Flipped Competitiveness Technology Is Taiwan’s Way Out

At the 2016 International Young Physicists’Tournament (IYPT), among the 29 participating countries to take part in this intensive competition, theTaiwan team, which was sponsored by the Far Eastern Y. Z. Hsu Science &Technology Memorial Foundation, won a gold medal for the first time.  In addition, Far Eastern New Century’s revolutionary smart garment technology of DynaFeed received the ISPO Gold Awardat the globally prestigious ISPO Textrends Exhibition in Munich in 2016.  The enthusiasm and achievement made by theprivate sectors in scientific developments are enabling the world to see Taiwan,and Y. Z. Hsu Foundation Chairman Douglas Hsu stated that: “Technology is Taiwan’s way out.”

Amazing Smart Clothing 
Champion of Sportswear Products

“What a fascinating technology!”  Foundation Chairman Hsu acclaimed, who had earlier visited Beijing China and Fukuoka, Japan to witness a gigantic shopping mall, large enough to “swallow” 6,500cars.  Amazingly, the traffic wassmooth.  The Big Dome can accommodate upto 40,000 people and has a rooftop that can open and close, and allow speedyexit of crowds.  Talking about changes inworld technology, Hsu has a sparkle in his eyes.

He demonstrates DynaFeed, a state-of-the-art smart clothing technology unveiled bythe Far Eastern New Century Corporation. “It may seem ordinary, but it can be a great help to your exercise.  You don’t need to wear a bracelet anymore!”Hsu revealed.  By combining advanced conductivecarbon nanotubes polymer film together with biosensor technology solutions onthe chest, DynaFeed empowers athletes by providing real-time data monitoringmotions, exercise intensity as well as accurate measure of heartbeat toillustrate a successful example of “technology made simple”.

DynaFeed has won high praise at the 2016 ISPO sportswear exhibition in Munich, Germany (theworld’s largest sports and outdoor products exhibition).  So the jury presented the gold award for thefirst time to the manufacturer Far Eastern New Century Corporation, inrecognition of the unique features and technological innovation strength of theFar Eastern Group.

Showing the Will to Win at IYPT 
Gaining the First Gold Medal for Taiwan

　　This year isparticularly significant for the Y. Z. Hsu Memorial Foundation, as it has longbeen collaborating with Department of Physics, National Taiwan NormalUniversity to sponsor the “Mr. Y. Z. Hsu Cup—Taiwan’s Young Student Physicist’s Tournament” tocultivate young students’ capability to debate on physics in English, enhancelogical thinking and analytical ability. Since 2010 we started to train students to participate in the InternationalYoung Physicists' Tournament (IYPT) and held the 2013 ITPT in Taiwan.  Thus the Foundation served as a bridge toconnect local students with the world competition and won Taiwan’s first goldmedal in the 2016 IYPT.

 “This time our children are amazing, returned with a gold medal from 29 participatingcountries, winning over U.S.A., U.K. and Chinese teams, demonstrating thewill to win!”  Douglas Hsu expressed withcomfort and delight.  Given that theseteachers and students had practiced day and night with high spirit and mission,“It is really commendable.”

This goldmedal is indeed quite challenging to win, according to Hsu.  Aside from the knowledge in Physics, studentsmust be equipped with excellent English speaking skill, courage and insight, aswell as great team work.  There areschools that aim at nurturing students for this tournament as their majordevelopment target.  The Y. Z. Hsu Foundation is delighted to see this result after long-term sponsorship of this event.

In addition to physics debate, the Foundation hopes to expand intomedical science and other areas to inspire young students’ new perspective.  Hsu expressed that: “Toelevate Taiwan’s competitiveness, taking root in science is particularly critical.”

A Lonely Road of Research  
Support from the Foundation

Douglas Hsu pointed out that the basic scientific research usually takes lengthy time tobecome applicable.  Researchers need todeal with obstacles of working hard but no gains, insufficient budget,etc.  However, with the assistance andcompanionship of the Y. Z. Hsu Scientific Foundation, they can not only obtain substantialfunding, but also call for the attention to their research subjects.  “We are Taiwan’s unique institution as asupporting force behind scientific researchers. While dedicating into scientific experiments, people may not know you atthe moment, but our Foundation will offer you recognition!” Hsu said withpride.

During thepast 14 years, Y. Z. Hsu Scientific Award has nurtured and encouraged numerousscientists, from past researchers to recent prominent figures in themanufacturing, political and academic arena, such as current Economist MinisterDr. C. K. Lee, National Taiwan University Hospital Superintendent Dr. Hong-nerngHo, Academia Sinica academician Dr. Shie-Ming Peng and etc. are all recipientsof this Award.  The Foundation hopes to promote these outstanding talents doing more researches, share their research results,and make contribution to the society of Taiwan.

Welcome the Era of STEAM  
Flipping Taiwan’s Competitive Edge

In analyzingthe awarded projects in 2016, Douglas Hsu indicated that for scientific researchers, curiosity is the mother of science.  Some of the winning pieces this year derivesfrom the ability to explore things.  For example, winner of the info-telecom seminar Dr. Wu Chia-ling developed the world’s first “Invisible Digital Watermark” technique out of the invisible inkconcept described in Chinese martial art novels, and has now developed thevideo conference software with the highest global market share of DVD player,another success story of industry and academic collaboration.

Some grantees reflect the most up-to-date trend, such as info-telecom essay winner Cheng Wen-huang who applies the latest analytical method to precisely andefficiently select value from Big Data.  “Big Data possess the ability to change all walks of lives, it is not enough toestablish the data, but more important is to search for smart data withefficient management so as to turn around Taiwan’s competitiveness.”  Douglas Hsu affirmed: “The future shall bethe era of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Motion) closely connecting these five elements!”

Douglas Hsu is convinced that science and technology will be the core of Taiwan’s future.  Academic study and higher education must bein line with the world level.  While the Y. Z. Hsu Science and Technology Memorial Foundation is willing to make continuous contributions, it also expects the government to implement relevant policies.  “With economic slow down, we need to initiate broad discussion to find out solutions.”  He believes that if focusing on reviving economy, continuing to promote industry upgrade, marching forward, we will ultimately become smarter.  “In future path, Taiwan is filled with many top talents and innovative spirit surely to create more wonders.”(From the “ScientificAmerican” Magazine)#