President Ma Ying-jeou, accompanied by Council for Cultural Affairs Minister Emile Chih-jen Sheng and Deputy Secretary-General to the President Liu Bao-guey, visited the 2010 Taiwan International Cultural and Creative Industry Expo on the morning of November 12. As he browsed through the exhibition, the president said he was deeply impressed by the creativity put on display by both the public and private sectors.
Minister Sheng explained the various exhibits to President Ma as they made their way through the Concepts Pavilions, where a wide variety of items were on display. As they walked through a special exhibit of handicrafts from Taiwan's indigenous tribes, the president greeted members of indigenous tribes in the Atayal and Bunun languages. He also received introductions to the various items that they made for the expo.
After making his way to the Theme Pavilions, the president viewed an exhibit by the Executive Yuan's Government Information Office showcasing a plan to spend 10 years boosting Taiwan's film industry. President Ma viewed a 3D film that was produced here, and also experienced the outstanding audio and visual effects available with high definition television. President Ma said he was quite impressed at how people in the industry have blended technology and art, using interactive technology in producing a new interpretation of the classic Kunqu opera The Peony Pavilion.
The president then visited several of the other pavilions at the expo, including the Local Traits Pavilions, the International Pavilions, and the Country Image Pavilions. He also watched a documentary on Taiwan craftsmen and stopped by the Pavilion for Central American Cultural and Creative Artifacts. The president looked at products created by design masters that focus on the nation's centenary, which will be celebrated next year. He commented that Taiwan's soft power as demonstrated through its industrial arts had left a deep impression on him.