Taipei, Nov. 10 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian urged the public Monday to have faith in themselves and in reform and democracy in Taiwan, adding that with effort, there will surely be more room for Taiwan.
The president made the remarks when he received the annual winners of the 41st 10 Outstanding Youths Awards at the Presidential Office.
Chen said that after reading the stories of their success, he was deeply moved and that although they come from various walks of life, their roads to success are full of twists, turns and wonderful excitement.
He praised the "shining life stories" of the winners, who include an inventor and patent-holder, a diplomatic pioneer, an environmentalist working to protect Taiwan's valuable coral reefs, a musicologist collecting Taiwan's historic music, a table tennis player who has made his name in the world and a doctor who excels in research into brain tumors. "Each one of them represents the pride of Taiwan, " the president said, adding that he sees "dynamism and the Taiwan spirit in them -- no fear of adversity, conscientious and persevering."
He also said he believes they must have realized that one can achieve something extraordinary if one can stand up to the challenges in the most impossible situations and overcome adversity.
Chen said that the achievements of the 10 outstanding youths are "almost the epitome" of Taiwan and added that during his recent trip to the United States and Panama, he had gained "a deeper understanding of Taiwan's dynamism and perseverance in reaching out to the international community despite setbacks and difficulties."