President Tsai Ing-wen said Nov. 13 that the government is committed to boosting Taiwan’s research capabilities and enhancing international scientific exchanges so as to strengthen global development and well-being.
 
Research is a driving force behind progress and national academies have a vital role to play in promoting social advancement and sustainability, Tsai said.
 
In view of its rich talent pool and R&D prowess, Taiwan looks forward to expanding collaboration with partner countries in such crucial fields as artificial intelligence, carbon reduction and renewable energy, she added.
 
Tsai made the remarks while receiving a delegation of foreign researchers at the Office of the President in Taipei City.
 
Representing the national academies of France, Japan, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S., the scholars are visiting the country for the International Scientific Leaders’ Forum. The event was held the previous day to mark the 90th anniversary of Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s foremost research institution.
 
According to Tsai, the country has made great strides in fostering research in recent years. This is evidenced by Taiwan’s 13th-place ranking among 140 economies in the Global Competitiveness Report published Oct. 16 by Geneva-based World Economic Forum, she said.
 
Describing Taiwan as a “super innovator,” the survey listed the country fourth globally for innovation capability, behind only Germany, the U.S. and Switzerland, in that order.
 
The president said the strength of Taiwan’s research sector is also underscored by global recognition of local talents such as Vice President Chen Chien-jen and AS President James C. Liao. Both have been inducted into the U.S. National Academy of Sciences for their groundbreaking work in epidemiology and metabolic engineering, respectively.
 
In addition to deepening exchanges with organizations in Europe, Japan and the U.S., Taiwan is working to expand academic and research partnership with countries covered by the New Southbound Policy, Tsai said. It is hoped that the visiting scholars can share the experiences from their respective organizations and continue working with Taiwan on issues of mutual concern, she added.
 
A central plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP is enhancing Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (SFC-E)