Taipei Liaison Office in the RSA SA-TAIWAN eNews DECEMBER 27TH 2019 PUBLISHER: MATTHEW CHOU ISSUE 12

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

Taiwan thanks US president for signing NDAA 2020

The signing of the National Defense fulfill its responsibilities maintaining interagency working group in this Authorization Act 2020 by U.S. regional peace and stability, Taiwan regard. President Donald J. Trump, which will continue to actively improve contains passages highlighting Tai- military readiness and build up its The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and wan’s national security and China’s self-defense capabilities,” he added. National Defense also welcomed attempted electoral interference, is the positive development, saying sincerely appreciated by the coun- Introduced by U.S. Sen. James In- the bill’s enactment reflects the try, according to the Presidential hofe, the legislation describes Tai- unwavering support of both the U.S. Office Dec. 21. wan as a vital partner critical to a executive and legislative branches free and open Indo-Pacific region, for Taiwan. Taiwan and the U.S. share the fun- and reaffirms U.S. commitment to damental values of freedom and the Taiwan Relations Act and Six The MOFA said it will remain in democracy, PO Spokesperson Alex Assurances. close contact with the U.S. on secu- Huang said, adding that the govern- rity issues, while the MND pledged ment will continue working with the It also calls for enhanced Taiwan- to deepen the two sides’ mutually White House to enhance bilateral U.S. cooperation on cybersecurity, beneficiary partnership to ensure security cooperation. and directs the U.S. defense secre- security and stability in the region tary to submit a report on the feasi- and across the Taiwan Strait. “To safeguard national security and bility of establishing a high-level,

December Snapshots of Taiwan

Left,President Tsai Ing-wen (left), People First Party Chairman James Soong (center) and Kaohsiung City Mayor Han Kuo-yu are all smiles during the first presidential election policy presentation Dec. 18 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Central Election Commission) ;Middle, An F-16 model takes center stage during a memorandum of understand- ing signing ceremony Dec. 17 between Taichung City-based Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. and U.S.- headquartered Lockheed Martin Corp. on establishing a maintenance center for the aircraft in central Taiwan. (CNA) ;Right,Former MLB pitcher Kuo Hong-chih (right) watches over little leaguers during a baseball camp Dec. 18 in Taoyuan City, northern Taiwan. (Courtesy of Taoyuan City Government) ISSUE 12

