SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 11, 2024 – Taiwan's leading companies that received the Taiwan Excellence Award wowed visitors with groundbreaking innovations such as a laptop with a 3D display and an environmentally friendly digital camera made of cardboard at the Taiwan Expo held in June in Berlin. The event was organized by the International Trade Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (TITA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). In an exclusive interview, Felix Chiu, Executive Vice President of TAITRA, provides further insights into the exhibition and the highlighted products.
Could you please give us an overview of Taiwan Excellence and the Taiwan Excellence Awards? Which are the main criteria to be awarded with a Taiwan Excellence Award?
Felix Chiu: “The Taiwan Excellence Awards, established in 1993 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, recognize and celebrate the achievements of Taiwan's most innovative companies. Each year, Taiwanese companies can apply for the awards by participating in a rigorous selection process that assesses their products based on four key factors: research and development, design, quality, and marketing. A diverse group of experts carefully selects outstanding brands excelling in these areas, identifying exceptional products that embody innovation and sustainability. Products that receive the Taiwan Excellence Award exemplify the best of domestic industries and are promoted by the government in international markets to enhance the global image of Taiwanese businesses.”
How many Taiwanese exhibitors were participating, and what were the highlighted products at the event?
Felix Chiu: “At this event, Taiwan Excellence was featuring 26 exhibitors showcasing a total of 76 innovative products under the theme 'Work & Recreation + AI.' These products span various fields, including office equipment, ICT and esports, as well as fitness and home living. Many of these products incorporate AI technology to enhance user-friendliness and overall user experience.
Highlighted products include:
Acer's AI PCs:
Swift Go 14 and four gaming laptops: Predator Helios 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition, Predator Helios 18, Predator Helios Neo 16, and Predator Triton Neo 16. The Predator Helios 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition uses machine learning to convert 2D to 3D in real-time and features AI noise reduction, with an NVIDIA GPU that enhances performance for gamers and creators.
Acer's ebii:
An AI-driven smart bike, ebiiAssist, calculates the needed power based on riding conditions and pedaling force, adjusting output power automatically. It also uses sensors to detect incoming vehicles or objects, warning the rider to avoid collisions.
MSI's Stealth 18 AI Studio Gaming Laptop:
Combines AI, design, and performance, with AI Artist software that generates rich images with shorter prompts or text from images.
MSI's Smart Access Control System:
Uses AI facial recognition with over 99% accuracy, capable of recognizing more than 10,000 faces.
IPEVO's TOTEM 360 Immersive Conference Camera + Speakerphone:
Equipped with four lenses for a panoramic 360° view, featuring AI auto-framing and tracking. The VOCAL HUB Wireless Audio System connects up to six wireless microphones, offering synchronized audio and two-way AI noise reduction for premium conference experiences.
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro:
An AI-powered gaming phone designed for mobile gamers, with software that detects important in-game events and reminds players to act. It also features AI recording to automatically capture significant in-game achievements, such as defeating enemies.
AUO FindARTs High Fidelity ART Display:
The AUO FindARTs High Fidelity ART Display delivers sophisticated color reproduction technology and a cloud-encrypted platform for originals, simultaneously preserving authenticity and facilitating the build-up of channels for artworks. Until recently, our clients have included off-site art curation for museums, galleries, VIP rooms, A.R.T. wall designs for hotels, commercial offices, and custom-made artworks for prolific art collectors.
Sauber Picture Frame, Wall-mount Air Purifier:
The Sauber Picture Frame, Wall-mount Air Purifier is an innovative room filter solution that is mounted on the wall in electronically controlled picture frames. With this technology, Sauber has developed the world's thinnest air purifier, which, with its oil-painting-like appearance, can bring an artistic atmosphere to daily life.”
What is TAITRA's vision for Taiwanese products in the European market in the near future? And which goals do you have?
