MOE seeks to cultivate creative talent

"Using aesthetic elements to create production value is a new core competence called the 'secret weapon of future' by the governments and business enterprises in developed countries," said Education Minister Tu Cheng Sheng.. "Thus in this 21st century, quite a few countries attach much importance to humanistic education."

Hence, the MOE has adopted "develop originality, distribute globally" as one of its major objectives. To balance humanistic education with science, the MOE plans to strengthen aesthetic education and students' sensibility for art.

In support of the Executive Yuan's Cultural and Creative Industry Development Plan within the Challenge 2008: National Development Plan, the MOE has invited domestic and international experts with practical experience to design school curriculums and promote business-academia cooperation.

Five teaching resource centers have been organized from the year of 2003 to 2007.

To increase the creative abilities of domestic students, Tu plans to send selected students of art and design departments to attend the best universities in the world and to participate more in international contests.

"Global competitiveness in our era means having both intelligence and creative talents," said Tu.

"Therefore, we will promote the development of creativity in the fields of art and design and help those with talents boost their global competitiveness."