Good morning, honorable chairman of WITSA, chairman of WCIT2000, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China, I sincerely thank you for participating in this great event. It is also a huge honor and privilege for CISA to host the 2000 World Congress on Information Technology.
Progress in technology over the past 50 years has surpassed that of world civilization for the entire past millennia. The progress of information technology, in particular, has dramatically changed our lives and work. The R.O.C government has endeavored relentlessly to develop Taiwan's technology industry for the past half century, and in the future, the government will make more effort to keep technology policies concurrent with global trends. This island also aims to develop its information industry so that we can continue to play a significant role in the future and so that the world we live in will be improved greatly as well. The new government is committed to a sustainable technology policy based on this goal.
Technology in the Republic of China, especially the realm of information technology, has helped us become one of the indispensable members in the global family. Our achievements in this field have gained us positive recognition from the world and this industry alike. To mark the beginning of this new millenium, with the solid foundation people here have laid while taking into consideration the sustainable development of Taiwan's technology, we have decided to make Taiwan a "Green Silicon Island". We hope that future generations will enjoy not only highly developed technology, but also a clean healthy environment.
Affluent material life is a reflection of the progress in civilization, but we must not forget the need for a clean environment. Over-developed technology may in fact have "materialized" our minds. One must seek to maintain a balance of the mind, while also reflecting on how to avoid the destructive response of nature that results from human attempts to conquer nature through technology. The R.O.C. government plans to initiate a "Humanity Technology Island", to promote a balanced development of both culture and technology. Hopefully, the spirit of "Respect for Nature, Concern for People" will gradually be fostered, so that technology will not overburden nature during this time of vast development. On the contrary, the interaction between the nature and technology development should be harmonious and constructive, to serve as the base to sustain our survival in the world far into the future.
Under the direction of technology-related authorities in our government, technology policy is bringing together all the supervising bodies of culture, environmental protection and education to promote the parallel development of technology integration and humanity technology. In addition, it is expected to integrate theoretical research, applied and industrial technology into the spirit of humanity and environmental friendliness. With the technology and product trade to other parts of the world, I believe positive interaction between Taiwan and our friends will be promoted, that we will all work together to realize a "Green Global Village".
In practice, our governmental authorities will integrate all the available resources from the society, education, economy, politics and diplomacy with the civil resources. Then we will entrust civil organizations to utilize information and communications technology. In other words, the government will legislate and play the role of policy maker, while cooperating with the private sector to jointly spare valuable public resources and promote efficiency. On the threshold of joining the WTO, we sincerely hope in this premier event, perspectives from all the distinguished IT experts can be gathered as creative insight for our sustainable development. All of you present today are the best witnesses and participants in Taiwan’s march toward the new century.
WCIT2000 is the first global IT event to be held in Taiwan since my inauguration as the 10th President of the R.O.C. I sincerely hope that all the participants can take this opportunity to share ideas and knowledge to draw up a significant blueprint for improved technology application in the future. Moreover, let us work together to build on a healthy and balanced "Platform of Mutual-Trust and Mutual-Benefit" for the generations to come.
It is a great honor for me to pronounce the official opening of the 2000 World Congress on Information Technology here. On behalf of all the ROC government, I would like to show the utmost appreciation to all the staff and participants, who have helped to make this event possible. I would also like to wish the WCIT2000 great success with fruitful conclusions.