President Tsai Ing-wen (front center) receives Taiwan delegations to this year’s international science competitions at the Presidential Office July 25 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of PO)
 

President Tsai Ing-wen said July 25 the government’s promotion of scientific research will drive national development for the country’s future generations.

The president cited progress due to scientific research such as indigenous satellite technology and COVID-19 vaccination development, as well as digital pandemic management tools which strengthened the country’s epidemic response.

Local scientists have also made contributions to global projects such as capturing the first image of a black hole and the development of exploration vehicles for Mars, she added.

The president made the remarks while receiving delegations that flew the flag for Taiwan at various international science competitions this year.

Under the supervision of National Taiwan Science Education Center and with support by private sponsors, a total of 17 science projects undertaken by 28 students represented the country at various global competitions this year.

Among these, Taiwan students won eight awards at the US 2022 Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair, including a First Award and US$5,000 in cash prize for Hung Yi-shan of Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School for her innovative research in animal sciences, the first such honor since 2016.

National teams also won three golds at Italy’s l giovani e le scienze and Tunisia’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology. Participants in Turkey’s BUCA IMSEF and Brazil’s Mostra Internacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia also delivered strong results.

Tsai said as the government continues to implement the six core strategic industries, trained personnel will be needed to fast track development in key areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G telecommunication and renewable energy. She encouraged the country’s youth to pursue research to become the next generation contributing to these vital sectors.

Unveiled by the president during her 2020 inauguration, the six core strategic industries comprise information and digital technology; cybersecurity; biotech and medical technology; national defense; green and renewable energy; and strategic stockpile industries. (SFC-E)