President Tsai attends 2018 Taiwan International Science Fair Award Ceremony
On the afternoon of February 2, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the 2018 Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF) Award Ceremony, where she emphasized the importance of integration across disciplines, and expressed hope that the TISF will help Taiwan continue to cultivate science talent and promote more international exchanges.
In remarks, the president first welcomed the young scientists from around the world to the 2018 TISF, which she described as a platform for cultivating talent. In the face of fierce global competition, she said, we need more scientists that can balance creativity, a global outlook, and concern for society. Making the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) subjects the theme of this year’s fair shows that integration across disciplines will be a key factor in helping human civilization overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development.
The president pointed out that to keep pace with these trends, Taiwan is increasing investment in basic research and science education. Prime examples in 2017 included overhauling the Fundamental Science and Technology Act and promoting the 5+2 industrial innovation program. She also said that our New Southbound Policy has created more opportunities for exchanges of professional talent.
Noting that many promoters of science education were on hand— from business, academia, and other countries—the president called for more cooperation between industry, academia, and government to spark interest in scientific research among outstanding young students and spur more international exchanges.
The president then stated that adults need to do more to ensure that students interested in scientific research receive the support they need to boldly pursue their dreams. This is our generation's responsibility, she said. She also thanked the 2018 TISF judges, staff, and corporate sponsors for their efforts, and expressed admiration for the enthusiasm that Academia Sinica Academician Lin Jung-Yaw (林榮耀) has devoted to science fairs over the years.
The president said she hopes the participating teams will all come away with fond memories, and change the world by continuing to explore unknown vistas in science.