Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced today (21st) that six technologies it funded have won seven awards at the 2025 R&D 100 Awards, often hailed as the “Oscars of Innovation.” The award-winning technologies include three from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), one from the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), one from the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) (which also received a Special Recognition award), and one from the Institute for Information Industry (III). The winning technologies span key fields including AI, biomedical and healthcare, and green technology. Standing alongside world-renowned institutions, Taiwan’s robust innovation and R&D capabilities are once again showcased on the international stage.

MOEA notes that innovative R&D is a key catalyst for propelling the consistent development of Taiwan’s industries. MOEA has been supporting the R&D of various technologies over the long term. By focusing on facilitating the commercialization of technological achievements into practical applications, MOEA aims to spearhead the transformation and upgrading of Taiwanese companies and enhance their competitiveness. MOEA-supported researches have won at the R&D 100 Awards for 18 consecutive years, accumulating a total of 103 awards. Among these award-winning technologies, 90% have been transferred to companies or led to the establishment of startups. Of this year’s winning technologies, five are already in collaboration with industry partners, serving as a driving force for value innovation in Taiwan’s AI, biomedical, and other key industries.

In line with these sustained efforts, the biomedical and healthcare field features two standout awardees. ITRI’s Bio-Inspired Ligament Scaffold (BILS) is a bioengineered ligament designed to accelerate healing in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and other orthopedic repairs. Its porous bionic textile structure and biocomposite materials enhance soft-hard tissue integration and bone regeneration. Compared to conventional PET-based ligaments, it delivers three times higher breaking strength, superior bone integration, and 30% faster functional recovery, offering an innovative and durable solution for sports medicine and the aging population. This innovation was developed in cooperation with Shinkong Synthetic Fibers, OssAware Biotech, and the Taiwan Textile Research Institute. The “AI-Guided Interactive Speech-Language Therapy System” developed by MIRDC leverages generative AI to understand children’s semantics in real-time, dynamically generating imitative and expansive feedback to guide them toward correct expression. This system enables intensive home-based training, pioneering a new future for AI-assisted speech-language therapy.

In the AI field, ITRI’s AI-WaJe(Trademark) system represents a breakthrough in sustainable tire recycling, addressing the global challenge of end-of-life tires through an AI-optimized, non-thermal water jet process that transforms waste tires into high-activity rubber powder. Unlike conventional mechanical or pyrolytic methods, AI-WaJe(Trademark) leverages molecular-level thermal to kinetic energy conversion to selectively break down excessively cross-linked rubber molecules, thereby restoring their reactivity and enabling reuse in high-performance applications. It can process a large truck tire in just six minutes and produces rubber powder with a verified relative activity of up to 79%, enabling direct reintegration into new tire formulations and other premium polymer products. This technology has also driven the creation of the spinoff Taiwan Polymer Material Company, accelerating industrial adoption of green tire recycling.

In the green technology sector, TTRI has developed the “Looping Nylon Technique: no virgin material from recycled fiber to recycle membranes.” Utilizing patented ultrasonic cleaning technology, the process achieves 98% cleanliness while reducing water consumption by 90%. The entire manufacturing process is solvent-free and has reduced carbon emissions by over 70%, enabling the upcycling of discarded fishing nets into high-value medical materials. The membrane can be used in smart medical mattresses, lifeboats, and outdoor functional products, opening up new opportunities for green manufacturing in Taiwan’s medical industry. Winning the 2025 R&D 100 Awards highlights Taiwan’s strength and collaboration potential in application-oriented research and development. MOEA will continue to work with Taiwan’s industries and international enterprises to drive technology validation, cross-border collaboration, and applications in diverse scenarios.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The AI-WaJe(Trademark) system represents a breakthrough in sustainable tire recycling, addressing the global challenge of end-of-life tires through an AI-optimized, non-thermal water jet process that transforms waste tires into high-activity rubber powder. Unlike conventional mechanical or pyrolytic methods, AI-WaJe(Trademark) leverages molecular-level thermal to kinetic energy conversion to selectively break down excessively cross-linked rubber molecules, thereby restoring their reactivity and enabling reuse in high-performance applications. It can process a large truck tire in just six minutes and produces rubber powder with a verified relative activity of up to 79%, enabling direct reintegration into new tire formulations and other premium polymer products. This technology has also driven the creation of the spinoff Taiwan Polymer Material Company, accelerating industrial adoption of green tire recycling.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Circu-Texfilm enables chemical recycling of PET/PU and PET/OP composite textiles without manual disassembly or decolorization. It converts mixed-color fabrics directly into polyurethane resins and waterproof-breathable films with uniform appearance and controlled properties. By optimizing PET/PU ratios, ITRI overcame PET’s high crystallinity and low breathability, resulting in high-performance, GRS- and bluesign(Registered)-certified films. Developed with eco-friendly functional textile manufacturer SINGTEX, Circu-Texfilm provides the world’s first textile-to-textile circular pathway that transforms waste fabrics into advanced apparel materials.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Bio-Inspired Ligament Scaffold (BILS) is a bioengineered ligament designed to accelerate healing in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and other orthopedic repairs. Its porous bionic textile structure and biocomposite materials enhance soft-hard tissue integration and bone regeneration. Compared to conventional PET-based ligaments, it delivers three times higher breaking strength, superior bone integration, and 30% faster functional recovery, offering an innovative and durable solution for sports medicine and the aging population. This innovation was developed in cooperation with Shinkong Synthetic Fibers, OssAware Biotech, and the Taiwan Textile Research Institute.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee (CERC) today published a notice in the Government Gazette declaring the registration of an ex-officio Election Committee (EC) member to be valid.

