Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan claims gold in the Low Carbon Models Town category and silver in the Smart Transport category of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s 2022 Energy Smart Communities Initiative Best Practices Awards Program. (Photo by Chen Mei-ling)
For over 30 years, Taiwan’s participation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has helped uplift communities at home and across the region as the country’s public and private entities strive to advance the organization’s initiatives. Kaohsiung City Government was recently recognized for its pioneering work by APEC’s 2022 Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI) Best Practices Awards Program. The municipality claimed gold in the Low Carbon Models Town category for its six-year green transformation plan (2021-2026) and silver in the Smart Transport category for its mobility as a service (MaaS) program. The former focuses on energy generation, conservation and storage, while the latter creates an integrated public transport network with all-in-one ticketing encompassing buses, ferries, light rail, the metro and shared bikes.
Solar panels are installed on a Kaohsiung elementary school’s rooftops as part of the city’s low carbon plan. (Courtesy of Kaohsiung City Government)
The southern Taiwan city’s projects were among 65 submissions from 17 APEC economies vying for top prizes in the awards, which also include the categories of Smart Buildings, Smart Grids, and Smart Jobs and Consumers. “We’re extremely proud to win APEC recognition, which has helped our city gain international exposure and develop market opportunities for smart city solutions,” Kaohsiung City Deputy Mayor Charles Lin (林欽榮) said. “ESCI is a knowledge-sharing platform, and we’re more than happy to offer our experience and know-how on sustainable development to counterparts throughout the region.”
Since joining the intergovernmental forum in 1991, Taiwan has capitalized on its strengths to spearhead and support a wide spectrum of initiatives ranging from food security and human resource development to digital innovation and information and communication technology (ICT). Such undertakings boost the well-being of the region’s people while raising Taiwan’s profile on the world stage. Every year Taiwan representatives attend approximately 150 APEC meetings to discuss matters of mutual concern with fellow member economies and exchange ideas on best practices and policymaking. In addition, the country hosts a variety of annual events, including conferences, seminars, training courses and workshops.
“Taiwan is involved more deeply in APEC than any other international organization, with participation occurring at the highest level of government, by the largest number of public and private agencies and across the broadest range of areas,” said Sharon Wu (吳尚年), director general of the Department of International Organizations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This allows us to keep abreast of the latest regional trends and learn from other countries’ experiences while seeking closer cooperation and helping domestic companies go global.” Extensive involvement in the leading economic organization enhances Taiwan’s international image and standing, she added.
The municipality’s mobility as a service program creates an integrated public transport network with all-in-one ticketing encompassing shared bikes and light rail. (Photos by Chen Mei-ling)
Reciprocal Support
The APEC 2022 theme of “Open. Connect. Balance.” set by host economy Thailand aims to make the organization and its member economies open to all opportunities, connect in all dimensions and be balanced in all aspects to chart a post-pandemic future for the Asia-Pacific. In response to these priorities, Wu said Taiwan plans to organize 28 activities on circular economy, digital transformation, disaster resilience, indigenous peoples’ and women’s empowerment, public health, renewable energy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and transportation in a hybrid in-person and online format this year.
“Thailand’s theme stems from its vision to tackle the imbalances caused by COVID-19 through integrating the bio-circular-green [BCG] model into the regional economy. This development approach complements Taiwan’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” the director general said. “Experts and enterprises from Taiwan have joined in policy dialogue and exhibitions hosted by the Southeast Asian country to bolster its BCG strategy.” With its advanced green technologies, Taiwan will continue working with Thailand and other member economies to attain sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific, she added.
According to Wu, Taiwan has made several donations to support APEC’s economic and technical cooperation initiatives since 2006. Last year it contributed a total of US$1.5 million to APEC funds for digital innovation, human security, and women and the economy, as well as to the APEC Policy Support Unit. “We want to accelerate the region’s post-pandemic recovery by contributing to capacity building projects in critical areas,” the director general said. “Taiwan is keen to promote the adoption and scale-up of digital health care such as cloud-based telemedicine and telehealth services by leveraging its ICT and medical prowess.”
