Wesexpo, organizer of 2023 Taiwan SMART Agriweek and International Aquaculture & Fisheries Expo Taiwan, was recently awarded the 2023 Sustainable MICE Award in the category of carbon emission reduction initiatives by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ International Trade Administration. This recognition applauds their efforts in promoting sustainability and ESG principles, resource conservation, and carbon footprint reduction as they work toward their sustainability goals.There were a total of 35 entries competing in the categories of Sustainability Practices and Carbon Reduction Initiatives. After two months of thorough review by the judging panel, Wesexpo's entry stood apart from the rest to receive the Carbon Emission Reduction Best Practice Award as an excellent example from among the six outstanding cases recognized.During the exhibition, Wesexpo actively implemented eco-friendly carbon reduction measures, including the use of electronic advertising boards to reduce printed materials. They also utilized digital promotional tools to minimize paper-based promotions and provided eco-friendly catering services and green transportation options to encourage attendees to use public transportation. These efforts demonstrated their commitment to creating a greener and more environmentally friendly exhibition environment.OMO smart exhibition services were incorporated in the expo’s official website. AI tagging technology facilitated increased visibility of exhibitors to potential buyers, generating business opportunities while enhancing the overall value and efficiency of the exhibition. Source: China Times www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20240105000284-260204?chdtv

To assist Taiwan's MICE industry with achieving the net-zero goal by 2050, TAITRA, operator of Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2 in Taipei, produced the 2022 TaiNEX GO NEXT Sustainability Report in 2023. This initiative was supported by Taiwan's MICE Promotion Program under the International Trade Administration, MOEA. During the recent Sustainable MICE, Taking Strides Towards Net Zero Sharing Event organized by the International Trade Administration, Nangang Exhibition Center was presented with a sustainability report warranty statement as the first professional exhibition venue in Taiwan to issue a sustainability report. In addition to showcasing its commitment to promoting ESG policies, TAITRA has once again taken the lead in the domestic MICE industry, setting a new milestone in green MICE and sustainable practices.As the largest MICE venue in Taiwan, Nangang Exhibition Center takes a proactive stance in promoting green exhibitions in line with energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable operation trends. It has set an example for the industry to compile and analyze stakeholder concerns and both positive and negative impacts through stakeholder engagement and further formulate material issues and policy directions in economic, environmental, and social aspects. These will serve as references for devising short, medium, and long-term goals in the future. Additionally, the Center references GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) sustainability reporting guidelines issued by Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) and has undergone third-party verification by SGS, a certified organization.Starting in 2024, Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2 will launch a series of hardware and software developments. These include continuous adoption of the 4-Year EXPO-TECH Digital Exhibition Pilot Project to introduce various new digital tools and systems, the optimization of 5G public networks and dedicated networks, the installation of solar power generation equipment (with an annual production of approximately 3 million kWh of green energy), replacement of traditional lighting fixtures with energy-efficient lighting (with a replacement rate of 98%), and the installation of AC inverters (with an energy-saving rate of 42%). These initiatives will gradually transform Nangang Exhibition Center into a safer, healthier, even more technological, and low-carbon smart exhibition venue, showcasing TAITRA’s commitment to ESG and sustainable operation.Source: YAHOO News

The Ministry of Economic Affairs' International Trade Administration and the Ministry of Transportation's Tourism Administration are collaborating once again to encourage international travelers attending MICE events in Taiwan to explore the country through its new Travel Incentive Program. This program was announced during the Sustainable MICE - Taking Strides Towards Net Zero Sharing Event on December 19. Starting in January 2024, the Program offers travel incentives of up to NT$2,000 per person per visit and a maximum of NT$500,000 per proposal. The goal is to boost the development of both MICE and tourism industries, thereby promoting economic growth.The International Trade Administration focused on the promotion of sustainable MICE this year. Through various forms of guidance, optimization, and incentive measures, in collaboration with MICE industry professionals, concrete actions to reduce carbon emissions have been implemented, yielding considerable results. This year, a Carbon Emissions Calculator was introduced in a dedicated section on the MEET TAIWAN Green website, which enables industry participants to assess their carbon reduction capabilities. Furthermore, the International Trade Administration successfully obtained certifications for Conferences and Exhibitions, serving as review guidelines for the carbon footprints of MICE events. Commissioned by the International Trade Administration, TAITRA and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) provided counseling services to 25 businesses, resulting in a reduction of approximately 148 metric tons of carbon emissions, which amounts to a 70% decrease in carbon emissions.Furthermore, to encourage MICE industry professionals to align with international standards, the International Trade Administration has been assisting them with obtaining ISO certifications. To date, 36 certifications have been successfully obtained. For more information about the Travel Incentive Program, please visit the website.Source: China Times

