Taiwan is not only famous for its IT hardware industry, in fact the government is currently making every effort to develop computer and IT related applications, digital content and the cultural and creative industries. On December 10, 2009, the Industrial Development Bureau of the MOEA held a results presentation and awards ceremony titled “Digital new vision, unlimited e-future:” in the China Petroleum building during which various possibilities for digital archives and e-learning were introduced to industry figures and members of the public.

Starting in 2001, archives digitization by Taiwan’s museums and e-learning research and industrial development, promoting the creation and application of content, has received powerful support from national level programs.  This work has encouraged specialized academic research and, by providing subsidies to companies in related areas, the results of R&D have been passed to industry, providing new employment opportunities and generating real output value for Taiwan. Helped by the government, in the 2002-2009 seven year period alone the output value of the e-learning industry has increased from NT$700 million to NT$15 billion. As Taiwan’s high quality e-learning and content providers gradually develop their own brand image it can be expected that in the future the e-learning industry in Taiwan can achieve output value of NT$45 billion!

Section Chief Mr. Lu Zheng-hua of the Industrial Development Bureau, MOEA said that the development of the e-learning and digital archives industry will continue to be supported.

Section Chief Mr. Lu Zheng-hua, Section Chief Xi Shi-xu of the National Science Council, Lee Wen-bin, the deputy director of the “Industrial Development and Promotion of Digital Archives and e-learning Project”, President Su Jin-huo of the Corporate Synergy Development Center and other special guest were in attendance when the presentation ceremony was held on the 10th. Professor Chen Guo-dong, director of the Industrial Development and Promotion of Digital Archives and e-learning Project and vice-president Zhang Guo-en, convener of the e-learning Quality Service Center had other commitments but recorded a congratulatory film that was shown, illustrating that distance is no object in the digital era.

In his speech Section Chief Lu of the IDB, MOEA that that after many years of guidance the e-learning industry in Taiwan now has a good foundation. As for digital archives’ industrialization, he said that this is a “shoot” worth and nurturing and expressed the hope that all quarters of society will continue to encourage and support the organizations working towards this end. President Su of the Corporate Synergy Development Center mentioned the strong growth of the e-learning industry’s output value that has not only spurred new industrial services modes it has also provided employment. As a result of the efforts of the participating units, for every NT$100 million the government invests, NT$1.6 billion in output value is created, a really impressive return.

If they are willing to make an effort young people also have opportunities. The photo shows the winner of the e-learning promotional film competition receiving the prize

Of the companies in the e-learning industry receiving subsidies in 2009, OK Mart, PC School, LIVE ABC, KNSH and HLE etc won prizes, showing that e-learning  doesn’t just teach you how to use a PC it now is a part of the learning activities in different industries, allowing people to learn anywhere and at any time  .

Liao Zhi-rong (right), general  manager of Cathay Creative Co., Ltd Receiving the “Best marketing channel expansion award” from President Su (left) of the Corporate Synergy Development Center

As for the digital archives industry, 2009 was the first year that the subsidy scheme has been held but results were very encouraging. For example there was the film that brought back happy memories of the past in Taiwan, E. SHA Age, Grimm Press and Qisda used marine creatures for images and products, Art Source used Shisanhang Museum of Archeology’s ancient relics as the basis for products and Cathay Creative developed cultural and creative product channels, each company having its own distinctive features and attractive style. Through the efforts of these companies the cultural archives formally held by various organizations are now easily accessible to the public and this will help increase the knowledge and aesthetic literacy of the people of Taiwan.

The results presentation came to a conclusion amidst a happy and exiting atmosphere. It can be expected that the government will continue to invest a substantial amount of resources in the e-learning and digital archives industries and attract more talented people and capital to them, helping Taiwan, an IT manufacturing “power,” into an IT application power. 

List of winners this year (Chinese name list)

Click here for photographs from the activity (Can be downloaded and used by following Creative Commons (CC) terms)