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 2 President Tsai attends 14th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony On the morning of December 10, democracy, freedom, and basic hu- President Tsai Ing-wen presented the man rights, but are being oppressed 14th Asia Democracy and Human and attacked by authoritarian govern- Rights Award to the Diplomacy Train- ments. ing Program and conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on For Taiwanese, even when democracy Mr. Carl Gershman, President of the has become as natural as breathing, US National Endowment for Democ- we cannot forget that safeguarding racy (NED). In remarks, President Tsai democracy is our responsibility, and emphasized that safeguarding democ- supporting democracy is our convic- racy is our responsibility and support- tion. As Taiwanese have shown, peo- ing democracy is our conviction. She ple can change history. When many also called on everyone to join hands ence. That experience inspired him to people unite as one, they have a and continue to work together for advocate for "people's diplomacy," chance to change the course of his- democracy, freedom, and human which links civil society and interna- tory. So let's join hands and continue rights. tional human rights mechanisms to to work together for democracy, free- seek effective remedial measures. dom, and human rights. Thank you. A translation of President Tsai's re- marks follows: Over the past 30 years, the Diplomacy After awarding the Diplomacy Train- I would like to welcome everyone to Training Program has provided assis- ing Program, President Tsai presented this award ceremony. Today is a spe- tance to more than 3,000 human NED President Gershman with the cial day. It is not only Human Rights rights workers from over 60 countries Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cor- Day, but also the 40th anniversary of in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and don in recognition of his outstanding the Kaohsiung Incident, a pivotal North Africa. Training topics have contribution to enhancing Taiwan-US event in Taiwan's democratization. included human rights, indigenous relations. peoples' rights, migrant workers' A few days ago, I was in Kaohsiung to take rights, environmental protection, and In remarks, President Gershman be- part in a march to commemorate the Kaohsi- LGBTI+ rights. The Diplomacy Training gan by expressing his gratitude to ung Incident. I returned to the historical Program has made it possible for the President Tsai for honoring him. He scene of the incident, together with some of seeds of human rights to flourish and stated that he visited for the first the original participants and their defense bear fruit around the world, and offer time 25 years ago and encouraged attorneys. In the 40 years since that time, mutual support. Taiwan to join the community of everyone has taken a different path in life, countries that was fostering democ- and perhaps thinks differently about politics We have another distinguished guest racy. In the quarter of a century since or joined a different political party. here at today's ceremony whose con- then, he said, Taiwan has become a tributions deserve special mention. dynamic, stable, and successful lib- This is precisely what is precious and That is NED President Carl Gershman. eral democratic model, exemplified endearing about Taiwan's democracy. For many years, the NED has kept a by President Tsai herself as the na- That year, our democratic predeces- close and constant watch on democ- tion's first democratically elected sors showed incredible courage in ratic development around the world, female head of state. resisting oppression by an authoritar- which has been a great source of en- ian government and helped give birth couragement for advocacy groups in President Gershman continued by to the free and democratic Taiwan of many countries. The Taiwan Founda- saying that Taiwanese society now today. The Kaohsiung Incident was a tion for Democracy (TFD) is flourish- embraces universal values like free- turning point in Taiwan's path to de- ing today, also due to President dom, democracy, civil society, and mocratization. Gershman's support. free media. These principles are per- fectly compatible with Confucian cul- The people of Taiwan have not forgot- The Diplomacy Training Program, the ture and are, therefore, truly univer- ten this historical memory. Because NED, and the TFD all share the same sal. China's rise and the threat it now they have not forgotten, democracy objectives: the continuous promotion poses to countries in East Asia and has gradually been consolidated in of universal values of democracy, beyond have made Taiwan's success- Taiwan, and today we are contribut- freedom, and human rights. ful democratic system even more sig- ing to global democracy and human nificant. Taiwan's example, he said, rights initiatives through the Asia De- Today is Human Rights Day and also inspires people to believe in democ- mocracy and Human Rights Award. the 40th anniversary of the Kaohsiung racy and offers ethnic Chinese world- Incident, so I want to appeal to like- wide a vision for a better future, and The winner of this year's Asia Democ- minded friends in the international he believes that a day will come when racy and Human Rights Award is an community: In the history of mankind, the whole world will enjoy freedom organization devoted to transnational democracies have not been around and democracy. empowerment, the Diplomacy Train- that long. But history has proven that ing Program. The Diplomacy Training democracy is the most resilient politi- Also in attendance were TFD Chair- Program was founded in 1989 by for- cal system and can best resolve dis- man Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全), National mer Timor-Leste President José putes and unite the will of the peo- Security Council Secretary-General Ramos-Horta and Emeritus Professor ple. David. T. Lee (李大維), and Nicara- Garth Nettheim. Mr. Ramos-Horta had sought interna- There are many countries and regions guan Ambassador to the ROC William tional support and called for global in our part of the world that are not Manuel Tapia Aleman (Dean of the action to stop human rights violations yet on the path to democratization. foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan). in Timor-Leste before its independ- And there are many people who seek (Source: Office of the President ) ISSUE 12

