Taipei, Oct. 24 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian encouraged students Thursday to engage in basic-science research for the wellbeing of the nation and of mankind.
Chen made the remarks while receiving around 30 students who represented Taiwan in the 2002 International Olympiad and Asia-Pacific Olympiad in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and informatics. Education Minister Huang Jung-chun was also present.
The government has launched educational reforms over the years aimed at creating a "happy" learning environment for students and allowing them to improve their thinking and analytical ability, according to Chen.
To achieve these goals, he went on, the government has improved educational facilities and has encouraged teachers to engage in advanced studies to upgrade the quality of education.
He called on the private sector and parents to join in the government's efforts to encourage more young talents to dedicate themselves to basic-science research.
He also encouraged the students to make more effort in pursuing more advanced knowledge, which, he said, is unlimited.