The Taiwan International Trade Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in collaboration with Tainan City Government, held the 2023 Shalun Gala at the International Convention Center Tainan on December 21. Invitations were extended to government departments, representatives from various districts of the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City, industry associations, hotel operators, cultural and creative sectors, tourism areas, academic institutions, and members of the media, for a total of over 300 participants, demonstrating Tainan City Government's determination to join the public, private sectors and academia in partnership, and to showcase Tainan's potential for development in various fields, including economics, tourism, and culture.The Shalun area in Tainan is currently seeing unprecedented development. In the coming year, Shalun will also host the 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival, as well as the 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and the 23rd World Orchid Conference. These substantial and diverse international events are considered key in driving Tainan's economic development. In particular, the daily influx of 20,000 to 40,000 passengers at the Tainan High-Speed Rail station presents a tremendous opportunity and advantage for Shalun. Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City, a key development project in Tainan, will combine advanced green energy technology with innovative scientific research, ushering in a new wave of green economy for Tainan. This not only enhances Tainan's international competitiveness; it will significantly contribute to the economic and social development of greater Southern Taiwan. During the gala dinner, representatives from various sectors actively discussed the use of technological innovation and cultural resources to promote comprehensive development.The 2023 Shalun Gala was not only a successful networking event, it was also a significant milestone in Tainan’s journey towards becoming an international hub for MICE events, commercial trade, and smart technology. With Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City development and continued support and collaboration from government, industry, and academia, Tainan is committed to becoming an advanced city for international MICE events. Moreover, Tainan aims to align itself with the development goals of other MICE cities such as Taipei’s TWTC Xinyi District and the Asia New Bay Area in Kaohsiung, as well as Pacifico Yokohama in Japan. These cities serve as benchmarks for MICE city development as Tainan City aims to create a sustainable platform for MICE exchange, along with a smart green service ecosystem, not only for Shalun in the next 30 years but also for other parts of the city and Southern Taiwan. Source: Focus News https://focus.586.com.tw/2023/12/22/p293870

The 2023 Sustainable MICE Awards, organized by the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, encourages Taiwan's MICE industry to practice sustainable ESG concepts and reduce carbon emissions to achieve sustainability goals.The Sustainable MICE Award for SDG Implementation recognizes MICE companies that have innovative approaches to implementing sustainable development goals in the areas of environment, society, and economy.The Sustainable MICE Award for Carbon Emission Reduction recognizes innovative and replicable practices of carbon emission reduction during events organized by MICE companies and NGOs.This year, a total of 35 projects vied for an award; after a two-month review by a professional judging panel, the top three of each award and several best practices were selected.Notably, there were 27 projects entered in the Carbon Emission Reduction category this year. To encourage continuous improvement of MICE industry participants regarding sustainable actions and innovative practices, the judging panel decided to increase the category's number of best practice awards. Consequently, there were a total of 6 best practices for Carbon Emission Reduction this year.The Sustainable MICE Award winners for this year are:Sustainable MICE Award—SDG ImplementationWinners1ST PlaceICC Tainan Green Year, ICC Tainan Co., Ltd.2ND PlaceInterplan 3D Configurator, Interplan International Corp.3RD PlaceISO 20121 implementation across events, arTecture Co., LBest Practice【The Sustainable Development Vision Project】, Round Table Professional Conference OrganizerBest PracticeOYA­_Low Carbon Solution, O,YA MARKETING SOLUTION & INTERIOR DESIGN CO., LTD.Sustainable MICE Award—Carbon Emission ReductionWinners1ST PlaceHaoFun_Sustainable Tourism Expo, Golocalday Ltd.2ND PlaceWorld Earth Day & World Reading Day Events, Buddha's Light International Association Chung Hua3RD PlaceSDGs Asia 2023, Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE)Best PracticeDigiAsia 2022, Taipei Association of Advertising Agencies (TAAA)Best PracticeAsia Pride Games Taipei 2022 & Sports and Equal Rights Conference, Taiwan Gay Sports & Movement AssociationBest PracticeSDGs Asia 2023-"GILDAN Sustainable Clothing Showcase Pavilion", ArtDoor Creative Co., Ltd.Best Practice2023 42nd Young Designers’ Exhibition (YODEX), Taiwan Design Research InstituteBest PracticeSustainable Taiwan Expo 2022, Intercon Convention Management Co., Ltd.Best PracticeTaiwan Smart Agriweek 2023 & Taiwan International Ocean and Fisheries Industry Show 2023, MY Exhibition Co., Ltd.To congratulate all of the Sustainable MICE Award winners, a press conference and awards ceremony has been held on December 19, 2023, at the Taipei International Convention Center. Presenting the awards will be the Ministry of Economic Affairs' International Trade Administration Director General.

The 2023 Smart Life expo in Tainan begins today at the East Exhibition Area of the International Convention Center Tainan in Guiren District of Tainan City, and will run for three days. Participants from over 60 government, industry, academia, and research organizations are joining the event, aiming to educate and provide the public with hands-on experiences related to various aspects of renewable energy, innovative technology, and practical solutions.The exhibition features the Shalun Smart Green Energy Pavilion in collaboration with companies based in the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City. The showcased projects include achievements in energy infrastructure development, sustainable carbon management platforms, 5D smart operation and maintenance systems, and an introduction to the Shalun Cybersecurity Center. These exhibits highlight the accomplishments of the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City in green energy, cybersecurity, and smart technologies.In addition to showcasing various green energy information technologies over the course of three days, there are also interactive activities that offer gifts to the first 100 participants each day. More details can be found on the Smart Life in Tainan Facebook page.The three-day exhibition also includes two industry-themed seminars and one exchange session. Experts from government, industry, academia, and research fields are invited to participate. These activities aim to facilitate learning new knowledge, understanding future development trends, inspiring innovative thinking, and fostering discussions on how industries can adapt and respond. It is an opportunity for networking and collaborating with partners to create a better quality of life.Source: United News Daily

The SDGs Asia Exhibition was hosted by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE) with the National Council for Sustainable Development of the Executive Yuan and the Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (A‧SDGs) as co-organizers. The opening ceremony was launched in conjunction with the 2023 Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards ceremony, where top sustainable leaders from various sectors and both public and private entities who are dedicated to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals gathered, showcasing Taiwan's vibrant sustainability capacity.Premier Chen Chien-Jen attended the opening ceremony and presented awards to recipients, affirming the efforts of all winners and exhibitors in enhancing Taiwan's sustainable future and actively aligning with the international community. He emphasized that Taiwan President Tsai announced the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and the government has subsequently established policies, regulations, and organizational adjustments. Alongside the enactment of the Climate Change Adaption Act earlier this year, the Executive Yuan also approved the Net-Zero Emissions Roadmap and Net-Zero Technology Plan. The Environmental Protection Administration will be restructured into the Ministry of Environment next month, and the Taiwan Stock Exchange will establish the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange. While achieving net-zero emissions is a formidable task, it is firmly believed that with the collective engagement of the government, businesses, and citizens, it can be realized, creating a brighter future for generations to come.In alignment with the national goal and pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2050, this year's exhibition centered around the theme, Towards a Net Zero Future. It encompassed seven major zones that presented the implementation status of national sustainability goals and efforts across public and private sectors. The policy and city zones, central ministries and nine municipalities and counties—Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu County, Chiayi City, and Yunlin County—all actively conveyed policy content through various creative means. The energy, corporations, living, education, and NGO zones corresponded to the government's four transition strategies in the fields of energy, industry, life, and society.This year, the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards received 79 and 321 submissions respectively, totaling 400 proposals. Following rigorous evaluation by over a hundred scholars, experts, and eminent members of society, 68 and 279 exceptional action plans were selected from the outstanding initiatives received. In the category of Livable and Sustainable City Award, Kaohsiung City, Taichung City, and Taipei City were each awarded Outstanding City, while New Taipei City and Tainan City were recognized as Excellence City.Source: Economic Daily News