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Business and Economics Page 3 President Tsai meets US Assistant Secretary for Global Markets Ian Steff President Tsai Ing-wen met with Ian be expanding their investments in Steff, Assistant Secretary for Global Taiwan, strengthening our crucial Markets and Director General of the place in both the DRAM manufactur- U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service ing industry and the semiconductor at the US Department of Com- supply chain. merce's International Trade Admini- stration on the morning of Decem- Taiwan plays an irreplaceable role ber 9. The president stated that Tai- in the global high-tech supply chain. wan plays an irreplaceable role in of State for the Bureau of East Asian As global economic conditions con- the global high-tech supply chain. and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell and tinue to face dramatic changes due As global economic conditions con- Department of Agriculture Foreign to the US-China trade conflict, a tinue to face dramatic changes due Agricultural Service Administrator high-quality BTA between Taiwan to the US-China trade conflict, she Ken Isley to Fortune magazine's top and the United States would ensure said, a high-quality bilateral trade 500 companies urging them to a reliable and secure supply chain agreement (BTA) between Taiwan strengthen commercial ties with and inject new momentum into our and the United States would ensure Taiwan. The US government's inter- countries' economies to spur eco- a reliable and secure supply chain departmental support for Taiwan is nomic growth and prosperity. and inject new momentum into our the strongest proof that Taiwan-US countries' economies to spur eco- relations are at their best ever. I know that you are in Taiwan to nomic growth and prosperity. take part in the third Taiwan-US In addition to serving as a steadfast Digital Economy Forum, where we A translation of President Tsai's re- democratic ally to the United will explore the opportunities and marks follows: States, Taiwan is also a reliable challenges the digital economy It is a pleasure to welcome you to commercial partner. This year, Tai- brings. I look forward to continuing the Presidential Office. This is my wan once again sent the largest to work with the United States in second time meeting with Assistant delegation to the SelectUSA Invest- this respect, so that we can both Secretary Steff in the past year. I ment Summit hosted by the Depart- work toward becoming digital na- have also heard that in the more ment of Commerce, and the delega- tions. than two years you have worked at tion garnered outstanding results. the U.S. Department of Commerce, Finally, I want to welcome Assistant Taiwan is the trading partner you Taiwan's free and open market has Secretary Steff and our guests once have visited the most. I want to also attracted many US companies again, and wish you all a smooth thank you for attaching such great to actively invest in Taiwan. Cutting- and successful visit. Thank you. importance to Taiwan. edge firms like CISCO, Google, Mi- crosoft, and Amazon Web Services American Institute in Taiwan Taipei I also want to take the opportunity have all established R&D or innova- Office Director William Brent Chris- to thank Assistant Secretary Steff tion centers in Taiwan. Both Micron tensen was also present at the for signing a joint letter this past Technology and Applied Materials meeting.(Source: Office of the Presi- September with Assistant Secretary recently announced that they will dent ) NDC launches Startup Island Taiwan branding

Local startups now have a badge they branding, comprising a logo that can be To capitalize on this culture of innova- can wear with pride following the launch freely used by all the country’s startup tion, numerous consultations and work- of the Startup Island Taiwan branding ventures, is a massive stride forward in shops have been held since October last Dec. 18 in Taipei City by the Cabinet-level boosting the visibility of local companies. year to create an eye-catching brand, the National Development Council, spotlight- The move will help further economic NDC said, adding that Startup Island Tai- ing government efforts to promote the growth while providing Taiwan busi- wan was the consensus choice of both country’s budding entrepreneurs. nesses with a unified identity for market- government officials and startup com- ing their products on the global stage, munity representatives. Organized by the NDC, the launch event she added. was attended by Digital Minister Audrey The branding is the latest in a range of Tang alongside officials from the Minis- According to the NDC, Taiwan was this government policies designed to provide tries of Culture, Economic Affairs, For- year named one of the world’s four most local startups with a competitive edge. eign Affairs and Science and Technology, innovative countries for the second con- These include the launch of several hubs as well as over 100 representatives from secutive time by Switzerland-based for related businesses, such as Taipei- Taiwan-based startups. World Economic Forum, trailing only based Taiwan Tech Arena and New Germany, Switzerland and the U.S. Taipei City-based Startup Terrace. NDC Minister Chen Mei-ling said the ISSUE 12

