Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou on the morning of February 18 attended the 2011 Taiwan International Science Fair Award Ceremony, at which he delivered an English speech and later presented awards to four winners of Youth Science Awards.

The president on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China offered a warm welcome to the outstanding students and teachers who had come to Taiwan from 14 different countries to take part in the event. President Ma remarked that Taiwan is a country with limited natural resources and a lot of natural disasters, but that the nation also has many talents. He pointed to students who put in stellar performances at the International Trade Fair for "Ideas-Inventions-New Products" in Nuremberg of Germany, and the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva as notable examples.

President Ma stated that the famous American columnist Thomas L. Friedman was invited a year ago to deliver a speech at the Presidential Office, and he was very impressed to find that a country of Taiwan’s size is able to create more than US$340 billion of foreign exchange reserves. Mr. Friedman noted that while many countries are digging their natural resources, Taiwan is digging its “mental resources.”

President Ma also emphasized the importance his government attaches to education. For instance, a phased implementation of a 12-year public education system will be initiated this year. Meanwhile, the government will also provide free pre-school education for all 5-year olds. The president mentioned that although Taiwan does not have a large population and land area, he is confident that through the investment in education and human resources, we will be able to enhance our national competitiveness and thus becomes a leader in this region.

Lastly, the president thanked all the sponsors and representatives in attendance at the gathering, and expressed his hope that participants could take full advantage of this opportunity to exchange thoughts and make friends with one another. In addition, the president mentioned that the Taipei International Flora Exhibition has won wide accolades since its opening, and he welcomed the guests to visit this major event during their stay in Taiwan.