At the ceremony for the 2013 Award for Outstanding Contribution in Science and Technology today, Premier Jiang Yi-huah lauded the innovative researchers who were honored and said creative technology could drive Taiwan's future economic growth.
"Technological innovation is one of the important objectives outlined in President Ma Ying-jeou's Golden Decade National Vision plan. Taiwan has had abundant technological achievements, and if the government and academia can work together to push these achievements to the next level, then innovative technology may become Taiwan's next promising industry," the premier said.
The Award for Outstanding Contribution in Science and Technology is presented each year to distinguished individuals who contribute to the country through their accomplishments in these fields. This year's winners are Professor Fong Zhang-hua's research team, which studied sophisticated closed-loop gear manufacturing methods, and Professor Chen Chien-jen's research team, which developed a system to assess chronic viral hepatitis patients' long-term risks of developing terminal liver diseases.
"In the past Taiwan created an economic miracle through low-margin contract manufacturing, but today it needs technological breakthroughs to move beyond that model and create value-added products. Innovative technology is the key to transforming Taiwan's industries, as it will offer key technical knowhow to upgrade the manufacturing industry and ultimately increase citizens' salaries," said Jiang.
"Professor Fong's research is a case in point, as it is a technological breakthrough that can bolster the country's economy and all people's livelihood," he stated.
"Taiwan's concrete achievements in academic research and manufacturing have paved the way for technological innovation. I hope the nation's academic research teams can drive growth in manufacturing and high-tech industries in order to find the next promising industry for Taiwan."
The premier also said he was moved by Professor Chen's research on hepatitis. "This breakthrough in medical technology not only is outstanding academic research but also makes a concrete contribution to human beings' health and lives. Taiwan boasts world-renowned medical technology, and in addition, the medical industry is one of the country's six emerging industries and one of the most prioritized fields in the Free Economic Pilot Zone program."
The National Science Council remarked that the Award for Outstanding Contribution in Science and Technology recognizes those who contribute to the country with their outstanding research achievements and innovative inventions and encourages more individuals and groups to devote themselves to technological research and development, leading to a more progressive and prosperous society.