Felix Chiu: “TAITRA envisions Taiwanese products continuing to excel in the European market, particularly in the ICT and electronics sectors. Brands like Acer and Asus are leading this charge. We see the integration of AI technology as a major trend that will enhance user-friendliness and overall user experience. Our award-winning companies are already on board with this trend. For example, we have AI PCs from Acer and MSI, AI smartphones from Asus, AI-driven smart bikes ebii from Acer, and the TOTEM 360 Immersive Conference Camera + Speakerphone from IPEVO. These innovations are making everyday life more convenient and efficient.
We also aim to promote sustainability. In line with the expo's theme, "Digital Horizon, Green Tomorrow," we're focusing on eco-friendly products. Acer’s Aspire Vero laptop and Adata’s HC300 ECO External Hard Drive are excellent examples, both made with PCR materials. Brands like O'right and Aromas are also offering carbon-free and environmentally friendly products that support a greener lifestyle.
Given these trends in ICT, AI technology, and sustainability, our goal is to boost the visibility and popularity of Taiwanese brands in these sectors. We aim to establish Taiwan as a significant player in the European market, known for innovation and sustainability.”
Are there any other new projects planned for this year on the German market?
Felix Chiu: “Yes, there are several exciting Taiwan Excellence events lined up for the remainder of this year in Germany. After the end of Taiwan Expo in Europe, we are excited to announce the upcoming 'Go Green with Taiwan' online proposal competition. Additionally, we will be showcasing at the 'Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at REHACARE' from September 25-28, 2024, and the 'Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at MEDICA' from November 11-14, 2024. These events will feature award-winning products, particularly in the medical field. For more details and updates on Taiwan Excellence, visit www.taiwanexcellence.org/en. Don’t miss these exceptional showcases of innovation and technology!”
With the prestigious TAIWAN EXPO first held in Europe. How satisfied were you with the event in Berlin?
Felix Chiu: “The decision to hold TAIWAN EXPO 2024 in Berlin was influenced by several key factors. The expo aligns with the latest European Union policies, such as the 'European Green Deal' and 'A Europe fit for the digital age,' and focuses on sustainability, technology, and culture. Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city, is not only a political and cultural center but also a hub for European transportation and a global hotspot for technological innovation. Our expectations of the venue have been fully confirmed.
Germany, the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest globally, is a leader in industry and advanced manufacturing and Taiwan's biggest trading partner in Europe. Hosting the expo in Berlin provides a flagship platform for Taiwan-Europe cooperation, showcasing how Taiwan's technological capabilities can integrate with European market demands and trends.”
Image Caption: Felix Chiu, Executive Vice President of TAITRA, and influencer Samantha Abdul examine the eco-friendly digital camera made of cardboard, presented at the Taiwan Expo in Berlin from June 10 to 12.
Taiwan Excellence Awards were established in 1993 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to recognize and celebrate the great achievements of Taiwan's most innovative companies. Each year, eligible candidates go through a rigorous selection process that assesses their products based on four important factors: research and development, design, quality, and marketing. A diverse group of experts carefully selects outstanding brands which excel in sustainability, design, research, and development, identifying exceptional products that embody innovation.
The Taiwan Excellence mark has gained global recognition as a prestigious symbol of quality and design, effectively showcasing Taiwan's impressive product innovation. For more information, please visit http://www.taiwanexcellence.org
ORGANIZED BY
International Trade Administration (TITA), established by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, is entrusted with planning trade policies, engaging in international cooperation, and promoting economic agreements. Responsibilities include trade barrier removal, data analysis, import-export administration, and addressing trade disputes. The Administration's comprehensive role spans trade promotion, MICE industry development, and managing commodity classification. It conducts investigations on import relief and anti-dumping cases, addressing diverse facets of international trade, making it a pivotal entity in Taiwan's global economic engagement. Please visit www.trade.gov.tw/English/
Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the leading non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. It was founded in 1970 with the aim of promoting foreign trade, and is jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations. The organization has a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network, which consists of over 1,200 trained specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 60 branches worldwide. In conjunction with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies. Please visit www.taitra.org.tw