MOST celebrates 60 years of scientific achievement

2019/08/22

A special event marking the 60th anniversary of the Ministry of Science and Technology was staged Aug. 20 in Taipei City, underscoring the MOST’s achievements in shaping the technological landscape of Taiwan.

Established in 1959 as the National Long-Term Science Development Committee, the MOST was initially tasked with overseeing Taiwan’s research organization planning and tertiary education. It was renamed National Science Council and elevated to Cabinet-level status in 1969 before taking its present form in 2016.

Vice President Chen Chien-jen said during his remarks at the event that the MOST played a key role in spurring national development while enhancing the well-being of the people.

According to Chen, the launch in June of Formosat-7/COSMIC-2, a group of six satellites jointly developed by Taiwan and the U.S., as well as related projects in the run-up to the launch, are also important MOST milestones.

In addition to enhancing Taiwan’s technological prowess, Chen said, the MOST is contributing to the success of the country’s science parks. The three facilities recorded best-ever combined revenues topping NT$2.6 trillion (US$82.79 billion) in 2018 and headcounts of more than 270,000, he added.

Talent cultivation is another area where the MOST has made a real impact, Chen said, citing the many researchers and scientists supported by the ministry that have gone on to become role models for the youth of Taiwan.

Chen said the fruits of the MOST’s labors are further illustrated by Taiwan’s strong showing and description as a “super innovator” alongside Germany, Switzerland and the U.S. in the latest edition of the Global Competitiveness Report published by Geneva-based World Economic Forum.

It is hoped the MOST will keep implementing more innovative projects such as the artificial intelligence research center and Taiwan Tech Arena, so as to ensure Taiwan’s sustainable development going forward, Chen said. (SFC-E)

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)