Taipei, Nov. 13 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian presented Thursday the Wen Xin Award to 68 winners at the Presidential Office and hailed their long-term creation, devotion and contributions to elevating Taiwan's cultural environment.
Describing commitment to art and culture as "an investment and a preparation for a country's future, " Chen thanked the winners, both groups and individuals, for their efforts to transform Taiwan into a spiritually rich and civilized society by sponsoring a broad range of cultural and artistic activities around the country.
As cultural levels are widely seen as a benchmark indicator in gauging a society's genuine progress, only a really civilized country is able to offer a sound environment for artists in their pursuit of creation, according to Chen.
The president vowed to make Taiwan a culturally advanced society in which its people can enjoy creating art.
This year's Wen Xin Award winners include Chang Jong-fa, the chairman of the Evergreen Group, Fubon Group and Chinatrust Commercial Bank. The event was organized by the Cabinet-level Council for Cultural Affairs.