The List of 2010 MOE Mandarin Enrichment Scholarship Recipients Is Now Released!

July 22nd, 2010
NO. Name  University-affiliated Mandarin Language Center Scholarship Duration(Months)
1 Andrew John Jones  National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
2 Angela Cheung National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
3 Asako Patricia Saito National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
4 Bernadette Marie Moloney National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
5 Caitlin O’dea National Taiwan University Chinese Language Division Language Center 3
6 Callum David Findlay Feng Chia University Chinese Language Center 6
7 Charlotte Curnow National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
8 Costa Steven Valtas National Chengchi University Chinese Language Center 3
9 Craig Leslie Richards Chinese Culture University Mandarin Learning Center 3
10 David John Gale National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
11 Elliott Clutterbuck National Taiwan University Chinese Language Division Language Center 3
12 Erik Brasse National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
13 Eugenie Edquist National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 9
14 Evelyn Yung-Ching Hoon National Taiwan University Chinese Language Division Language Center 3
15 Geordie Lucas National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
16 Guy Podmore  Chinese Culture University Mandarin Learning Center 3
17 Irina Eve Carruthers Feng Chia University Chinese Language Center 3
18 James John Weyler National Taiwan University Chinese Language Division Language Center 3
19 Joshua Denby Williams National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
20 Julian Garratt National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
21 Kate Elizabeth Ellis National Taiwan University Chinese Language Division Language Center 3
22 Linda Keogh National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
23 Martyn Coutts Chinese Culture University Mandarin Learning Center 3
24 Nicholas Gerald Wilson National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center 3
25 Richard James Clements  National Pingtung University of Education Chinese Language Division 9
26 Rick Fearnley Chinese Culture University Mandarin Learning Center 3
27 Thomas Mitchell Keesing National Taiwan University Chinese Language Division Language Center 3

Congratulation to all 2010 HES recipients!!!

Any questions regarding the sholarship information,  please email: julietsai@cultural.teco.org.au

2011 AIR Taipei Open Call for Residence & Exhibition Proposals (Application Deadline: 2010.7.12)

June 9th, 2010

2011 AIR Taipei Open Call officially kicks off! In nearly ten years, the bases of AIR Taipei have grown from one to three: Taipei Artist Village locates in the city center where the artists can easily access the public and the art network; Grass Mountain Artist Village situates in the Yangmingshan National Park where full of natural resources; Treasure Hill Artist Village sits in the unique historical settlement of village style where awaits to be explored by the artists to put creativities in.

In addition to choosing Taipei as the residency location, Taiwan artists can also choose to fulfill the residency through the exchange programs at institutions in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, USA and France up to 3 months provided with funding support and studio space. Artists are also encouraged to reach out on their own to programs worldwide and further apply for additional funding supports through our “Boundary Break-Through Project”.

Other than the international open call for artists of any nationality, the competitive category, international artists-in-residence, will continue the “New Immigrants Taiwan” project for Southeast Asian artists, as well as the “Artists from Sister Cities of Taipei” for artists who base in any of the 49 sister cities.

Since the establishment of Taipei Artist Village, “Barry Room” has witnessed numerous artists’ creative ideas nourished in Taipei. Due to the small number of exhibiting spaces in Taipei and the financial difficulties that most artists encounter, starting from last year Barry Room calls for innovative exhibition proposals with free space charge and will continue in 2011.

The application deadline for both artists-in-residence and exhibition programs will be 2010-7-12 (by postmark). Please download the application guideline and form from the website: http://www.artistvillage.org/en_artist_apply.php . Application through email is NOT acceptable.

For inquiries about artist-in-residence, please email to air@artistvillage.org ; for inquiries about exhibition, please email to exhibition@artistvillage.org ; or call +886 2 3393 7377 * 407/208.

2010 Test of Proficiency-Huayu will be open to register from May 20th!

May 17th, 2010

TOP is a foreign language proficiency test for non-native speakers of Chinese. Those who wish to know about their level of Chinese proficiency, or those who want to study, work or do business in Chinese speaking countries are welcome to register for the test.

The TOP is administrated by the Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP) on four levels, with these being: Beginners, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

For the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels of TOP, each level has three sections, including listening, vocabulary and grammar, and reading.

TOP test takers who passed the requirement of TOP will receive certificate. The certificate can serve as a Chinese proficiency credential for:

  • Applying for the “MOE Mandarin Scholarship” or “Taiwan Scholarship”.
  • Applying for the academic programs at colleges or universities in Taiwan.
  • Serving as a reference of Chinese subject for University Entrance Committee for Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan.
  • Serving as a job-required proof of Chinese language proficiency.

For more information regarding the 2010 TOP and how to prepare for it, please visit website of the Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP ) http://www.sc-top.org.tw/

About the 2010 TOP in QLD

The register period of 2010 Top in Queensland is from May 20th to July 26th, 2010 and the tests will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, 19th September, 2010. The venue information is as follows,

(1) Chung-Tian Chinese School of Queensland, Pristdale :

      Janice Tsai 0430161085      

      school@chungtian.org.au ,janicetsai2009@gmail.com

(2) University of Queensland:

     Shirley Liu 0418736878 

     shirley.liu@uq.edu.au

(3) Chung-Tian Chinese School of Queensland, Gold Coast:

     Rose Wu 0413056168

     chi_189@hotmail.com

Regarding the further information of TOP, please refer to the contact information as above, Cultural Division of TECO( info@cultural.teco.org.au ) or visit http://www.sc-top.org.tw

To download the 2010 TOP registration form, please click here

Five Taiwan Documentaries Awardesd Top Prizes at Huston Film Festival

April 29th, 2010

Five Taiwan documentaries won the Platnium Awards, the greastest hornor in documentary category, at the 43th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival that just closed April 18,2010 in Huston, USA.

Under keen competiton of an overall 4,500 participating films, all of these films are first-time participants in a film festival and recognized as the best in each sub-categories.

The fibe documentaries are as follows,

Tradition Meets Mondernity, New Energy for Taiwanese Music (當傳統遇上現代,台灣音樂新活力), published by the Government Information Office, introduces Taiwan music, diverse culture and creativity, combining tradition and modern.

[In Taiwan, music moves to a different beat. While Western, Japanese, Chinese and other types of world music are popular, Taiwan’s specialities are traditional styles and fusion music the marriage of traditional forms with modern interpretations. These forms, and today’s outstanding artists, are introduced in this film.While the phenomenon of fusion music is seen around the world, when artists like Taiwanese opera singer Kuo Chun-Mei and electronic composer Su Tong-Da team up, the results are remarkable and unique. The indigenous members of band Totem incorporate elements of their heritage into their modern rock music, while Kou Chou Ching drops beats telling old tales once shared by street performers to a new, hip-hop rhythm.No matter which forms of music you enjoy, such as modern, traditional or fusion , Taiwan’s creative artists are sure to please.]

Taiwan innovation Gene (台灣創意基因) depicts how Taiwan integrates creative design into industries to crate new business opportunities.

[This little island covers less than 0.03 percent of the earth’s land area. Its people account for a mere 0.4 percent of the world’s population. You may never have visited Taiwan, yet high-tech gadgets that were “Made in Taiwan” have, most likely, become part of your everyday life. Now, the integration of this nation’s manufacturing capabilities with innovative technologies is giving rise to a new global trend—“Created in Taiwan.” Taiwan Innovation Gene begins by describing the powerful synergy that can arise when Taiwan’s traditional manufacturers join forces with creative designers. In so doing, it introduces some of the cutting-edge products that such cross-sector collaboration has brought forth. The film goes on to examine how one high-tech enterprise has vastly increased the competitiveness of its products by transforming operations, and then highlights the new business opportunities that can be forged through combining art with technology. Finally, a glimpse is offered into the limitless potential of children and students—Taiwan’s seeds of creativity. This film goes beyond portraying Taiwan’s innovative technological achievements. It reveals what this nation has learned through observing the development of an ever-more technology-centered world, and is a testament to Taiwan’s endeavors to reach a stage where its businesses are no longer merely churning out products en masse, but are recognized by the world for their creations.]

Let’s be friends (台灣對外推廣華與文教學) shows that Taiwan holds the edge of well-preserved Chinese culture, along with friendly people, diverse cultures, is the best destination for those who whish to learn Chinese languages.