The sustainable transformation of enterprises is attracting public attention. The Commerce Development Research Institute and the ESG Global Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to expand the benefits of ESG training and counseling for industries and to assist companies with promoting ESG implementation so they can achieve their net zero carbon emission goals.The Commerce Development Research Institute pointed out in a press release that the scope of future cooperation and projects included raising awareness and building the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises to achieve net zero carbon emissions, helping them seize sustainable business opportunities, enhancing industrial competitiveness, increasing resilience, and internalizing ESG as their core, as well as grasping sustainable business opportunities, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and promoting all-round cooperation in ESG talent cultivation and other related issues.According to CDRI Chairman Hsu Tain-Tsair, last year the Institute announced the First Year of ESG Sustainability Promotion launch and provided a one-stop service of ESG Solutions for Service Industries to enterprises. In the face of increasing industry and market demand, the combination of R&D service experience of Digital Transformation x ESG Sustainable Transformation and the professional cross-disciplinary cooperation of the ESG Sustainability Association will surely provide twice the motivation for Taiwan's enterprises to move towards the ultimate goal of zero carbon emissions for sustainable development.According to Chang Ching-Fang, chairman of the ESG Global Federation, Taiwan emits an average of more than 11 metric tons of carbon dioxide per person every year, which is about 2.5 times the amount of the world average, so achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is a very tough task. In addition to the introduction and improvement of new materials, manufacturing processes and methods, enterprises should also make early arrangements for carbon trading to achieve carbon neutrality.Source: Economic Daily News

The Bureau of Foreign Trade commissioned the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to implement its Sustainable MICE, Taking Strides Towards Net Zero project under the MEET TAIWAN program this year (2023). A press conference was held today (April 27) to promote policies and methods for sustainable MICE, encouraging MICE companies to utilize government resources to enhance their competitiveness in corporate sustainability, jointly entering into a new era of net zero emissions.The sustainable MICE project aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, as well as the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. The project is divided into three segments: evaluation and guidance, speaking out and taking action, and encouragement and honor.The first segment, evaluation and guidance, provides three resources: helping MICE companies reduce carbon emissions, the Taiwan MICE Sustainability White Paper, and helping MICE companies gain ISO certifications and producing corporate sustainability reports. These guidance resources are tailored to enhance MICE industry sustainability. MEET TAIWAN provides customized consultation services. Companies may submit applications based on their individual needs and further transition towards sustainability.The second segment, speaking out and taking action, involves promoting Taiwan’s international image of sustainable MICE. Last year, the Net Zero Carbon Events – Route to Net Zero report published by JMIC during COP 27 resounded with the global MICE industry. This year, the Bureau of Foreign Trade and JMIC co-organized an event during COP 28, jointly promoting the net zero initiative for the global MICE industry, the Taiwan MICE Sustainability White Paper, and carbon reduction results of Taiwan’s MICE industry—all contributing to Taiwan’s sustainable MICE image. Taiwan also launched 100 x 100 campaign that called on 100 MICE stakeholders to carry out 100 sustainable MICE actions, jointly engaging in sustainable MICE.The third segment, encouragement and honor, recognizes Taiwan’s MICE companies for their efforts and contributions to sustainable MICE. The annual Sustainable MICE Awards this year will highlight SDGs and carbon reduction with an SDGs Action Award and a Carbon Reduction Action Award. Companies are encouraged to submit the results of their sustainability actions for consideration, providing an opportunity to share and engage in exchanges with MICE peers while increasing exposure.In addition to announcing the Sustainable MICE, Taking Strides Towards Net Zero project, the press conference also declared this a year of carbon reduction and sustainability action for Taiwan’s MICE industry. A variety of action plans were introduced, showing that the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of  Economic Affairs—Taiwan’s competent MICE industry authority—attaches great importance to sustainability issues. Stakeholders of the MICE industry were invited to participate in the event, and a service table was set up at the event site with personnel from the Industrial Technology Research Institute, KPMG, and Taiwan MICE Project Office to provide companies with consultation services for sustainability action plans. This increased the confidence of attending MICE companies and encouraged them to actively support sustainable MICE actions.The Bureau of Foreign Trade provides customized guidance and is now assisting Taiwan’s MICE industry with realizing net zero emissions by 2050. The Sustainable MICE, Taking Strides Towards Net Zero project will steer MICE company growth and enhancement, contributing to Taiwan’s sustainable MICE and international image.