Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) Women journalists and writers from all over the world gathered in Taipei Saturday to discuss media in the Internet age in a two-day congress.
The 17th World Congress of the World Association of Women Journalists and Writers (AMMPE) will discuss the theme in four topical seminars: television and broadcasting, e-papers, print media and e-writing.
"The Internet has brought significant changes to the ways people send messages between people and countries. It makes communications more instant and more interactive. However, it also brings about certain dangers and blind spots, " said AMMPE International President Jennifer Shen, who is an anchorwoman of China Television Company (CTV).
AMMPE, a member of the non-government organizations of the United Nations, was incorporated by founder Gloria Salas de Calderon in Mexico in 1969.
International participants of the event came from Chile, Canada, Japan, Mexico and Hong Kong.
Topics to be discussed in the open seminars included Taiwan's media reforms and women's activism, Internet journalism in Latin America, how the print media copes with online fashions and trends and challenges, and opportunities of online reading.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
VICE PRESIDENT SHARES `THREE RIGHTS' WITH WOMEN JOURNALISTS
Taipei, Oct. 28 (CNA) Vice President Annette Lu said in a speech Saturday to women journalists that the pubic have three rights, which she described "as the right to know, the right not to know, and the right not to be known."
Lu made the remarks in a keynote speech of the opening ceremony of the World Congress of World Association of Women Journalists and Writers in Taipei.
"The time has come for women to be in charge. Can women play an important role in media? Of course they can, " Lu said.
"But before that can happen, women have to be professional, independent. We have to be equipped with gender awareness and the courage to innovate and break through, " she said.
Lu, an important figure in the history of Taiwan's women's activism, also claimed that "world history has been written by men for thousands of years" because the word is spelled "his story."
It's time for women to write history as "her story, " she said.
Lu made the remarks in a keynote speech of the opening ceremony of the World Congress of World Association of Women Journalists and Writers in Taipei.
"The time has come for women to be in charge. Can women play an important role in media? Of course they can, " Lu said.
"But before that can happen, women have to be professional, independent. We have to be equipped with gender awareness and the courage to innovate and break through, " she said.
Lu, an important figure in the history of Taiwan's women's activism, also claimed that "world history has been written by men for thousands of years" because the word is spelled "his story."
It's time for women to write history as "her story, " she said.
Friday, October 27, 2006
CANADIANS REPRESENT TAIWAN IN INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY CHARITY TOURNEY
Taipei, Oct. 27 (CNA) An ice hockey team that represents Taiwan but is comprised of Canadians has won three straight games in the Land of Smiles international ice hockey tournament in Thailand.
The Taiwan Typhoons are now one win away from the semifinal of the annual charity tournament, which is taking place in Bangkok Oct. 25- 29 and includes teams from Russia, Switzerland, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Shanghai.
Led by team captain Mark Paas, who is based in the central city Taichung, the team is made up of 14 Canadians living in Taiwan, where ice hockey is not at all popular.
The Typhoons play in the Chinese Taipei Ice Hockey League, a league of seven teams that launched its regular season's play last week in Taipei.
The Taiwan Typhoons are now one win away from the semifinal of the annual charity tournament, which is taking place in Bangkok Oct. 25- 29 and includes teams from Russia, Switzerland, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Shanghai.
Led by team captain Mark Paas, who is based in the central city Taichung, the team is made up of 14 Canadians living in Taiwan, where ice hockey is not at all popular.
The Typhoons play in the Chinese Taipei Ice Hockey League, a league of seven teams that launched its regular season's play last week in Taipei.
BRITISH CONSERVATIONIST VISITS TAIWAN
Taipei, Oct. 27 (CNA) Well-known British conservationist Jane Goodall is visiting Taiwan to promote ecological conservation awareness with a series of speeches and events, officials from the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Taiwan said Friday.
Visiting Taiwan for the ninth time since 1996 for an eight-day tour from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, Goodall will deliver topical speeches in schools and various organizations, and will participate in the 2006 Roots and Shoots Animal Parade Oct. 28, along with local conservation and animal rescue groups such as Animals Taiwan, a charity group that specializes in combating the stray dog and cat problem through catch-neuter-release programs and animal adoptions.
