A movement for reform
Conservative forces and vested interests in Taiwan have a negative view of the Sunflower movement, while for those who want reform and advancement in Taiwan, the movement was of multifaceted significance. The students’ courage, rationality, knowledge, enthusiasm, stamina, intelligence and vitality were brought into full play during the movement. They are Taiwan’s hope.
The deepest impression left by the appearance of the movement was its organization, peacefulness and rationality. The planning of the action, preservation of order at the site, acceptance, preservation and division of materials and resources, maintenance of a clean environment, collection of garbage, management, healthcare, hygiene, allocation of equipment and materials, and the organization of the action: Their management capabilities stunned business circles and showed that they understood networks.
The movement’s internal operations were reminiscent of a government framework, with a command center, spokespeople and a task force issuing information to the outside world. Seeing their abilities, many well-known people said that the future of the country could be placed in their hands.
The Sunflower movement was like a litmus test for determining who in Taiwan opposed reform and who wants it.
However, those who always oppose reform are often those who gain from it. They do nothing to contribute to the reform effort, and actually try to destroy it and spread a culture of hate; this seems to have always been the case, ever since ancient times.
While frustrating, history teaches us that those who engage in reform do not care about enjoying the fruits of their efforts. They understand that reform is hard, but they are always willing to choose this hardship over pleasure or happiness.
Kao Chuan-yi
Taipei
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry