Microsoft Taiwan received two awards from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of Taiwan for its contributions towards the development of the Taiwanese information technology (IT) industry. In November 2012, Shih Yen-Shiang, Minister of Economic Affairs of Taiwan, presented the awards to Microsoft at the 2012 IPO Awards ceremony held at the Howard Plaza Hotel in Taipei.
“The IPO Awards seek to honour the significant contributions foreign companies have made in the country, especially in bringing new technologies, establishing innovation centres and improving employment opportunities in Taiwan,” Mr Shih said.
The MOEA recognised Microsoft's efforts in spearheading research and development (R&D) collaborations with Taiwanese firms as a ’technology value-added partner’ ― the only company to receive an award in this category.
Microsoft was also one of three winners in the ’diversified innovation partners’ category. An award nominated by members of the local business community, Microsoft, Google and Sony were deemed to have contributed the most to help Taiwanese companies introduce innovative services, establish applied R&D environments, and develop the skills and innovative capabilities of the local workforce.
The 2012 IPO Awards event was noteworthy for being the first time the awards criteria had been expanded to include foreign firms in the award categories. This addition was part of the MOEA’s initiatives to support technology developments and encourage closer collaboration between local and foreign companies.
“Microsoft has always placed great emphasis on partnership and collaboration, and these two awards presented by MOEA serve as an affirmation of our efforts in promoting innovation and talent development in Taiwan. We believe that we are well-positioned to continue raising the level of R&D developments in conjunction with the local business community,” said Davis Tsai, General Manager of Microsoft Taiwan.
“The two awards presented by MOEA serve as an affirmation of Microsoft’s efforts in promoting innovation and talent development in Taiwan.”
- Davis Tsai, General Manager, Microsoft Taiwan