The visit has special meaning for JGI Taiwan -- which was established in 1998 as the first JGI branch in Asia -- as the organization is approaching its 10th anniversary.
The United Nations "Messenger of Peace" will share her thoughts on environmental and conservation issues with students at all levels, making speeches at schools such as National Taiwan University and Chiayi Girls' Senior High School.
Goodall, 72, is a primatologist and anthropologist best-known for her 45-year study of chimpanzee social life. She established the institute bearing her name in 1977 in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania.
Visiting Taiwan for the ninth time since 1996 for an eight-day tour from Oct. 26-Nov. 2, Goodall will deliver topical speeches in schools and various organizations, and will participate in the 2006 Roots and Shoots Animal Parade Oct. 28, along with local conservation and animal rescue groups such as Animals Taiwan, a charity group that specializes in combating the stray dog and cat problem through catch-neuter-release programs and animal adoptions.
The visit has special meaning for JGI Taiwan -- which was established in 1998 as the first JGI branch in Asia -- as the organization is approaching its 10th anniversary.
The United Nations "Messenger of Peace" will share her thoughts on environmental and conservation issues with students at all levels, making speeches at schools such as National Taiwan University and Chiayi Girls' Senior High School.
Goodall, 72, is a primatologist and anthropologist best-known for her 45-year study of chimpanzee social life. She established the institute bearing her name in 1977 in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania.
SHORING UP NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVES TAIWAN'S INTEREST: AIT HEAD
Taipei, Oct. 26 (CNA) Shoring up national defense will benefit Taiwan literally and figuratively, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office Director Stephen Young said in a press conference Thursday.
Urging Taiwan's legislature to pass a robust defense budget in the autumn session, Young said that by shoring up its defense, Taiwan can boost its self-confidence in a wide-range of cross-Taiwan Strait discussions and send a message to China at the same time.
"Taiwan cannot win its arms race with China, but it doesn't need to, " said Young, who took office in March to serve as the top U.S. representative in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.
"Taiwan can just send the message that if China wants to attack Taiwan, Taiwan is able to defend itself... and China knows that the U.S. will respond if it attacks Taiwan, " he added.
In addition, defense is more efficient than offense, which is why Taiwan has to be smart in the weapons it buys, according to Young.
Responding to a media question about a cross-strait peace agreement, Young said he believes most political leaders in Taiwan intend to sign such an agreement with China but that "terms" will be the ultimate problem.
Urging Taiwan's legislature to pass a robust defense budget in the autumn session, Young said that by shoring up its defense, Taiwan can boost its self-confidence in a wide-range of cross-Taiwan Strait discussions and send a message to China at the same time.
"Taiwan cannot win its arms race with China, but it doesn't need to, " said Young, who took office in March to serve as the top U.S. representative in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.
"Taiwan can just send the message that if China wants to attack Taiwan, Taiwan is able to defend itself... and China knows that the U.S. will respond if it attacks Taiwan, " he added.
In addition, defense is more efficient than offense, which is why Taiwan has to be smart in the weapons it buys, according to Young.
Responding to a media question about a cross-strait peace agreement, Young said he believes most political leaders in Taiwan intend to sign such an agreement with China but that "terms" will be the ultimate problem.
ECCT URGES NORMALIZATION OF CROSS-STRAIT ECONOMIC RELATIONS
Taipei, Oct. 26 (CNA) Taiwan should speed up normalizing economic relations with China to ensure its economic survival and future prosperity, the European Chamber of Commerce Taipei (ECCT) said Thursday in its annual Position Paper.
"With US$14.6 billion in investment, European business is the largest foreign investor in Taiwan and we have a keen interest in ensuring that Taiwan faces reality and secures its prosperity, " ECCT Chairman Ralf Scheller said in a press conference.
The position paper, titled "Facing Reality: Normalize Regional Economic Relations to Secure Taiwan's Prosperity, " claims that Taiwan's economy has not gained in competitiveness over the past year by making the necessary reforms that should have led to an economic transformation.