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Science & Technology Page 4 World science academy elects 3 Academia Sinica scholars Academia Sinica academicians Chung nologies. He is also a member of the U.S. Bon-chu, James C. Liao, and Lu Chih-yuan National Academy of Inventors, and was were among 36 new fellows elected to honored with the Frederik Philips Award Italy-based The World Academy of Sci- from New York-headquartered Institute ences Dec. 10, spotlighting their respec- of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in tive efforts in advancing human knowl- 2012. edge. ored for his research on metabolic engi- neering of microorganisms to produce According to Academia Sinica, the result Chung, a distinguished research fellow in next generation biofuels, as well as his is recognition from their peers for the the Institute of Molecular Biology at Tai- study on human obesity. A member of researchers’ personal achievements. It wan’s top research body, was selected the U.S. National Academy of Engineer- serves as further evidence of the coun- for her achievements in delineating how ing, Liao received the U.S. National Acad- try’s contributions to global science and steroids function in zebrafish and discov- emy of Sciences Award in 2014. technology R&D, the institution added. ering the mechanism of neurosteroid actions. She is also a member of India- Lu, president and chief technology offi- Founded in 1983, TWAS has elected based Zoological Society of Kolkata and cer of Hsinchu City-based Macronix In- 1,278 fellows to date. New members are winner of a Ministry of Education acad- ternational Co. Ltd. in northern Taiwan, elected from fields such as agriculture, emy award in 2006. was awarded for his work in semiconduc- astronomy, chemistry, economics, tor device physics, silicon integrated cir- mathematics, medical and social sci- Academia Sinica President Liao was hon- cuit development and integration tech- ences, and physics. Cabinet honors top Taiwan talents with science and technology award

Chan Tak-wai and Wu Yih-min are win- 811 educational intuitions. tribution saves lives and showcases Tai- ners of the 2019 Cabinet Award for Out- wan’s scientific prowess on the interna- standing Science and Technology Contri- Wu, chairman and professor of Depart- tional stage. bution for respective efforts in advancing ment of Geosciences at Taipei City-based digital learning and earthquake warning National Taiwan University, created a The government sincerely appreciates systems. low-cost earthquake early warning sys- the contributions of the scientists, and is tem capable of detecting epicenters and fully committed to expanding related Chan, chair professor of Graduate Insti- issuing alerts 10 to 30 seconds before funding and programs supporting tech- tute of Network Learning Technology at seismic waves hit. The system is utilized nology development in Taiwan, Chen National Central University in northern by countries like Greece, India, Mexico, added. Taiwan’s Taoyuan City, developed an New Zealand and South Korea. online learning platform in 2000 under Launched in 1976, the annual award is Ministry of Education-backed project. He Vice Premier Chen Chi-mai said during given to those excelling in such fields as is presently working on a digital schools the award ceremony Dec. 12 that Chan’s agriculture, biology, engineering, human, initiative for students in remote or outly- work helps ensure equal access to edu- natural and social sciences, and medi- ing areas involving 600,000 users from cational opportunities, while Wu’s con- cine. ISSUE 12

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Art and Culture Page 5 CIP honors Taiwan indigenous literature awards winners