Under the law, specified office-holders may register as ex-officio EC members.

The Registration & Electoral Office received a registration from the education sector.

The CERC reviewed the registration and determined it to be valid.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In response to the rise of the AI wave and the continued growth in demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, ASE Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (ASE) held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 3 for its new K18B plant in the Nanzih Technology Industrial Park in Kaohsiung. The company announced an investment of NT$17.6 billion to build a new facility with an expected annual output value of NT$12 billion per hectare. The new plant will fully integrate the park’s production lines and expand packaging and testing capacity, demonstrating ASE’s commitment to continuing its deep presence in Kaohsiung and strengthening its layout within the AI-era semiconductor supply chain. The K18B plant is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028 and will create nearly 2,000 new jobs.
At the ceremony, Yang Chih-Ching, Director-General of the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), stated that Taiwan holds a leading advantage in the global AI semiconductor supply chain. The government is guiding development through policies and the construction of industrial parks to reinforce systematic vertical integration of the dual core industries-AI and semiconductors. ASE’s expansion project, which includes the construction of an eight-story building above ground and two basement levels, with a total floor area of 60,000 square meters, is a concrete outcome of this strategic implementation. The launch of the new plant aligns closely with the government’s “Greater Southern New Silicon Valley” strategic positioning and further solidifies Kaohsiung’s status as a core hub within the semiconductor S Corridor.
During his remarks, Hung Sung-Ching, Senior Vice President of ASE Kaohsiung, stated that ASE has accumulated 40 years of industry experience. Facing advancements in advanced packaging and final testing technologies, the company will fully adopt smart manufacturing and automated systems to optimize production processes and enhance process performance. In addition, the K18B plant will incorporate green energy and sustainability into its core operational principles, strengthening energy-saving efficiency from building design to facility systems. It aims to obtain Gold-level Green Building certification, demonstrating its commitment to low-carbon, high-efficiency, and environmentally symbiotic development.
ASE has long been deeply involved in Kaohsiung’s packaging and testing industry chain and has earned recognition from across the sector. The company recently received the “2024 Energy Conservation Benchmark Award – Gold Award” from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, reaffirming its excellence in energy conservation, carbon reduction, and promoting a green supply chain. According to the MOEA, ASE not only focuses on its core business but also actively collaborates with upstream and downstream partners to build a green supply network, making it one of Taiwan’s key drivers toward net-zero transformation.
In fact, ASE’s latest expansion reflects several important industry trends: First, a surge in global demand for AI chip applications is driving the expansion of high-end packaging and testing capacity; second, factory planning incorporates smart systems and high-efficiency energy resource management equipment to reduce operational energy consumption and carbon emissions; third, strengthening collaboration with local industry chains improves supply flexibility and response speed; fourth, balancing manufacturing performance with sustainable operations to establish a benchmark for next-generation low-carbon factories; fifth, aligning with policy goals and market needs demonstrates corporate resilience in moving in tandem with public policy.
The K18B plant will continue to strengthen integration of internal production lines within the park and incorporate green energy systems such as solar panels. It will also begin a comprehensive micro-vibration building assessment to create an energy-efficient, high-performance green factory. This not only aligns with Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goal but also establishes a practical site for low-carbon transformation within the semiconductor industry. The BIP noted that it hopes similar investment projects will gradually deepen the complete semiconductor S Corridor industry chain in southern Taiwan and amplify industrial clustering effects.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Chou, I-Hsin (Senior Specialist of BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-361-1212 ext. 236
Email: heart518@bip.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders may now visit Algeria without a visa for up to 14 days, the Immigration Department announced today.

