability friendliness of the people, the diversity rankings thanks to its high-quality health of education options, and the afforda- care and transportation infrastructure, bility and high standard of health care spotlighting the city’s reputation as an available to both locals and expats. Cor- increasingly attractive destination for porate adviser Shannon Watson told the business travellers and expatriates, ac- media organization: “The health care cording to a BBC travel article published. system is amazing—and coming from a Canadian with universal health care, that The municipality was one of five loca- means something.” ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Entertainment Page 7 Joint Indigenous Harvest Festival in Hualien Celebrates Tribal Culture filmmaker Ho Wi Ding centres on de- movie, for accompanying him on this pressed former police officer Lao Zhang journey. and his long-soured relationship with his unfaithful wife. Unfolding in reverse “Cities of Last Things” was the sole entry chronological order, the movie depicts from East and Southeast Asia on the 12- the three critical nights in Zhang’s past strong shortlist for the fourth edition of that shaped his personality and interac- the Platform award, which comes with a tions with women. cash prize of 25,000 Canadian dollars (US$19,180). The 107-minute production Taiwan actor Lee Hong-chi (right) According to the festival jury, the direc- is set to be screened at the Busan Inter- tor demonstrated an exceptional ability national Film Festival running Oct. 4-13 stars as the young Lao Zhang in Tai- to “weave together multiple genres with in South Korea before opening nation- wan-produced drama “Cities of Last social and political critique, while telling wide in Taiwan from Oct. 26. Things,” winner of the Platform prize a story that remains intimately human at at the TIFF. (Courtesy of Changhe its core.” Describing “Cities of Last Founded in 1976, the TIFF is one of the Films Ltd.) Things” as deeply moving, the jury wrote largest film festivals in the world, attract- “the film has a spirit that always feels ing an average of more than 6,000 sub- Taiwan-produced “Cities of Last Things” beautifully close to real life.” missions annually. A total of 342 were won the Platform prize for risk-taking screened over the course of the 11-day movies with high artistic merit at the Unable to attend the award ceremony, festival this year, including 254 features 43rd Toronto International Film Festival Ho expressed gratitude for the prize and 88 shorts, according to the event (TIFF). through a short video. Noting that the organiser. (Source: Taiwan Today) project took many years to complete, he Making its world premiere at the event, conveyed special thanks to his wife Hu the drama by Taiwan-based Malaysian Chih-hsin, one of the producers of the GACC Event to Showcase Taiwan Music, Design Products in Tokyo the nation’s rich heritage. It is scheduled Running alongside the concerts, the Tai- to be held annually in Tokyo for the next wan Cultural Market is set to display three years. goods by 50 design brands. Among the products on offer will be bubble milk tea, GACC Deputy Secretary-General Chang handicrafts like embroidered shoes and Tieh-chih said that the eyes of the world rush-woven bags, and stationery inspired will be drawn to the Japanese capital in by artefacts in Taipei-based National the run-up to the 2020 Summer Olym- Palace Museum. pics, making it an ideal overseas venue to highlight the country’s traditions. Each The exhibition will demonstrate tradi- edition of Taiwan Plus will focus on a tional methods of drying fruits and vege- GACC Deputy Secretary-General different aspect of local culture, with tables to extend their shelf life. Taipei- Chang Tieh-chih unveils the Taiwan music taking centre stage at the inaugu- based creative brand Pinmo Pure Store is ral event, he added. also set to present its unique technique Plus initiative in Taipei City. for printing without using ink or chemi- Themed The Sound of Island, the concert cals. A Taiwan cultural event comprising con- portion of this year’s showcase will spot- certs, a market offering creative prod- light the ethnic and cultural diversity of GACC, founded in 1967 and headed by ucts and an exhibition of traditional food Taiwan’s music sector. Performers in- President Tsai Ing-wen, works to deepen preservation techniques will be staged at clude Hakka artist Ayugo Huang; Holo understanding of local traditions, foster Ueno Park in Tokyo. singer-songwriter Hsieh Ming-yu; elec- international exchanges and facilitate tronic music group The Girl and the Ro- the development of Taiwan’s cultural Organised by Taipei City-based General bots; as well as indigenous talents Pau- and creative industries. (Source: Taiwan Association of Chinese Culture (GACC) in dull; Sangpuy Katatepan Mavaliyw; and Today) collaboration with the Taiwan-Japan Re- Abao—also known as Aljenjeng Tjatjali- lations Association, Taiwan Plus aims to juvy. strengthen international awareness of ISSUE 9

E EWS SA-TAIWAN N Tourism Page 8 Taiwan Taoyuan Airport Ranks Third Globally for Service Quality

TTIA placed third in the largest group by travelers and is expected to be able to size at the Airport Service Quality Awards serve up to 86 million passengers a year hosted by the Montreal-based global once construction on a third terminal is trade body. India’s Indira Gandhi Interna- completed. tional Airport in Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai This honor means that the airport was shared the top spot, with Beijing and also inducted into the ACI Director- Shanghai Pudong airports in China in General’s Roll of Excellence, according to joint second place. TIAC. Airports that rank at least in the TIAC Senior Vice President Hung Yu- top five that year and have won first fen (right) receives an Airport Service At the awards ceremony, facility opera- place at least five times in the past dec- Quality Award on behalf of Taiwan tor Taoyuan International Airport Corp. ade make the list. Ltd. Senior Vice President Hung Yu-fen Taoyuan International Airport in said the company will continue working The Airport Service Quality Awards are Halifax, Canada. (Courtesy of TTIA) with all parties in offering the best ser- based on over 600,000 passenger satis- vices for domestic and international trav- faction surveys of 343 airports in 84 Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport elers. countries and territories. was honored for being among the best facilities in the world serving over 40 This is the first time the country’s main Taoyuan airport is frequently recognized million passengers a year by Airports international gateway has been recog- for its outstanding facilities and services. Council International Sept. 12 in Halifax, nized in this category after it exceeded It won best immigration services in 2018 Canada. the passenger threshold in 2016. Last and best airport staff the previous year year, the airport handled 44.88 million in U.K.-based air travel research group

The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Congress to be Held in Penghu

the MBBW Club, which invited Penghu through the Taipei Representative Office in France to apply for membership. The unique bay atmosphere formed from Penghu’s geology, rich culture and his- tory left a deep impression on the or- ganisation’s other members, and after three years of efforts, the application process was completed and formal mem- bership obtained.

