Vice President Vincent C. Siew on the afternoon of September 16 at the Presidential Building met with IBM Executive Vice President Mr. Nick Donofrio. The vice president expressed his appreciation to Mr. Donofrio for making the long journey to Taiwan and for the assistance provided by IBM in Taiwan’s development.
The vice president said that Mr. Donofrio has enormous experience and learning in the area of innovation. He not only serves in an important position in IBM with regards to innovation, but also has played a key role in successfully transforming IBM from a provider of computer hardware and machinery into a software company, Vice President Siew said.
The vice president added that Taiwan’s economy is now facing a period of transformation. How to develop service industries and strengthen “soft power” will require a high level of innovative thinking. The vice president said that despite his busy schedule today, he had a strong interest in meeting with Mr. Donofrio, hoping that his guest would expound on his successful experience and provide Taiwan with various suggestions with regards to the reorganization of government, the creation of Taiwan into a “knowledge-based island,” and how to integrate the information technology, information communications technology and service industries.
Mr. Donofrio thanked Vice President Siew for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He also said that he has been fortunate to witness various changes on and the transformation of Taiwan over the past 50 years. Mr. Donofrio said IBM will continue to actively provide assistance, enabling Taiwan to be a leader in the 21st century technology industry.