Noting that Algeria is a member of the Belt & Road Initiative, the department said the visa-free arrangement will bring travel convenience, and strengthen tourism-related, cultural and economic ties between the two places.

Including Algeria, 174 countries and territories allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Hong Kong SAR passport holders.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Upon the invitation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, with the approval of the Central People’s Government, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council invited the member of the publicity delegation, the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mr Hou Jianguo, and the member of the publicity delegation, the Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs and the Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs, CPC, Mr Zhu Weidong, to visit Hong Kong to speak on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee). The HKSAR Government today (November 24) held the first seminar on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee at the Central Government Offices.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Zhou Ji, delivered speeches at the seminar. Mr Hou and Mr Zhu gave presentations respectively, providing in-depth explanations of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee as well as the key contents and significance of the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development. The two members of the publicity delegation also responded to questions raised by participants. Mr Lee delivered concluding remarks.

He said, “The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee holds great significance. It is an important meeting convened at a critical juncture which falls on the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the preparatory period of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Studying and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee well is a major task for us. At present, the world is undergoing accelerated transformations unseen in a century, but transformations often come with opportunities. The Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan focus on high-quality development, achieving self-reliance and strength in science and technology through cultivating “new quality productive forces”, and promoting high-level opening up, which bring historical opportunities to Hong Kong. We must gain a deep understanding of the guiding ideology, major principles, as well as the objectives and tasks, for the economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, assist Hong Kong in solidly advancing various measures for its economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, actively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, comprehensively promote the development of finance and innovation and technology as dual engines, engage in broader and closer exchanges and co-operation around the globe, and actively integrate into and serve the overall strategy of national development.”

In his address, Mr Zhou said that the first seminar by the central authorities’ publicity delegation in Hong Kong was targeted at the HKSAR’s governance team, which fully demonstrated the Central People’s Government’s high regard for the Chief Executive and the governance team, their deep concern for Hong Kong compatriots, and their strong support for Hong Kong’s development. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has made top-level designs and strategic plans for the country’s development over the next five years, and has also provided clear guidance for Hong Kong’s economic and social development. He believed that through this briefing, everyone would be able to further strengthen their confidence in victory from the achievements of national development, better recognise opportunities and prospects from the current situation and tasks, grasp more accurately the direction of development from the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, fully leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and the unique advantages of connecting the Mainland and the world, promote Hong Kong’s better integration into and service to the overall national development, and continuously opening up new horizons for the high-quality development of the cause of “one country, two systems”.

Mr Zhu provided a comprehensive, systematic and in-depth interpretation around the great significance of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the situation and tasks for the national economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, and the guiding principles and main objectives for the economic and social development. He elaborated on the seven major objectives to be focused on during the 15th Five-Year period, namely significant achievements in high-quality development, substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, fresh breakthroughs in further deepening reform comprehensively; notable cultural and ethical progress across society, further improvements in quality of life, major new strides in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative, and further advances in strengthening the national security shield. He indicated that the formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan will inject strong development momentum into Hong Kong, and Hong Kong should better integrate into and serve the overall national development and participate in national strategies such as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with development opportunities becoming more numerous and development vitality growing ever stronger.

Mr Hou introduced the strategic tasks and major measures that have significant traction, driving and supporting roles in advancing Chinese modernisation during the 15th Five-Year period by fields, including building a modernised industrial system, achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, building a robust domestic market, moving faster to develop a high-standard socialist market economy, promoting high-standard opening up, accelerating agricultural and rural modernisation, promoting coordinated regional development, fostering a thriving socialist culture, working harder to ensure and improve public wellbeing, accelerating the green transition in all areas of economic and social development, modernising China’s national security system and capacity, as well as promoting high-quality modernisation of national defence and the armed forces. Having regard to the plans and requirements set out in the Recommendations regarding scientific and technological innovation and the development of innovation hub, he suggested that Hong Kong leverage its own strengths and advantages, strengthen forward-looking and pioneering basic research, expand the development and openness of application scenarios, and build a hub for high-calibre talents as well as an open platform hub for global scientific and technological cooperation.

About 500 people attended today’s first seminar, including principal officials of the HKSAR Government, representatives of the Executive Council, representatives of the Legislative Council, representatives from the Judiciary, and heads of major statutory bodies.

The HKSAR Government will hold the second seminar on promotion of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee tomorrow at 9.30am. Arrangements have been made for Radio Television Hong Kong and the government website to broadcast the seminar live in full for citizens to listen and watch.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region