The ECCT, which represents over 600 members from 400 companies and organizations, is concerned that other economic areas in the region, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and China's Guangdong Province, have become more competitive through measures such as market liberalization and tax incentives.
Speeding up cross-strait business normalization is listed among the ECCT's 2006-2007 priority issues, which also include eliminating over-regulation, complying with World Trade Organization commitments, accelerating the development of the service industry and creating a favorable tax climate.
The paper expresses regret that recent domestic political turmoil and impasse has stifled economic reforms and cross-strait business normalization, while the most urgent and critical suggestions were side-stepped at the Conference for Sustainable Economic Development.
If Taiwan does not start normalizing its cross-strait economic relations soon, headquarters of European companies have indicated that they are not interested in further substantial investment in Taiwan, Scheller warned.
"With US$14.6 billion in investment, European business is the largest foreign investor in Taiwan and we have a keen interest in ensuring that Taiwan faces reality and secures its prosperity, " ECCT Chairman Ralf Scheller said in a press conference.
The position paper, titled "Facing Reality: Normalize Regional Economic Relations to Secure Taiwan's Prosperity, " claims that Taiwan's economy has not gained in competitiveness over the past year by making the necessary reforms that should have led to an economic transformation.
The ECCT, which represents over 600 members from 400 companies and organizations, is concerned that other economic areas in the region, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and China's Guangdong Province, have become more competitive through measures such as market liberalization and tax incentives.
Speeding up cross-strait business normalization is listed among the ECCT's 2006-2007 priority issues, which also include eliminating over-regulation, complying with World Trade Organization commitments, accelerating the development of the service industry and creating a favorable tax climate.
The paper expresses regret that recent domestic political turmoil and impasse has stifled economic reforms and cross-strait business normalization, while the most urgent and critical suggestions were side-stepped at the Conference for Sustainable Economic Development.
If Taiwan does not start normalizing its cross-strait economic relations soon, headquarters of European companies have indicated that they are not interested in further substantial investment in Taiwan, Scheller warned.
BUILDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IMPORTANT FOR TAIWAN: AIT HEAD
Taipei, Oct. 26 (CNA) American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office Director Stephen Young said Thursday that it is important to build democratic institutions in Taiwan and he claimed that democracy has been one of Taiwan's greatest exports to China.
"It is important to build democracy institutions and values, such as rule of law, a responsible media, NGO activities, freedom of assembly and cooperative work within the government, " Young said, offering his view on recent political developments in Taiwan.
But overall, "Taiwan's democracy is doing just fine, " he said in his second press conference since he took office in March.
Citing the examples of recent political turmoil in Thailand and Hungary, the de facto U.S. ambassador said it is also important to avoid setbacks.
Not only Taiwan but also the U.S. is still learning about democracy, even though its democratic system has been established for over 200 years, he said.
"It is important to build democracy institutions and values, such as rule of law, a responsible media, NGO activities, freedom of assembly and cooperative work within the government, " Young said, offering his view on recent political developments in Taiwan.
But overall, "Taiwan's democracy is doing just fine, " he said in his second press conference since he took office in March.
Citing the examples of recent political turmoil in Thailand and Hungary, the de facto U.S. ambassador said it is also important to avoid setbacks.
Not only Taiwan but also the U.S. is still learning about democracy, even though its democratic system has been established for over 200 years, he said.
AIT HEAD CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF ROBUST DEFENSE BUDGET
Taipei, Oct. 26 (CNA) American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office Director Stephen Young called Thursday for Taiwan's legislature to pass the defense budget and various arms procurement packages this autumn, in one of the strongest and clearest messages AIT has publicly expressed in years.
"Act now to pass the robust defense budget this fall. Don't do it for the United States. Do it for Taiwan, " Young said in his second public press conference since he took office in March.
Young returned from Washington in early October after meeting senior officials in the White House, State Department, Defense Department and Congress.
"As an indispensable partner of Taiwan, the U.S. needs to speak its mind, " Young said, claiming that the U.S. is the only country willing to help Taiwan with arms sales according to Taiwan's defensive needs.