Winners of the Taiwan indigenous litera- The winner in the novella category was Taiwanese— ture awards organized by the Cabinet- “A Night without the Moon” by Paiwan to examine a level Council of Indigenous Peoples were author Pan Chen-yu. Inspired by a failed maid’s rela- honored Dec. 21 in Taipei City, spotlight- timber theft plot in southern Taiwan’s tionship with ing some of the country’s best aboriginal Kaohsiung City, the story examines illegal members of authors. logging, irresponsible land management her em- and residents’ struggles between the ployer’s The four recipients come from the Ata- conflicting interests of capitalism and household. yal, Paiwan, and Truku tribes, finishing environmental conservation. atop a 120-strong field in the categories In the reporting category, Truku author of novella, poetry, essay and reporting. In the poem category, “Oral Epic” by Robiaq Umau’s “Who Can Harvest My Atayal author Sayun Yuming won out Father’s Arrow Bamboo Garden” tri- According to CIP, this year saw a rise in with its focus on the role of verbal narra- umphed, earning praise for its use of first the number of young authors, signaling tives in passing on indigenous history -person narration in telling the story of a the emergence of a new generation of throughout Taiwan’s various ruling re- young couple working as hill farmers. talent. In addition to common topics gimes. such as identity, cultural heritage and Founded in 2010, the annual indigenous modernization, entries for the latest edi- Also written by Yuming, winning essay literature awards are designed to en- tion focused on broader issues like family “Helper” impressed the judges with its courage the country’s native authors by and social phenomena, the council said. use of multiple languages— Atayal, Can- recognizing outstanding works. tonese, English and Holo, also known as

NPM ties up with Louvre, Tate Modern on new media art exhibition

A new media-curated exhibition Branch, he added. comprising pieces from institu- tions in Taiwan, Czech Republic, Since opening in December 2015, France, Germany and the U.K. NPMSB has proven popular with kicked off at National Palace Mu- lovers of Asian art from home and seum’s Southern Branch Dec. 17 abroad. On Dec. 7, the facility in Chiayi County. broke the 1 million visitor mark— a milestone underscoring the suc- Running until March 26 next year, “A calligraphies and traditional ink-wash cess of government efforts to provide Carnival of Fantasies: A Special Exhibition paintings at virtual reality installations; more opportunities for cultural enrich- of 21st Century Museums” features RT, projections of all exhibition pieces; ment in the south of the country. popular exhibits from Taipei City-based and TLS, Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” NPM; Mucha Foundation, Czech Repub- using a VR gallery. NPM, established in 1965, is the world’s lic; Louvre and Orangerie museums, largest treasure house of Chinese impe- France; Old National Gallery, Germany; NPM Director Wu Mi-cha said the event rial art, boasting nearly 700,000 antiqui- and Tate Modern, the U.K. is an exciting opportunity to utilize cut- ties covering 7,000 years from the pre- ting-edge technology in sharing some of historic Neolithic period to the end of The four sections are Aesthetic World, the world’s finest artworks with locals. It the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). NPM Voyage, River of Time and The Lou- also builds closer ties between NPM and vre Station. AM showcases world-famous other leading institutions while helping artworks via new media devices; NPMV, attract more visitors to the Southern ISSUE 12

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Medical & health care Page 6 Chiayi Christian Hospital, Dr. Wei Fu-chan awarded MOFA’s Friend of Foreign Service Medals

Chiayi Christian Hospital and Dr. Wei centage of women receiving postnatal Fu-chan of Chang Gung Memorial treatment increased from 22 to 90 per- Hospital were awarded the Ministry of cent in areas covered by the program. Foreign Affairs’ Friend of Foreign Ser- vice Medals at a ceremony Dec. 19 in Wei, based at CGMH in northern Tai- Taipei City. wan’s Taoyuan City, is an academician at Academia Sinica—the nation’s fore- Presented by MOFA Minister Jaushieh most research organization. His raft of Joseph Wu, the medals signify the deep derscore the importance of the country’s innovative medical procedures are appreciation of the government and peo- meaningful participation in the World praised the world over, and positioned ple for CCH and the surgeon’s extensive Health Organization, he added. him as a leading figure in reconstructive contributions to promoting international microsurgery, according to the MOFA. medical cooperation and raising the The ministry said CCH in the southern global profile of Taiwan, according to the Taiwan county of Chiayi was recognized Over the past 30 years Wei has helped MOFA. for implementing a variety of public pro- train around 2,300 surgeons from 80 jects in several allies, as well as Myan- plus countries and territories, as well as Taiwan is a powerhouse when it comes mar, the Philippines, Thailand and Togo. assisted in ministry’s international medi- to medical technology and services, Wu cal diplomacy campaigns. These include said. In addition to strengthening ties One of the most successful is a maternal a documentary series in partnership with with allies and enhancing the well-being and infant health care improvement pro- Discovery Channel spotlighting the coun- of the people, the efforts of such health ject in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Since the try’s world-class health care. care institutions and professionals un- initiative’s launch in July 2016, the per-