It will be an important time in the County’s journey onto the international stage and so, in addition to the meeting, Penghu will host the Most Beautiful Bay Headquartered in Vannes, Central Yeosu bay in Korea, Ha Long Bay in Viet- Carnival. Other planned events include France, “The Most Beautiful Bays in the nam and Penghu Bay in Taiwan. Every the Night at the Bay, an arts parade, the World (MBBW)” is an international NGO time the World Congress (the annual Seafood Festival, the Conference on the club founded in 1997 and supported by meeting) of the MBBW Club is held in Ocean, a global marketing expo, the UNESCO. On the occasion of the 20th each member state, it also symbolises Global Charity Queen Pageant, IRON- anniversary in 2017, the organisation the joint determination to safeguard the MAN Taiwan, and an international yacht pledged to make an effort to promote world bays. expo. (Source: https:// the protection of natural and cultural eng.taiwan.net.tw) resources of world bays. This year the annual congress and carni- val will be held in Penghu. In the MBBW Club there are currently a total of 43 bays from 25 countries, in- Penghu’s longstanding efforts in marine cluding Mont Saint-Michel Bay in France, life conservation caught the attention of ISSUE 9

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Sport Page 9

H s i e h S u - wei Clinches Japan Women’s Open Title for the first time since February 2013. to a shift in mentality. Having struggled with an ankle injury last season, the Tai- Playing her first singles final for six years, wan athlete said that she is focusing on second-seeded Hsieh started slowly, los- playing without pressure and enjoying ing seven of the opening nine points and her time on the court. giving up three break points to Anisi- mova. With the American player unable Best known as a doubles star, Hsieh is to take advantage of these early oppor- formerly the world’s top-ranked tunities, the 32-year-old Taiwanese took women’s doubles player, winning the Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan during the fi- command of the match, building a 4-1 doubles titles at Wimbledon in 2013 and nal of the Japan Women’s Open in Hi- lead in securing the first set. the French Open in 2014. Her previous roshima. (UDN) WTA singles crowns came in 2012 at the Hsieh rode this momentum into the sec- Malaysia Open and Guangzhou Open in Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei clinched the Japan ond set, consistently out-thinking her China. Women’s Open in Hiroshima with a 6-2, less-experienced opponent, as exempli- 6-2 win over Amanda Anisimova of the fied by a stunning improvised drop shot This season, Hsieh has experienced a U.S. in the fifth game. Despite losing her resurgence in singles form, defeating serve in the next game, she continued to third-seeded Garbine Muguruza while Hsieh secured her third career Women’s confound Anisimova with clever angles reaching the fourth round of the Austra- Tennis Association title with an emphatic and net play, before clinching the cham- lian Open and upsetting World No. 1 58-minute triumph over the unseeded pionship with a smash. Simona Halep to qualify for the same 17-year-old. Victory earned the Taiwan round at Wimbledon. (Source: Taiwan star US$43,000 in prize money and cata- Speaking after the match, Hsieh ex- Today) pulted her to 29th in the WTA rankings, pressed pride in her performance and marking her return to the world top 30 attributed her recent run of good results

Taiwan Tug of War Teams Show Strength at World Championships

der-23 500-kilogram event, beating the biennial TWIF World Outdoor Tug of South Africa and again in the senior 540- War Championships in Cape Town. kg weight class, defeating Basque Coun- try. Taiwan is looking to defend its women’s 500-kg title, which it has won four con- The other women’s team to shine was secutive times since 2010, according to from National Nantou Senior High School the national tug of war association based in central Taiwan, who claimed Taiwan’s in Taipei. It is also hoping to keep the first gold medal in the junior 480-kg con- women’s 540-kg title nabbed in 2016. Taiwan women’s team pulls for gold test after thrashing South Africa. in the under-23 500-kg event at the Local athletes took home six golds, one TWIF Open Clubs Competition in Cape The remaining two golds were claimed silver and one bronze at the 2016 out- Town, South Africa. (Courtesy of by mixed teams also after crushing the door club and world championships, ac- CTTWA) host country. cording to the association.

Taoyuan Municipal Shou Shan Senior More than 1,100 competitors from 20 Taiwan has walked away with five gold High School in northern Taiwan and Nan- countries and territories including Aus- medals—one short of half the total tou Senior High won the junior 520-kg tralia, Belgium, Nigeria, the U.K. and U.S. medal haul—at the 2018 Tug of War In- contest. Competitors from Jingmei Girls are taking part in the event this year, ternational Federation (TWIF) Outdoor High and Taoyuan City-headquartered according to TWIF. (Source: Taiwan Club Championships in Cape Town, South National Taiwan Sport University News) Africa. grabbed gold in the under-23 560-kg contest. Students and alumni from Taipei Jingmei Girls High School and National Taiwan The Outdoor Club Championships is a Normal University triumphed in the un- curtain raiser to the event’s highlight,