Taiwan needs to pass the robust defense budget, which will increase from 2.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) this year to 3 percent in 2008, in the legislative session this autumn, he said.
The next concrete step is that the long-stalled arms procurement package "should pass through the Procedure Committee in the Legislative Yuan so an open debate can begin, " he said.
It has been five years since U.S. President George W. Bush approved the sale of the arms package to Taiwan in April 2001, Young said, adding that China has never stopped its military buildup during that period.
"The gap between Taiwan and China in terms of military capability has been growing, " he went on.
Young said that now is the best time to pass the arms bill and defense budget because the U.S. will be reviewing its commitments and policies after the presidential election in 2008 and a new administration takes office.
The U.S. wants to help Taiwan with its defense not to "alienate Taiwan and China" but in the belief that a stronger Taiwan will "allow Taiwan to discuss political issues with China without fear of threat or coercion, " he said.
The de facto U.S. ambassador said he has met with major political figures since returning from Washington. Prior to meeting opposition People First Party Chairman James Soong the previous day, he met with President Chen Shui-bian, Premier Su Tseng-chang, opposition Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou, former President Lee Teng-hui, Defense Minister Lee Jye, Foreign Affairs Minister James Huang and
Legislative Speaker Wang jyng-ping.
"Act now to pass the robust defense budget this fall. Don't do it for the United States. Do it for Taiwan, " Young said in his second public press conference since he took office in March.
Young returned from Washington in early October after meeting senior officials in the White House, State Department, Defense Department and Congress.
"As an indispensable partner of Taiwan, the U.S. needs to speak its mind, " Young said, claiming that the U.S. is the only country willing to help Taiwan with arms sales according to Taiwan's defensive needs.
Taiwan needs to pass the robust defense budget, which will increase from 2.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) this year to 3 percent in 2008, in the legislative session this autumn, he said.
The next concrete step is that the long-stalled arms procurement package "should pass through the Procedure Committee in the Legislative Yuan so an open debate can begin, " he said.
It has been five years since U.S. President George W. Bush approved the sale of the arms package to Taiwan in April 2001, Young said, adding that China has never stopped its military buildup during that period.
"The gap between Taiwan and China in terms of military capability has been growing, " he went on.
Young said that now is the best time to pass the arms bill and defense budget because the U.S. will be reviewing its commitments and policies after the presidential election in 2008 and a new administration takes office.
The U.S. wants to help Taiwan with its defense not to "alienate Taiwan and China" but in the belief that a stronger Taiwan will "allow Taiwan to discuss political issues with China without fear of threat or coercion, " he said.
The de facto U.S. ambassador said he has met with major political figures since returning from Washington. Prior to meeting opposition People First Party Chairman James Soong the previous day, he met with President Chen Shui-bian, Premier Su Tseng-chang, opposition Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou, former President Lee Teng-hui, Defense Minister Lee Jye, Foreign Affairs Minister James Huang and
Legislative Speaker Wang jyng-ping.
TAIWAN MEDIA CREDIBILITY PLUMMETS AMONG BUSINESSMEN: SURVEY
Taipei, Oct. 24 (CNA) Taiwan media's credibility is in jeopardy, dropping to a "trust rating" of only 1 percent among major business stakeholder groups, according to the results of an annual survey on Asia Pacific business stakeholders released Tuesday.
Alan VanderMolen, president of consulting and public relations firm Edelman Asia-Pacific, claimed of the finding in the Regional Stakeholder Study 2006 that "Taiwan media is in trouble."
The survey was based on interviews with 1,050 consumers, employees, investors, media members, government officials, non-government organization (NGO) workers and business executives -- the seven stakeholder groups -- in various countries including Taiwan, Japan, China, South Korea, India and Singapore. It polled 70 people in Taiwan.
The Taiwanese respondents gave the media only 1 percent in trust rating with regard to credibility. Government, NGOs and businesses -- the other institutions rated -- all received trust ratings of 11 percent.
The survey also found that the trust rating of local mainstream media in Taiwan is lower than foreign mainstream media, Web-based media, and even bloggers, VanderMolen said.
