Council of Cultural Affairs (CCA) Minister Huang Pi-twan (黃碧端) yesterday said the CCA would invest NT$5 billion (US$151 million) over the next four years to promote the transformation of Taiwan’s cultural and creative industry, and market it to the international community.
Huang made the remarks at the Taiwan Cultural and Creative Industry Summit this year, where she discussed ways to turn the nation into a cultural industry center with 11 representatives, both foreign and local, from the industry and academic sectors.
“Creative elements can be easily found in many small streets in Taiwan and are full of potential,” Huang told the summit, which took place at National Taiwan Normal University.
“However, we still require an overall plan to integrate and develop the various sectors of the cultural and creative industry in Taiwan, which the CCA is willing to assist,” Huang said.
In a recent discussion about the beauty of Taiwan with theater director Stan Lai (賴聲川), film director Hou Hsiao-hsien (侯孝賢) and Cloud Gate Dance Theater founder Lin Hwai-min (林懷民), Huang said they shared the view that Taiwan was a lovely place and many foreigners who visit instantly fall in love with it.
Huang said people could find the beauty of Taiwan reflected in the friendliness of Taiwanese, the gourmet food and cultural diversions such as theater.
She said many international visitors enjoy simply walking the streets because of the small lovely shops or cafes.
Huang said school children must be taught to appreciate beauty and suggested that courses be set up to increase young people’s aesthetic perceptions and creativity.
By doing so, Huang said, Taiwan’s cultural and creativity industry would become more competitive on the international stage.
EVA Air is prohibiting the use of portable chargers on board all flights starting from Saturday, while China Airlines is advising passengers not to use them, following the lead of South Korean airlines. Current regulations prohibit portable chargers and lithium batteries from check-in luggage and require them to be properly packed in carry-on baggage, EVA Air said. To improve onboard safety, portable chargers and spare lithium batteries would be prohibited from use on all fights starting on Saturday, it said. Passengers are advised to fully charge electronic devices before boarding and use the AC and USB charging outlets at their seat, it said. South
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