5 Taiwan airlines honored for occupational health and safety excellence

Five Taiwan airlines were recognized for headquartered in northern Taiwan’s tional health and safety. It is hoped the excellence in occupational health and Taoyuan City, for a health management private sector will follow the lead of the safety at a triannual interministerial system ensuring employees and passen- award recipients in striving to do even awards ceremony Dec. 18 in Taipei City. gers potentially exposed to infectious more to safeguard the health of the diseases during in-flight service can be country’s 23 million people, he added. Organized by Taiwan Centers for Disease quickly identified and provided with nec- Control under the Ministry of Health and essary treatment. Other awarded carri- A regular winner in global surveys, EVA Welfare; Civil Aeronautics Administra- ers are China Airlines and Tigerair Tai- was named last month best overall car- tion, Ministry of Transportation and wan, both based in Taoyuan, and Taipei- rier in East Asia by U.S.-based Airline Communications; and Occupational headquartered Mandarin Airlines and Passenger Experience Association, or Safety and Health Administration, Minis- Uni Air. APEX. It is also one of the world’s 20 saf- try of Labor, the awards spanned 25 ar- est airlines for the sixth year running, eas such as emergency response capabil- Chou Jih-haw, director general of CDC, according to the latest assessment by ity, regular health reporting practices said during the awards ceremony that Australia-headquartered aviation re- and routine sanitation procedures. Taiwan’s airlines are a credit to the air views website AirlineRatings.com. transportation industry, and committed Top honors went to EVA Airways Corp., to setting new benchmarks in occupa- ISSUE 12

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Entertainment Page 7 Final selection results announcement for Taiwan team representing Taiwan in the 2020 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Young Lions competition sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs To encourage young people from Taiwan sent Taiwan by a jury of experts: high praise from the jury. The Ministry of to find creative ways to promote Taiwan Foreign Affairs will award each of the on the world stage, the Ministry of For- First prize: ‘The Pen’ three winning teams in the professional eign Affairs has teamed up with the Name of entrants: Tsai Kun-ting & Hsu category NT$250,000, to attend the in- Cannes Lions International Festival of Chia-chen ternational competition at the Cannes Creativity’s representative organization Team name: Wunderman Thompson Lions International Festival of Creativity in Taiwan for the fifth time, in selecting Taipei in France in June of 2020. teams from August 27 to December 3 to Second prize: ‘Waste Man - Where does represent Taiwan as part of the Young a waste of space like me go when I die?’ This year, we invited Nadya Kirillova, the Lions film competition at the festival. The Name of entrants: Chian Ya-ting & Yeh Si- creative director of Japan’s Dentsu Team results of the selection were announced you B and Carlos Andres Rodriguez and Juan at Tamkang University on December 8. Team name: 1421 Pablo Garcia, the creative director and Third prize: ‘Make Land Smile, Start From general business director of MullenLowe This year, teams were asked to showcase Taiwan’ SSP3 to serve on our jury. Taiwan’s efforts in achieving the United Name of entrants: Lin Chia-hsuan & Nations sustainable development goals Tseng Fan-hao Entries in this year’s selection process and there was an unprecedented num- Team Name: Yanjing x Lianguang have already been uploaded to the Min- ber of entries this year, with 85 teams istry of Foreign Affairs’ Trending Taiwan taking part and over 100 short videos Chung Yi-ting and Gung Chun-kang’s en- YouTube channel (https://reurl.cc/ submitted. Three teams picked to repre- try in the student category also received A1Lzbj).