In return APEC finances initiatives in line with its priorities following competitive application and selection procedures. Last year, Taiwan had 15 projects—the highest number among member economies—approved for APEC funding totaling more than US$1 million. Wu described Taiwan’s donations to APEC and project grants received from the organization as a virtuous cycle showcasing the country’s dedication to multilateral engagement.
The Model APEC educational event, organized by New Taipei City-based Asia-Pacific Youth Association and Taipei City-headquartered Taiwan Institute of Economic Research July 26-28 in Taipei, aims to encourage young people to participate in international affairs. (Photo by Chen Mei-ling)
Chang Chien-yi (張建一), executive director of the APEC Study Center (ASC), similarly emphasized how Taiwan’s participation in APEC provides mutual benefits for member economies. Hosted by Taipei City-headquartered Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, ASC is responsible for developing education, exchange, outreach and training programs. Chang, who doubles as president of the think tank, said the center conducts in-depth analysis on policy priorities and works closely with government entities to design international programs supporting APEC objectives.
“Taiwan has made substantial contributions by sharing its growth strategies and launching cooperative projects to improve public welfare throughout the region,” Chang said. “Meanwhile, APEC is an important platform for Taiwan’s academics, entrepreneurs, government officials and nongovernmental organization personnel to interact with foreign counterparts and acquire new knowledge and skills.” According to Chang, Taiwan’s latest endeavors focus on digital trade, digital personnel, health information technology, intelligent public transport systems and supply chain connectivity. These help fellow member economies recover from COVID-19 and foster inclusive and sustainable growth in the region, particularly through clean energy, sustainable tourism and women’s empowerment.
Without emitting electromagnetic waves, Huijia’s smart health care system uses a high-sensitivity, high-precision sensor that can monitor and track blood pressure, breathing, heart rate and sleep for round-the-clock health and safety management. (Photos by Chen Mei-ling)
Inclusive Growth
Greater economic inclusion of women is high on APEC’s agenda. To this end, its Business Efficiency and Success Target (BEST) Award seeks to encourage the spread of best practices by women-owned SMEs across member economies. Yang Shu-chen (楊淑貞), president of Huijia Health Life Technology Co. headquartered in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu County, won the Fourth Industrial Revolution Project category last year with her company’s artificial intelligence-based smart health care system utilizing noninvasive fiber-optic physiological monitoring technology. Rather than emitting electromagnetic waves, it uses a high-sensitivity and high-precision sensor that can monitor and track blood pressure, breathing, heart rate and sleep, as well as COVID-19 symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing, for round-the-clock health and safety management.
“My motivation in starting a business was to address social problems with innovative technologies,” Yang said. “I was particularly concerned with challenges presented by rapidly aging populations, such as increased medical spending. My company’s mission is to improve health care access, quality and affordability.” Currently, Huijia’s products and services are used in more than 300 child and senior care facilities, hospitals and nursing homes.
According to Yang, winning the coveted APEC BEST Award has enhanced her company’s reputation and visibility, which has in turn helped it expand into global markets. “I’m thrilled to receive the boost in international attention and serve as an unofficial ambassador for Taiwan’s technological strength,” she said. “APEC’s emphasis on advancing women’s entrepreneurship encourages more women to pursue economic opportunities and brings about lasting social change.”
APEC’s new long-term blueprint aims to create an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040. The number and scope of programs implemented by Taiwan over the years evince the country’s resolve to do its part to achieve the shared vision. “Taiwan remains staunchly committed to deepening involvement in APEC for the good of the region’s people,” said ASC’s Chang. “It will continue advancing mutual benefits, understanding and trust while helping our country build a stronger diplomatic presence.”
(This article is adapted from “Making a Mark” in the November/December Issue 2022 of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)
