Taiwan Today
Date: December 24, 2015

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Dec. 19 the winner of a

social video competition, which was held as part of the government’s efforts to promote the creativity of Taiwan’s youth.

Organized in collaboration with Taipei City-based Kleinerfisch.com, the contest attracted 88 submissions from 60 two-member teams, comprising mostly local college students and marketing professionals, over a period of two months.

The top prize went to “To know about Taiwan (roughly) in 2.5 mins” by team Find Taiwan. In the video, 108 locals and foreign visitors sing their observations concerning the country to the melody of a well-known Taiwanese tune while performing a traditional exercise routine.     [FULL  STORY]

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/12/23
By: Tsai Yi-shu, Yang Shu-min and Elizabeth Hsu

Taipei, Dec. 23 (CNA) Taiwan should push for participation in the

regional economic integration in a pragmatic manner, using cross-strait detente as leverage, as neither Taiwan nor China can afford a conflict, People First Party presidential candidate James Soong (宋楚瑜) said Wednesday.

The cross-Taiwan Strait situation is the main obstacle to Taiwan’s participation in regional economic blocs and international organizations, Soong said at an economic forum held by seven major trade and industry groups in Taiwan.

“The two sides cannot afford a conflict,” he said. Since China has changed the way it handles cross-strait affairs, Taiwan should use the existing political rapprochement between the two sides in its bid to join the regional economic integration, Soong said.      [FULL  STORY]

Taiwan Today
Date: December 23, 2015

A joint exhibition by indigenous artists Sakuliu Pavavalung and Rahic

Talif is underway at Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing their concern for environmental issues in southern Taiwan.

Supported by Kaohsiung City Government’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Boundary Narratives features 22 animations, installations and sketches. It also sheds light on the pair’s interpretations of tribal culture and life experiences.

Bureau Deputy Director-General Liu Hsiu-mei said the event breaks new ground in examining ideological images created through indigenous artistic productions. “The artists shied away from using tribal legend as the main theme so as to foster a deeper contemplation among show-goers of the environment and society.”

Echoing Liu’s remarks, acting KMFA Director Chien Mei-ling said the exhibition underscores the facility’s efforts in promoting contemporary Austronesian art since 2006. “The 14-week event represents the success of this undertaking while offering unparalleled access to leading tribal art in Taiwan.”

A highlight of Paiwan tribal member Pavavalung’s collection is the animation “Rabbits in the Forest.” Based on a pencil sketch “Rabbits on the Road” in his earlier career, the piece evokes memories of a time when the forest was only accessible by those willing to ride motorcycles along muddy trails. The sight of curious animals gazing upon the visitors nods toward a once-harmonious relationship between humans and nature.     [FULL  STORY]

Taiwan Today
Date: December 22, 2015

The annual Taiwan Exhibition and Convention Association gala took

place Dec. 21 in Taipei City, recognizing the movers and shakers of the local meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions industry.

Attended by more than 600 guests such as government officials and members of the Taiwan-based diplomatic corps, the event spotlighted many of the biggest MICE industry successes for the year.

TECA President Walter Yeh, who doubles as executive vice president of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), said the hard work and can-do attitude of leading Taiwan MICE players was recognized with a strong national performance at the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations Awards last month in Kuala Lumpur.     [FULL  STORY]