Winners of MOFA short video competition announced The winners of a competition to produce According to the MOFA, the winners videos promoting Taiwan’s efforts to were determined by an international realize the U.N. Sustainable Develop- panel of judges including Nadya Kirillova ment Goals were announced Dec. 8 by from Russia, creative director of Japan’s the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a Dentsu Team B; Carlos Andres Rodriguez ceremony at Tamkang University in New from Colombia, creative director of Taipei City, spotlighting how the govern- Top honor went to “The Pen” by team MullenLowe SSP3; and Juan Pablo Garcia ment is fostering the country’s next gen- Wunderman Thompson Taipei, which from Colombia, general business director eration of creative talent. tells the story of the pen President Tsai of MullenLowe SSP3. Ing-wen used to sign the bill legalizing Organized in collaboration with Taipei same-sex marriage in Taiwan earlier this As well as being published on the City-based Kleinerfisch.com, the contest year. MOFA’s Trending Taiwan YouTube chan- attracted 100 submissions from 85 two- nel, the winning videos will be entered member teams comprising mostly local Second place went to “Waste Man - into international competition at the college students and young marketing Where Does a Waste of Space Like Me Cannes Lions International Festival of professionals. Go When I Die?” by team 1421, followed Creativity set for June 22-26, 2020 in by “Make Land Smile, Start From Tai- France. The MOFA will provide Of these, 12 teams made it to the final wan” by team Yanjing x Lianguang in NT$250,000 (US$8,192) in sponsorship round, where each was given 24 hours to third place. for the creators to attend the event. produce a one-minute video. ISSUE 12

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Tourism Page 8

Kinmen County Government tops Taiwan Tourist Shuttle honors

Kinmen County Government is visitors from home and winner of top Taiwan Tourist abroad. The government will Shuttle honors, according to the spare no effort in continuing Tourism Bureau under the Minis- to boost Taiwan’s appeal as a try of Transportation and Com- world-class destination munications Dec. 20. through promoting the imple- mentation of multilingual ser- KCG outperformed in core ser- vices and sustainable tourism vice areas of management, staff and local government to strengthening practices, he added. transportation, as well as successfully every aspect of the outlying area’s incorporated the main attractions of tourism industry, the bureau added. TTS connects tourism sites to bus, rail battlefield and southern Fujian cul- and high-speed rail networks around ture into its shuttle service, the bu- Bureau Deputy Director Chou Ting- Taiwan. Its 49 routes operated by 28 reau said. This approach underscores chang said TTS plays a key role in cre- public sector entities handled 4.66 the deep-seated commitment of the ating seamless travel experiences for million riders last year.

Taiwan, Netherlands ink working holiday pact

Taiwan and the Netherlands have concluded a reciprocal working holi- The Netherlands has been the single day agreement to strengthen bilat- biggest source of foreign direct in- eral youth exchanges, according to vestment to Taiwan every year since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dec. 2016, Wittich said, adding that it is 16. also the second-largest trading part- ner in Europe, with yearly trade sur- The memorandum of understanding, passing NT$10 billion (US$330 mil- which is expected effect Apr. 1, 2020, toward such an agreement since his lion). will allow 100 citizens per year aged time as representative to the Nether- 18-30 from each side to live and lands, adding that it is expected to In addition to the Netherlands, Tai- work in the other country. Under the play a key role in deepening ex- wan has established working holiday arrangement, young adults from Tai- changes between both nations. agreements with 16 other nations: wan can apply for one-year visas, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, while those from the Netherlands Echoing Lee’s remarks, Netherlands Czech Republic, France, Germany, can apply for a 180-day visa with the Trade and Investment Office Repre- Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Luxem- option of a 180-day extension. sentative Guy Wittich said the deal bourg, New Zealand, Poland, Slova- will enable young adults to experi- kia, South Korea and the U.K. At the signing ceremony in Taipei ence the cultures and lifestyles of City, MOFA Secretary-General James both sides while building on the al- K. J. Lee said he had been working ready robust bilateral relationship.