The four winners of the Presidential Innovation Award were honored April 30 in Taipei City for cutting-edge solutions and approaches in areas spanning energy-efficient products, green building materials and design, and performing arts.
 
Delta Electronics Inc. and glove puppetry production company Pili International Multimedia Co., both based in Taipei, picked up the prizes in the group category. The individual accolades went to architect Huang Sheng-yuan and materials scientist Wu Ting-an.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tsai Ing-wen lauded the recipients for fostering innovation in their respective sectors. Such efforts are crucial for industrial revitalization and transformation, she said, adding that Taiwan entrepreneurs and companies should follow their example so as to strengthen the country’s international competitiveness.
 
Delta Electronics, a global leader in power management and thermal solutions, was recognized for its work in energy-efficient product development and smart manufacturing. The company was also praised for supporting sustainable construction, having provided key systems for some 25 certified green buildings in Taiwan since 2006.
 
Pili International Multimedia was honored for using modern technologies and production methods such as computer-generated imagery to bring the classical art form to new audiences. The company was also commended for expanding its global reach by licensing intellectual property overseas.
 
Huang, a recipient of the National Awards for Arts in 2017, is the founder of Fieldoffice Architects in northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County. Known for harmoniously incorporating buildings into their surroundings, he has designed celebrated structures include Cloud Gate Theater, home of the eponymous modern dance troupe, in Tamsui District, New Taipei City, as well as Luodong Cultural Working House in Yilan.
 
Wu heads R&D at his family’s recycling business, Spring Pool Glass Industrial Co., in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu City. He received the award for developing green construction materials out of used glass.
 
Launched in 2014, the Presidential Innovation Award is organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. This year’s edition attracted 249 submissions, with the winners each receiving a medal and cash prize totaling NT$2 million (US$67,465). (CPY-E)
 
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