[A new century has dawned, and the winds of history are blowing toward the East. Mandarin Chinese is gaining in popularity all over the world. This film details the lives of students of this language who have traveled to Taiwan to study, teach, or settle down. Their experiences serve to show just how much fun learning Chinese and living in Taiwan are. We invite you to journey to Taiwan. Here you will find a home away from home, a realm where Chinese culture thrives. The people here are friendly, open, and always willing to help you practice your language skills. In Taiwan, you will have the time of your life as you learn Chinese and experience a distinctive local culture.Come on! We’re waiting for you!]

Sharing Taiwan with the World (台灣,不寂寞) records how Taiwan government and its people make contribution to the world through giving medical, technological and humanitary aids.

[Natured by firm conviction.The  seeds we’ve planted are blooming.Our desire to help rooted in the simple thought.We, Too, are part of the world.Expertise in diverse arts and humanitarian aid.

Married with the spirit of dedication and service has enabled us to create realms of cooperation blind to nationality, skin color and politics.May our urge to give a helping hand, to reach out and touch the heart continue bearing fruit the world over.]

Stories from Faraway (遠方來的故事) records how birds of passage travel thousands of miles for breeding.

Held annually, the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival has been dedicated to provide a stage for independent films and budding cinematic talents.

2010 GIS Taiwan Call for Participants!!!

February 5th, 2010

About  2010 GIS Taiwan

Host: National Taiwan University, GIS Host TeamDate: July 12th-16th, 2010

Location: National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

Participants: 100 students will be selected through an essay competition. Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students, and must not be born prior to 1976.

Topic and Subtopic:

The topic for the GIS Taiwan 2010 is:

Emergence of New Giants: Evolution or Revolution

The three subtopics are:

  1. Natural Resources: A Golden Apple for Emerging Countries?
  2. Emerging Countries at the Crossroads: Adoption of Green Technology
  3. When East Meets West: New perspectives under Asian Culture Expansion

Official Language:

English will be used during the conference as the official language.

Application Deadline:

All the Applications must be submitted via the official website. Applicants’ essays must be uploaded by March 1st, 2010 to be eligible for the competition.

Announcement of Results:

Qualified participants will be notified via e-mail in early April of 2010.

Covered Expenses:

The expenses of accommodation, meals, and the cultural tour are covered. Additionally, grants are offered to international students according to the location of their university.

Grants:

Grants for airline tickets are of three different rate levels. According to the country in which your school is located:

 

  • The first grant rate level applies to:Brunei, Cambodia, China, DPRK, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Palau, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries whose distance to Taiwan is similar to that of the above mentioned.
  • The second grant rate level applies to:Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, India, Iraq, New Zealand, Omen, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA, Venezuela, and other countries whose distance to Taiwan is similar to that of the above mentioned.
  • The third grant rate level applies to:Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Czech, Egypt, France, Gambia, Hungary, Isreal, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Peru, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Ukraine, and other countries whose distance to Taiwan is similar to that of the above mentioned.

According to the grant rate level listed above, from the first to the third, grants for delegates of the top ten essays are $200/400/550USD per person. Grants for rest of the delegates are $150/350/500USD per person.

*For the top 10 winners, GIS Taiwan might offer free plane tickets as grants instead of cash reimbursement. Once the tickets are provided, the original cash reimbursement for the top 10 winners would be automatically cancelled. Since GIS Taiwan reserves the right to decide the form of grant to all delegates, the top 10 winners may not demand the alternative.

*If you have any questions concerning the grants, please confirm it with us via email gis-taiwan@gis-taiwan.ntu.edu.tw

*GIS Taiwan reserves the right to alter the amount of grant to those delegates whose country is not listed in the above.

ISCSLP2010 Calls for Papers

December 14th, 2009
ISCSLP is the flagship conference of ISCA SIG-CSLP (International Speech Communication Association, Special Interest Group on Chinese Spoken Language Processing).ISCSLP2010 will be held during November 29 – December 3, 2010 in Tainan and Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan hosted by National Cheng Kung University.Tainan, located in south of Taiwan, is the cultural place of origin. There are a lot of historical sites and antique places. Therefore, Tainan has another name called the ancient capital. In addition to these historical sites, Tainan is a modern city with various shopping centers, department stores, and night markets. You can taste all of Taiwanese traditional food, e.g. shrimp roll, tofu pudding, coffin, oyster omelet, rice tube pudding, Taiwanese meatballs in Tainan . Don’t miss this chance to experience these toothsome snacks when you visit Tainan .

