Today at an exhibition on national land development for a sustainable Taiwan, Premier Mao Chi-kuo touted the reutilization of the event site—the former Air Force Command Headquarters in Taipei—as a versatile innovation base.
The complex has been remade as a platform for integrating innovation and entrepreneurship in the humanities, science and technology, and interdisciplinary endeavors, as well as a place to hold activities like exhibitions and forums.
The exhibition symbolizes the beginning of the revitalization of this space, which all local governments and citizens are welcome to utilize in order to unleash their creativity, Mao said.
He explained the history of the facility as follows: "During the Japanese occupation, this was the industrial research institute of the governor-general of Taiwan. In 1949, the Ministry of National Defense assumed control and made this the Air Force Command Headquarters."
Later on, the ministry's relocation plans made this a space that could be redesigned and reused. Following study and discussion by various agencies about what to do with the land, the National Property Administration of the Ministry of Finance proposed reutilizing this historic site as a versatile innovation base, making it a hotspot for nurturing new concepts. This will also leave future generations more possibilities for using the land.
Upgrading Taiwan's economy requires innovation, ingenuity and entrepreneurship, Mao said. The former Air Force Command Headquarters is thus being transformed into a "Taiwan Air Force" center with significance for a new generation. The word "Taiwan" represents a global powerhouse of the innovation economy, within which the site is expected to spark with creativity. "Air" signifies a boundless space where ideas collide, generating light and heat. Finally, "Force" means the momentum and liveliness generated by that clash of ideas.
Mao expressed hope that the central and local governments will work together to popularize the name "Taiwan Air Force" and make Taiwan a star of the global innovation economy.
The National Development Council (NDC) invites the public to visit the exhibition, which is being held from today through April 9. It has five themes: history, the environment, local characteristics, future "smart" development, and rail and electric car transportation. Weekly events will also be held there by city and county governments.
In addition to unique local tourist attractions, the diverse and interactive exhibition introduces representative industries and products of different eras and also rarely-seen technology like the National Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology's drones and the military's moveable bridges. Moreover, it offers expert forums as well as low-carbon vehicles that play 3D films.
Admission to the event is free of charge.
The premier viewed the exhibition himself prior to its official opening. He expressed approval of its focus on storytelling, applicability to everyday life, and interactivity.
The NDC has brought together departments from central and local governments as well as the private sector to hold this exhibition, he noted. The event carries forward ecological concepts and facilitates sustainable development of Taiwan's land.
"National land is our life and production space. Just like air, it is everywhere," Mao said.