The 11th Presidential Culture Awards announced the list of winners on Sep. 10, including film director Ang Lee (李安), physician Chen Rong-chi (陳榮基), founder of HRC Dance Studio (HRC舞蹈工作室) Bojin Chen (陳柏均), the Dr. Chen Wen-chen Memorial Foundation (財團法人陳文成博士紀念基金會), and the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association (社團法人台灣千里步道協會).
Ang Lee, who received the Arts and Culture Award, challenges the advanced thinking of the world through the introverted, humble, and solid temperament of the Taiwanese. He represents the perfect combination of humanistic philosophy and digital technology, which is a worthy goal pursued in Taiwan today.
The Humanitarian Dedication Award went to physician Chen Rong-chi (陳榮基), who is highly regarded as the "Helmsman of Peace" by Taiwan’s medical world. As a doctor, he realized that if life cannot be continued, patients should be allowed to leave with dignity. Therefore, he actively invested in hospice care initiatives and education in embodying love for people and life.
Founder of HRC Dance Studio Bojin Chen was the recipient of the Creativity and Innovation Award. In addition to his numerous awards, he is also a member of the team behind the push for break dancing at the Olympics. He successfully helped Taiwanese street dance gain foothold in the world and incorporated traditional Taiwanese cultural elements in his performances in addition to combining culture and art with digital technology.
Dr. Chen Wen-chen Memorial Foundation was the winner of the Public Advocacy Award. Since the era of martial law, it has been concerned about Taiwan’s democracy and social movements. After the end of martial law, it has devoted itself to the historical images of the democratic movement, human rights and transitional justice in promoting social reforms and advocating the value of progress in addition to focusing on the dialogue and deep cultivation of social issues among the young generations, and human rights education.
The Community Building Award went to the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association, which has long been committed to protecting the beauty of Taiwan’s mountains, seas, and society. It calls on people to walk into the mountains and forests, experience different communities and history firsthand, so as to gain a deeper understanding for this piece of land.
(Photo credit : The General Association Of Chinese Culture)