Only 3 percent of the respondents in Taiwan believe what the media prints about corporations, according to the survey results.
Among the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan's media credibility was ranked last, with Australia second from the bottom, the survey shows.
Alan VanderMolen, president of consulting and public relations firm Edelman Asia-Pacific, claimed of the finding in the Regional Stakeholder Study 2006 that "Taiwan media is in trouble."
The survey was based on interviews with 1,050 consumers, employees, investors, media members, government officials, non-government organization (NGO) workers and business executives -- the seven stakeholder groups -- in various countries including Taiwan, Japan, China, South Korea, India and Singapore. It polled 70 people in Taiwan.
The Taiwanese respondents gave the media only 1 percent in trust rating with regard to credibility. Government, NGOs and businesses -- the other institutions rated -- all received trust ratings of 11 percent.
The survey also found that the trust rating of local mainstream media in Taiwan is lower than foreign mainstream media, Web-based media, and even bloggers, VanderMolen said.
Only 3 percent of the respondents in Taiwan believe what the media prints about corporations, according to the survey results.
Among the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan's media credibility was ranked last, with Australia second from the bottom, the survey shows.
FOREIGN BUSINESSES IN TAIWAN ENCOURAGED TO 'GIVE POWER TO PEOPLE'
Taipei, Oct. 24 (CNA) Businesses should move with the changing times and start paying attention to "people power" in terms of business communication, a consultant told European and American businessmen Tuesday.
Businesses in Taiwan should realize that the old business communication model of "pyramid of authority, " in which information is passed to the audience from experts, is no longer working today, said Alan VanderMolen, president of Edleman Asia-Pacific.
With today's sophisticated information technology, businesses should adopt a new "sphere of cross influence" model, in which institutions such as media, business, consumers, non-government organizations (NGOs) and government interact with each other, he said.
Especially in Taiwan, where media credibility has dropped to a new low point according to an annual survey conducted recently by Edelman and blogging familiarity and usage is very high, foreign businesses are encouraged to communicate through various channels.
The "Regional Stakeholder Study 2006" survey was based on interviews with 1,050 consumers, employees, investors, media members, government officials, NGOs and business executives -- the seven stakeholder groups -- in Taiwan, Japan, China, South Korea, India and Singapore, among other countries. It polled 70 people in Taiwan.
Citing the survey results, VanderMolen also noted the difficulties for businesses in hiring qualified employees in Taiwan, as 19 percent of the survey respondents in Taiwan listed employee development and benefits as the first thing they noticed that makes companies stand out.
"At the end of the day, products and services remain king, " he said.
But businesses also should hand "power to the people, " get employees engaged, apply multi-channel communication and pay attention to corporate social responsibility to operate smoothly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Businesses in Taiwan should realize that the old business communication model of "pyramid of authority, " in which information is passed to the audience from experts, is no longer working today, said Alan VanderMolen, president of Edleman Asia-Pacific.
With today's sophisticated information technology, businesses should adopt a new "sphere of cross influence" model, in which institutions such as media, business, consumers, non-government organizations (NGOs) and government interact with each other, he said.
Especially in Taiwan, where media credibility has dropped to a new low point according to an annual survey conducted recently by Edelman and blogging familiarity and usage is very high, foreign businesses are encouraged to communicate through various channels.
The "Regional Stakeholder Study 2006" survey was based on interviews with 1,050 consumers, employees, investors, media members, government officials, NGOs and business executives -- the seven stakeholder groups -- in Taiwan, Japan, China, South Korea, India and Singapore, among other countries. It polled 70 people in Taiwan.
Citing the survey results, VanderMolen also noted the difficulties for businesses in hiring qualified employees in Taiwan, as 19 percent of the survey respondents in Taiwan listed employee development and benefits as the first thing they noticed that makes companies stand out.
"At the end of the day, products and services remain king, " he said.
But businesses also should hand "power to the people, " get employees engaged, apply multi-channel communication and pay attention to corporate social responsibility to operate smoothly in the Asia-Pacific region.
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