Taiwan Today
Date: December 3, 2015

The inaugural Digital Economy Forum concluded Dec. 2 in Taipei City, underscoring the

Representatives from Taiwan (right) and the U.S. discuss ways to enhance bilateral ICT collaboration at the first ever Digital Economy Forum Dec. 2 in Taipei City. (CNA)

Organized by Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. and the American Institute in Taiwan, the one-day event saw the two sides discuss ways to promote sustainable and inclusive global economic growth through the application of information and communications technology.

Led by National Development Council Minister Duh Tyzz-jiun, the Taiwan delegation also comprised Minister without Portfolio Jaclyn Tsai and other senior officials from the Cabinet.

Participating U.S. representatives included Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State Vaughan Turekian, and officials from the Department of State, Department of Commerce and Federal Communications Commission.

In his opening remarks, Duh said Taiwan and U.S. businesses are complementary partners in the global ICT supply chain. “This high-level forum serves as an important policy dialogue platform that will facilitate bilateral collaboration on cross-border ICT applications,” he added.     [FULL  STORY]

Taiwan Today
Date: December 2, 2015

A series of seven documentaries highlighting the life experiences and works of legendary

Taiwan novelist Pai Hsien-yung is interviewed for a documentary in “The Inspired Island—Series of Eminent Writers from Taiwan,” which will be screened in western Taiwan cities beginning Dec. 18. (Courtesy of Fisfisa Media)

writers from Taiwan and Hong Kong will be shown in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung Cities, with the first screening Dec. 18 at the Ambassador Theater in Taipei.

Organized by Taipei City-based Fisfisa Media, the second edition of “The Inspired Island—Series of Eminent Writers from Taiwan” features short films about seven authors, namely Pai Hsien-yung, Lin Wen-yueh, Lo Fu and Ya Hsien from Taiwan, as well as Lau Yee-cheung, Xi Xi and Yasi of Hong Kong.

“The first edition of the event in 2011, which profiled only local writers, proved widely popular at home as well as in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and mainland China, successfully promoting the richness of Taiwan literature in these areas,” a Fisfisa Media staffer said. “The shorts also helped generate interest in classic works among younger generations.

“We therefore decided to add films about Hong Kong-based novelists to the series this year in hopes of spreading awareness of the region’s vibrant and diverse literary cultures.”     [FULL  STORY]

Taipei Times
Date: Dec 03, 2015

Grandpa Lee Chuan-pin, who for six decades hawked his wares along the streets of Chiayi

Cheng Shu-hsien stands by her late father-in-law Li Chuan-pin’s vending cart in Chiayi City on Nov. 18.
鄭淑賢與過世的公公的販賣車合影。攝於十一月十八日，嘉義。
Photo: Ting Wei-chieh, Liberty TimeS
照片：自由時報記者丁偉杰

City, rattling his rattle drum and pushing his vending cart as he went, died of colorectal cancer on Nov. 13 at the age of 89. On hearing the news, many Internet users left messages expressing their sorrow, as well as their worry that the traditional culture前 that Grandpa Lee developed in his youth might be lost.

Lee Chao-chi, head of the Cultural Heritage Section of Chiayi City’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, says that a portrayal of Grandpa Li’s life has left a precious legacy of folk culture. A few years ago, Taiwan’s Public Television Service made a video recording about him, which could be called a treasure of Chiayi’s cultural heritage. As people’s lifestyles change, with convenience stores and hypermarkets all over the place, old-fashioned scenes of vendors like Grandpa Lee roaming the streets and hawking daily necessities are gradually fading into the past.

Grandpa Lee’s daughter-in-law Cheng Shu-hsien says he had a decent and down-to-earth character. Starting when he was a young lad of 12 years old, he pushed his vendor’s cart along the streets and lanes, hawking his wares as he went. Over six decades, he advanced to the status of grandpa, “relying on this cart to raise a family of seven.” Despite its small size, the cart carried a wide range of goods, be it cosmetics or items like elastic, needles, thread and safety pins that are daily necessities for elderly women but hard to find in convenience stores.     [FULL  STORY]

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/12/01
By: Chen Chun-hua and Y.F. Low

Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan passed a law amendment Tuesday that

(CNA file photo)

requires public transport operators to provide services accessible to the disabled.

The requirement applies to all operators of rail, road, rapid transit, air and water transport, according to the amendment to the People with Disabilities Rights Protection Act.

An operator can gain an exemption if it obtains approval from transportation authorities and disability rights groups, the amendment stipulates.     [FULL  STORY]