Sun Moon Lake, situated in Nantou County ’s Yuchih Township, in the center of Taiwan, and is the island’s largest lake. It is a beautiful alpine lake, divided by the tiny Lalu Island; the eastern part of the lake is round like the sun and the western side is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name “ Sun Moon Lake ”. Its crystalline, emerald green waters reflect the hills and mountains which rise on all sides. Natural beauty is enhanced by numerous cultural and historical sites. Well-known both at home and abroad, the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area has exceptional potential for further growth and recognition as a prime tourism destination. When you come to Sun Moon Lake, slow down your hurried travels, stay, and relax for a few days. Here, the beauty of nature will make you want to keep coming back!

We invite your participation in this premier conference, where the language from ancient civilizations embraces modern computing technology. ISCSLP2010 will feature world-renowned plenary speakers, tutorials, exhibits, and a number of lecture and poster sessions on the following topics:

  • Speech Production and Perception
  • Phonetics and Phonology
  • Speech Analysis
  • Speech Coding
  • Speech Enhancement
  • Speech Recognition
  • Speech Synthesis
  • Language Modeling and Spoken Language Understanding
  • Spoken Dialog Systems
  • Spoken Language Translation
  • Speaker and Language Recognition
  • Computer-Assisted Language Learning
  • Indexing, Retrieval and Authoring of Speech Signals
  • Multi-Modal Interface including Spoken Language Processing
  • Spoken Language Resources and Technology Evaluation
  • Applications of Spoken Language Processing Technology
 
Official Language & Publication
The official language of ISCSLP is English.
All papers accepted will be included in IEEE Xplore and indexed by EI Compendex.
   
Paper Format
The template of ISCSLP paper format is provided as below:
  http://web.aasip.org.tw/download/paperformat.doc
   
Paper Submission
Authors are invited to submit original, unpublished work in English.
Papers should be submitted via http://conf.ncku.edu.tw/iscslp2010/paper.htm
Each submission will be reviewed by two or more reviewers.
At least one author of each paper is required to register.
   
Important Dates
Full paper submission by July 15, 2010
Notification of acceptance by Aug. 30, 2010
Camera ready papers by Sep. 13, 2010
Registration to cover an accepted paper by Oct.13, 2010

TECO in Australia Keenly Promotes Mandarin Language Education by Conducting the 2009 ACT Mandarin Presentation Contest

December 14th, 2009

Date: Nov. 06, 2009

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Australia is committed to continuing its support for Mandarin education in Australia through the 2009 ACT Mandarin Presentation Contest, in which 300 students took part from 10 educational institutions in the Australian Capital Territory.

The 2009 ACT Mandarin Presentation Contest was conducted in each individual school and university throughout May to September.  The 10 educational institutions that registered this year were Mawson Primary school, Canberra High School, Melrose High School, Canberra College, Lake Ginninderra College, Melba Copland Secondary School, Narrabundah College, Dickson College, the Australian National University and the University of Canberra.

The three most outstanding students from each school were honourably awarded a Certificate of Achievement at the 2009 ACT Mandarin Presentation Contest Award Ceremony, held on 6 November 2009 at the ACT Teaching and Learning Center in Stirling.  At the award ceremony, students showcased their excellent skills in Mandarin through vivid performances including chanting, singing Taiwanese pop songs, and performing traditional Chinese folk drama.

In addition to the students, teachers and school principals, the award ceremony was attended by Ms Trish Wilks, Director of Curriculum Support and Professional Learning from ACT Department of Education and Training (DET), Mr Kevin Wang, Deputy Representative of TECO in Australia, Dr Michael Kindler, Manager of DET Curriculum Support P-12, and Mr Yuri Chih, Executive Director of Cultural Division, TECO.

Director Wilks expressed her sincere appreciation to all the participating schools and TECO, and will continue to support language learning and teaching in the ACT educational community.